Midwifery job search: Frequently asked questions

Finding your first midwifery job is an exciting step in your career journey. We know you have questions about the job search process, from when you can start practising to how to handle job searches. 

We have gathered the questions you have been asking and created this FAQ to help you navigate your path to your first midwifery role.  

Use this resource alongside the main student hub and other guidance to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to find the right midwifery opportunity for you.

1. What are the common questions asked during a midwifery job interview? 

Visit our interviewing for my first midwifery job webpage. This page includes preparation tips, common questions, and what to expect in nursing associate interviews.  

2. When can I begin practising as a registered midwife?

You can start practising once you receive your PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). For more information on PIN requirements, registration delays and application processes visit NMC webpage on registering as a midwife.

3. I've finished my university programme but haven't completed my 40 births yet. How should I approach job applications?

Although you must complete all programme requirements—including the minimum 40 births—before registering, you can still begin preparing applications and researching roles. Some employers welcome early conversations with graduating students, which helps you understand what different organisations offer.

4. Can I start exploring job opportunities before I finish my course?

Absolutely! Your final months of study are perfect for exploring opportunities and preparing applications. Many organisations run recruitment events specifically for final-year students, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into different employers. Some may even make conditional offers pending successful completion of your programme.

5. Do I have to stay with my employer or service after completing my midwifery apprenticeship?

It depends on your specific contract. Most apprenticeship agreements include a commitment period after qualification. Check your apprenticeship contract for details, speak to your line manager and HR team. 

6. How important is my first midwifery role for my career?

Your first role provides the strong foundation for transitioning from student to confident midwife. While important for this transition, it's just the beginning of your journey. Many successful midwives didn't start in their eventual specialty area, this is because many follow a diverse career pathway that includes changes in roles influenced by opportunities, interests, or changing circumstances. Focus on finding a role with excellent learning opportunities and strong support systems.

7. Where can I find the best midwifery job opportunities?

Visit our searching for your first registered midwife job webpage. This page includes information on how to find midwifery job opportunities and types of roles to consider. 

8. Can I apply for midwifery positions in specialties where I haven't had placements?

Yes! You've developed valuable transferable skills throughout your programme that apply across all midwifery settings. Previous work experience (outside of midwifery), volunteering, or personal experiences also contribute to your skillset. For instance, customer service experience demonstrates the communication abilities essential for supporting families during their birthing journey.

9. Can I work in other services than maternity for my first midwifery role?  

Yes, with your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration as a midwife you can work in other services such as neonatal, health visiting, sonography and perinatal mental health.  

However, these roles may require additional training or qualifications beyond your midwifery degree. Exploring these options can broaden your career opportunities and allow you to specialise in areas that particularly interest you. 

Wherever your first midwifery role is, it is important to ask your employer or recruiting organisation what support you will receive and what your preceptorship package looks like to aid your transition. 

10. Are fixed-term contracts worth considering?

Definitely! Due to various factors, organisations may only be able to offer fixed-term contracts. Fixed term roles offer excellent experience and frequently lead to permanent positions within the same organisation. They provide valuable learning opportunities while keeping your options open for other applications. The experience you gain will strengthen all future job applications.

11. I can only work part-time, but all jobs advertised are full-time. How can I find flexible midwifery opportunities?

Many employers offer flexible working arrangements, even if not explicitly advertised. Contact employers and recruiting managers directly to discuss your needs – many are keen to attract skilled midwives and will explore creative solutions. 

12. How can I turn any job opportunity into career success?

Midwifery careers are famously diverse and ever evolving, creating exciting opportunities you might not have initially imagined. Each role, regardless of specialty, contributes valuable skills to your professional development. Embrace the 'squiggly' career path that allows you to explore different areas and discover your true passions.

13. Why is community midwifery an excellent choice for new graduates?

Community midwifery offers outstanding learning opportunities from day one. Community preceptorship programmes provide the same high-quality support as hospital programmes. 

