The experiences of a first cohort of bachelor of midwifery students; Victoria; Australia

This paper reports on a study the aim of which was to describe the expectations and experiences of a first cohort of students in a three-year Bachelor of Midwifery course, which commenced in Victoria in February 2002. Data were collected via focus group interviews at the commencement of each year, excerpts from the students' reflective journals, selective interviewing of some students and course evaluations at the end of each year of the course. Fourteen of the 20 students, predominantly mature age students, had preconceived ideas with regard to expectations of the course, some of which were met, while some adjustments needed to be made over time. At each year level, students were generally happy with the theoretical component of the course, while identifying some overlap in course content and the need for discrete subjects in areas such as pharmacology. While considering that, by the end of the course, they had achieved a beginning level of competence, the most contentious issue identified by the students was the practical experience, namely the organisation of the practical experience in the agencies, the quality of the experience, the number of follow through experiences and the extensive documentation required.