Course presentation | Midwifery | University of Parma

Course presentation

The degree course in Midwifery is a course that has a long history and tradition, but has always kept in step with the times.
Thanks to the extensive network of agreements with healthcare facilities in the area, right from the first year you will have the opportunity to attend training placements in numerous qualified settings. The teaching staff, largely drawn from the world of the midwifery profession, guarantees high quality teaching.
During your studies, you will become aware of the midwife's many areas of expertise and the importance of her role for women. You will be able to carry out exercises using new technology simulators at the SIMLAB teaching laboratory and the teaching laboratory in the Obstetrics-Gynaecology Clinic.
The degree course is geared towards internationalisation. In addition to the Erasmus+ Programme, our cooperation protocol with the 'Universidade de São Paulo' in Brazil will enable those who pass the selection process based on their curriculum vitae to simultaneously acquire a degree in ‘Obstetrícia' at the Brazilian university and thus the possibility of practising the profession in both EU countries and Brazil.

Course summary

The degree course in Midwifery lasts three years and focuses on the theoretical-practical training of the midwife.
The focus is on in-depth knowledge of the physiology and the promotion and maintenance of women's health in all phases of life, with special attention on the mother-baby unit.

During the first year, students will first acquire basic chemical-biological and anatomical-physiological knowledge, with particular attention on the hygiene, physiology and psychology aspects of pregnancy; they will participate in exercises and workshops preparatory to placement activities aimed at basic obstetrical-nursing care, which take place in locations with low care complexity.

The second year further explores the physio-pathological, clinical-specialist and nursing knowledge necessary for the management of physiological and at-risk pregnancies and for the care of healthy and critical new-born babies, and introduces the study of gynaecological physio-pathology and the principles of bioethics and deontology. This year’s placement activities focus on testing the knowledge and techniques acquired in the field of supporting the physiology of birth.

The third year completes professional training with knowledge in the field of oncology, and addresses emergencies related to obstetric care. Placement activities are aimed at acquiring adequate professional autonomy and clinical judgement in the care of physiology, and teamwork in the management of obstetrical-gynaecological pathologies. Studies in sociology, economics, health legislation and business organisation complete the training.
Internship activities take place in the facilities of the Hospital/University of Parma and in the numerous facilities that have an agreement with our University: Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Parma, Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Piacenza, Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia, Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale Toscana Nord-Ovest.