Recertification and Registration Competence Programme for New Zealand Midwives and Overseas Midwives
Allied Health
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A set of short courses for New Zealand and overseas midwives seeking recertification or registration, approved by the Midwifery Council. Covers competencies in pharmacology, cultural competence, newborn examination, and complicated childbirth. Designed for flexible online study.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Online, Dunedin
It will take a total of 14 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Pharmacology and Prescribing: Legal and Clinical Competence
Understand and apply the legislation and legal parameters of midwifery prescribing, administration and use of medicines; perform prescribing and administration safely.
Pharmacology and Prescribing: Research Integration
Integrate current research evidence into medication use in pregnancy, childbirth, puerperium, lactation, and neonate care.
Pharmacology and Prescribing: Safe Prescription Writing
What You're Signing Up For
Otago Polytechnic offers four online, hands-on courses, approved by the Midwifery Council, as part of the Registration Competence Programme for overseas midwives and Recertification Programme for New Zealand registered midwives. These courses are designed to help midwives meet specific competencies for entry to the Midwifery register in New Zealand or recertification, covering pharmacology and prescribing, cultural competence, examination of the newborn, and care related to complicated childbirth. Each course targets knowledge and skills gaps identified for returning or internationally-qualified midwives and provides flexible online learning with clear assessment milestones.
Course Content
- Pharmacology and Prescribing for Midwives: Legislation, safe prescribing, medication administration, pharmacology relevant to pregnancy and childbirth, antimicrobial use.
- Cultural Competence for Midwives: Midwifery Partnership, Cultural Safety, Turanga Kaupapa, power dynamics, professionalism, integration of cultural values.
- Examination of the Newborn for Midwives: Newborn assessment, infant physiology, postnatal assessment, abnormal findings, legal/professional responsibilities.
- Integrated short course - Complicated Childbirth: Knowledge and skills for complications in pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period for return-to-practice midwives.
What you need to know first
Must be a registered midwife (New Zealand or overseas), or be seeking return to practice as a midwife.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Midwifery
Healthcare
Allied Health
Future employment opportunities might be
Meet NZ registration or recertification requirements as a midwife
Return to practice as a registered midwife in New Zealand
Fulfil Midwifery Council of New Zealand professional development needs
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.