Frequently Asked Questions
Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery
What is a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery (MSc-APM) degree?
The MSc-APM is a two-year programme to prepare advanced practice midwives who will develop innovative, practical solutions to complex health problems from a scientific perspective. Knowledge gained is expected to assist graduates become leaders with decision-making skills in areas of advanced clinical practice and midwifery education.
What are the prerequisites for applying to the MSc-APM program?
Relevant academic bachelor’s degree holders:
- Upper second-class honours or a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00.
OR
- Lower second-class honours or a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 on a scale of 4.00 with additional relevant training, evidence of research capability through either research, paper presentations or peer reviewed publications and relevant working experience.
- Must be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and hold a current practice license.
- Must have a minimum of two (2) years of practice experience post undergraduate program.
What is the difference between a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery (MSc-APM) and Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing (MSc-APN) degrees?
Postpartum, obstetric, and midwifery care are among the specialties of a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery (APM). A Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing (APN), on the other hand, includes a wider range of nursing specializations than midwifery.
How long does it take to complete a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery program?
MSc-APM is a two-year programme.
What career opportunities are available for graduates with a MSc-APM degree?
Graduates with a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery have a range of career opportunities available to them, including:
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): As CNMs, graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, birthing centres, clinics, and private practices. They provide prenatal care, assist with labour and delivery, and offer postpartum care to women and newborns.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Some programs offer a dual certification option, allowing graduates to become certified both as CNMs and WHNPs. WHNPs provide comprehensive healthcare to women across the lifespan, including reproductive and gynaecological care.
Hospital-Based Midwife: Graduates may choose to work exclusively within hospital settings, collaborating with obstetricians and other healthcare providers to deliver babies and provide maternity care to women with high-risk pregnancies.
Birth Centre Midwife: Some midwives work in freestanding birth centres, providing low-intervention prenatal, labour, and birth care to women seeking alternatives to hospital births.
Community Health Midwife: Midwives may work in community health centres, providing prenatal care, family planning services, and health education to underserved populations.
Educator: Some midwives choose to pursue careers in academia, teaching future generations of midwives in nursing schools, midwifery programs, or continuing education courses.
Policy Advocate: Midwives can advocate for policy changes and legislation to improve access to midwifery care, promote maternal health, and support evidence-based maternity practices.
International Midwifery: Some midwives may choose to work internationally, providing maternal and newborn care in developing countries or regions with limited access to healthcare.
Researcher: Midwives can contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice by conducting research on topics such as maternal health outcomes, birth interventions, and midwifery models of care.
Entrepreneurship: Graduates may choose to start their own midwifery practices or birth centres, offering personalised maternity care to women in their communities.
These are just a few examples of the diverse career paths available to graduates with a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery (MSc-APM) degree. The field of midwifery continues to grow and evolve, offering exciting opportunities for passionate and dedicated healthcare professionals.
What support services are available for MSc-APM students, such as financial assistance or career counselling?
Student counsellors at AKU provide psychological support to students and medical trainees undergoing personal, social, or academic challenges, or common mental health concerns including (but not limited to) adjustment issues, stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
AKU has a Financial Assistance Programme that aims to assist students who have limited financial need to support the cost of their education. Currently, MSc-APM are eligible for partial scholarship. Upon admissions, students can apply for financial assistance. Allocation is done on need basis.
Can I work while completing an MSc-APM program?
Yes, you can study as you work.
How does the MSc-APM program prepare students for the cultural and social aspects of midwifery practice?
The MSc-APM Programme will prepare graduates who will be able to:
- Incorporate a scientific, deliberate approach to advanced midwifery practice and clinical scholarship to improve the health and health care of childbearing women and babies, with a special emphasis on rural and vulnerable populations.
- Demonstrate advanced skills in communication, critical thinking, translational research, and midwifery practice to address the quality of health and safety of childbearing women and babies with an emphasis on achievement of SDG goal 3 and reduction in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
- Implement the advanced practice midwifery role as practitioner, leader, innovator, clinical scholar, healthcare advocate and collaborator to address the current and future health and healthcare delivery needs at the individual, group, population and system level
- Demonstrate advanced practice leadership through the incorporation of ethical, cultural, social, political and economic strategies to transform health systems
- Evaluate, synthesize, and apply scientific evidence from multiple disciplines to improve and transform health care and health care outcomes.
- Use a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to enhance gender empowerment and decrease health disparities in diverse and vulnerable populations. Apply contemporary knowledge from different sources and the best available evidence for professional decision-making and during practice.
