Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Medizinische Fakultät of the RWTH Aachen University offers a unique, primary qualifying, practice-integrated, dual Bachelor's program in Hebammenwissenschaft (Midwifery Science), which concludes after 7 semesters with professional recognition as a midwife and a Bachelor of Science degree.

Program Description

This program extends the university's academic offerings by incorporating midwifery science as a health science discipline, focusing on the health maintenance of women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and lactation periods. To comprehensively support individuals during these life phases, future midwives require a deep understanding of the physical, psychological, and social changes, as well as methodical-practical skills to provide targeted and professional support on these three levels. Additionally, they should offer women orientation and stability in this existentially significant life situation through a reflected personality. Midwives often work closely with various other professions, necessitating a high degree of teamwork. Many areas of midwifery care stem from traditional experiential knowledge of midwives. To make the effectiveness and benefits of these activities demonstrable and to align their actions with evidence-based practices, midwives need scientific competence and research opportunities, which the RWTH provides with this program.

Program Structure

The distinctive feature of the Hebammenwissenschaft B.Sc. program lies in its consistent promotion of students' action competence: Theoretical-scientific lectures at the university are supplemented by practical lectures in the SkillsLab, and the content is deepened and practiced in directly subsequent practical assignments in concrete situations. Students are individually supervised by experienced and pedagogically trained midwives in practice and by academically qualified midwives from the university.

Practical Assignments

Practical assignments take place according to an individual deployment plan in various hospitals and in institutions led by midwives in the region, as well as with freelance midwives. A prerequisite for enrollment is, therefore, a completed contract with a cooperating responsible practice institution for academic midwifery training. The application for this practice contract is carried out exclusively centrally via the Practice Center of the Hebammenwissenschaft B.Sc. program at RWTH Aachen University.

Program Details

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of midwifery science.
• It includes theoretical and practical components, ensuring students gain both knowledge and hands-on experience.
• The program is structured to promote students' action competence, preparing them for professional practice.
• Practical assignments are a crucial part of the program, providing students with real-world experience in various settings.
• A completed contract with a cooperating practice institution is required for enrollment.

Conclusion

The Hebammenwissenschaft B.Sc. program at RWTH Aachen University offers a unique and comprehensive education in midwifery science, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The program's focus on promoting students' action competence and providing them with real-world experience prepares them for a successful career in midwifery.