Recertification and Registration Competence Programme for New Zealand Midwives and Overseas Midwives
Allied Health
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Four Midwifery Council-approved courses to support recertification of New Zealand midwives and competence requirements for overseas midwives seeking NZ registration. Delivered online and designed to update and assess core midwifery skills and knowledge in the New Zealand context.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Online, Dunedin
It will take a total of 14 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Pharmacology and Prescribing for Midwives
Demonstrate understanding of legal and legislative requirements for midwifery prescribing; apply pharmacological principles to practice; safely prescribe and administer medications; assess, diagnose and prescribe within midwifery scope; integrate research evidence into practice; manage antimicrobial use and resistance.
Cultural Competence for Midwives
Demonstrate and apply concepts of Midwifery Partnership, Cultural Safety, and Turanga Kaupapa; analyse power relationships and professional implications; incorporate cultural competence into professional midwifery practice in New Zealand.
Examination of the Newborn for Midwives
Demonstrate knowledge of fetal and neonatal physiology; perform comprehensive newborn assessments; identify normal and abnormal findings; assess infant wellbeing and recognise sick infants; understand professional, legal, and competency standards in newborn care.
What You're Signing Up For
Otago Polytechnic offers four hands-on, online courses for registered and overseas midwives designed to fulfil Recertification Programme requirements for NZ midwives and Registration Competence Programme requirements for those qualified overseas. Courses include Pharmacology and Prescribing for Midwives, Cultural Competence for Midwives, Examination of the Newborn for Midwives, and an Integrated Short Course in Complicated Childbirth. On completion, midwives can demonstrate that they meet competencies for entry to the register of midwives in New Zealand. Each course is approved by the Midwifery Council.
Course Content
- Pharmacology and Prescribing for Midwives
- Cultural Competence for Midwives
- Examination of the Newborn for Midwives
- Integrated Short Course: Complicated Childbirth
What you need to know first
Qualified as a midwife (overseas or NZ-registered).
For overseas applicants, must have direction from the Midwifery Council regarding specific competence requirements.
Formal enrolment with certified proof of identification required.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health Care
Midwifery
Maternity Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Meet Midwifery Council requirements for registration and recertification in New Zealand
Return to midwifery practice in New Zealand
Continue practising as a registered midwife in New Zealand
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.