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Our two year program is a full time, graduate level,
distance midwifery education program. The program
has integrated components of theory and practice, with two on-campus sessions for intensive learning of hand skills,
critical reflection and time to bond with classmates and
faculty. The theoretical components are learned through
readings, seminar discussions, Problem Based Learning (PBL) tutorials, writings, quizzes and
proctored examinations. The practice components are learned through a clinical practicum under
the direction of a qualified midwife preceptor.
Our model of putting the midwife back into midwifery
education has been possible at a distance by the use of
distributive technology. The curriculum is rich with pearls
of wisdom from experienced midwifery faculty. Two Midwife
Tutors follow each class cohort throughout the program,
modeling the midwifery value of continuity of care.
Students meet in on-line seminar rooms that are full of thoughtful discussions
about the art of midwifery practice, case presentations and
reflections of role transition from nurse to midwife. Our
asynchronous system allows this to happen, day and night,
seven days a week... when the individual is ready to focus
on school, and yet be in the comfort of one’s own home.
Monthly live small group PBL tutorials facilitate professional communications and behaviors and application of evidence to clinical practice.
PBL is a method of learning that presents real world problem scenarios to small groups of learners. Authentic clinical scenarios are presented before content delivery to engage and challenge students in their own learning. Brainstorming and sharing of prior knowledge is done in small group, student-led tutorials with faculty guidance. Learning issues are determined by the group and information is shared regarding substantive findings at the follow-up tutorial session. Group process is evaluated as well as achievement of learning goals. With use of new technologies, the challenges of small group work at a distance have been overcome to incorporate this pedagogy into our on-line curriculum. Students are introduced to these technologies during their on-line orientation.
The role of the Midwife Tutor is unique at The Midwifery
Institute of Philadelphia University and is the foundation
of our model for midwifery education. The Midwife
Tutor model mimics the midwifery model of care for women:
students are treated with respect as individuals, with a
personalized approach that encompasses all aspects of the
educational processes
of advising, evaluation and supervision. The Midwife Tutor’s
primary focus is the facilitation of learning. This
facilitation of the learning process is similar to the
midwife’s role during labor. Both roles require the ability
to challenge, assess, confront, encourage, provide feedback,
assist, listen and problem solve. The challenge of distan ce
education is to facilitate learning at a distance, where
students and faculty share the responsibility for life long
learning.
We are fortunate to have a diverse, experienced faculty
in both midwifery education and clinical practice. We
believe in lifelong learning and continue to be partners in
the growth and development of ourselves, our students and
the profession of midwifery.
It is wonderful to be able to continually renew our
vision of midwifery and midwifery education through the
minds, hands and hearts of the students and faculty of The
Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University. With the
advances and advantages of distance education, adult
learners are able to reach their professional goals without
losing any of the personal connectedness of midwifery
education.
We can see the midwife within each of our students. The
Midwife Tutors and the faculty are passionate about strengthening this individual vision and the vision of
the future of midwifery. We remain on the cutting edge of a
changing world, by weaving tradition with technology.
Interested? Click here for
details about the
Program
of Study >> |
