You will assist with normal births at home or in hospital, and provide care for healthy newborns and the mother or couple after the birth. Where necessary, you will make prompt decisions in high-risk situations to call in further specialists.
Prerequisites
- Completion of a Fach-, Berufs- oder gymnasialen Matura
- work placement of at least two months in the healthcare sector (except for Fachfrau/-mann Gesundheit with Berufsmaturität or those with a Fachmaturität Gesundheit)
- Good command of English
- Interest in women’s and family issues
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- High level of responsibility
- Quick on the uptake and good powers of observation
- Physical and mental resilience
- Ability to work well in a team
- Ability to remain calm and act efficiently in complex and dynamic situations
- Willingness to work at weekends, in the evenings and at night
Education
The four-year course begins each September and leads to a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (FH). The theoretical training, comprising both contact and self-study, takes place at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur, whilst the practical training is completed through various placements (each accounting for half of the course). Separate placement contracts are drawn up for the placements. You will receive a placement allowance from Zuger Kantonsspital. If you hold a diploma in nursing and have one year’s professional experience, the programme is shortened to two years.
A trainee’s daily report
What is your day-to-day routine like during your training?
"As part of my training, I work all three shifts, meaning I work during the day, in the evening and at night. Under the supervision of a midwife, I carry out various tasks and support women and couples during antenatal check-ups, childbirth and the postnatal period. This gives me an insight into different areas such as antenatal classes, breastfeeding support and postnatal exercise classes; I am also able to conduct counselling sessions and attend midwife consultations."
What did you find particularly challenging during your training?
"Working shifts is certainly a challenge, but so is having to adapt to new situations time and again and act quickly depending on the circumstances."
Why did you decide to do the Hebamme BSc course?
"I enjoy the close contact I have with the women and couples, and the fact that I can support them through the various stages of pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, which are very personal experiences."
Opportunities for development
- Working as a midwife in hospitals, clinics, birthing centres, midwifery practices and antenatal clinics
- Management
- Vocational training
- Master’s degree programme
Application
You can obtain information on the application process and the aptitude assessment from the Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften in Winterthur.
Work placement
Would you like to gain an in-depth insight into the day-to-day work of a midwife or nurse before choosing your career path? You can find information about the work placement here.