With the government announcing the 10-year Health Plan, healthcare is increasingly moving toward community-based models, starting your career in community settings positions you at the forefront of modern midwifery practice. 

14. Not all of my placements were clinical. Does this make my experience less valuable than a core clinical one?

Every placement adds value to your CV! Whether you completed elective and non-clinical placements or quality improvement projects, these experiences demonstrate your adaptability and comprehensive understanding of healthcare. Connect these diverse experiences to the four pillars of midwifery practice when showcasing your capabilities to employers. Draw on the transferable skills you developed and how they can be applied across wider areas.

15. What should I look for when choosing the right role for me?

Look beyond job titles to understand the daily responsibilities, learning opportunities, and support structures available. Read the rest of this webpage for helpful tips and guidance.

16. How do I balance location preferences with career opportunities?

While practical considerations are important, consider the wider picture. Sometimes learning opportunities might involve a reasonable commute or temporary relocation (if this is possible). Weigh the long-term benefits of alternative experience and training against immediate location factors. This might include new specialisms, teams, organisations, and regions.

17. Can I go straight into an educator role for midwives? 

Generally, not, practice educator roles within midwifery typically require significant clinical experience and additional qualifications in education or training. Most employers and education providers expect midwives to have substantial post-registration experience before moving into teaching roles.  

However, you could explore opportunities to support students during placements in your clinical role, which provides valuable teaching experience and can be a stepping stone towards formal educator positions later in your career. 

For higher education institution (HEI) educator roles, requirements vary. It's essential to review specific job descriptions as HEI positions often emphasise academic qualifications alongside clinical experience.   

18. Can I work additional hours on the bank or with NHS professionals upon registration?    

Yes, you can on the bank and with NHS professionals in agreement with the provider trust. However, for your preceptorship to be effective, it must take place in a consistent environment and with a substantive contract, therefore consideration needs to be given to frequency of work. For example, if you consistently work on the same ward/speciality area, you can likely complete your preceptorship. 

19. Can I go directly to train in health visiting, school nursing or occupational health nursing after completing my pre-registration nursing or midwifery programme? 

The specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN) section of the NMC register is for qualified nurses and midwives who work in specialist public health roles. This includes health visitors (midwives and nurses), school nurses and occupational health nurses who have successfully completed post-registration SCPHN programmes. 

The NMC sets the minimum regulatory standards for education and training leading to registration for SCPHN. Whilst the standards do not specify that post-registration experience working as a nurse or midwife is required, education providers will have details of their additional entry requirements. Visit NMC approved SCPHN education provider webpages to find these requirements and speak to their admissions teams about your individual circumstances. 

Some SCPHN programmes will require 6-12 months or more of clinical experience, while others may be able to support you to develop those skills during your time within a role and in preparation for commencing a SCPHN programme.  

It is important to note that the NMC requires applicants to have their NMC pin on entry to SCPHN programmes as a minimum regulatory standard. This means individuals can apply for programmes whilst in the final year of pre-registration nurse or midwifery training, if they meet the education provider’s entry requirements. However, they cannot start the programme unless they have received their NMC pin and official confirmation of NMC registration. 

20. Can I go directly to train for other post-registration programmes like prescribing after completing my pre-registration nursing or midwifery programme?   

It is important to note that the NMC requires applicants to have their NMC pin on entry as a minimum regulatory standard to enter post-registration education programmes. This means individuals can apply for programmes whilst in the final year of pre-registration nurse or midwifery training, if they meet the education provider’s entry requirements. However, they cannot start the programme unless they have received their NMC pin and official confirmation of NMC registration. 

Education providers delivering post-registration programmes may have additional or desirable requirements to those set by the NMC. These would usually be around specific qualifications, recent study and recognition of prior learning applications.  

Usually, post-registration programmes such as prescribing will have additional entry requirements, such as one year’s experience as a nurse or midwife on entry. Specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN) entry requirements are covered in the question above.