Are you looking to return to a career in midwifery? There has never been a better time to return to the profession you love.
If you are no longer registered as a Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), there are three ways you can return to practice and reregister.
- Readmission – You can apply to reregister if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- 450 hours of registered practice in the last three years or 750 hours of registered practice in the last five years. Practice gained while on the COVID-19 tempoary register counts.
- 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) in the three years before your readmission application.
- Three character references
Full requirements for readmission can be found on the NMC website.
- The NMC Test of Competence (ToC) – This route is suitable for those who have been of off the NMC register for a short period of time. There are two parts to the Test of Competence:
- A multiple-choice computer-based test.
- A practical test known as the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) which tests a broad range of clinical skills and other skills such as communication. The test takes place via a series of activity stations which usually last 5-10 minutes. There is a different examiner at each station and actors can be used in place of real patients.
The total cost for both elements of the Test of Competence is around £877 but this is reimbursed once you are reregistered and working within the NHS.
To book the test or to find out more, visit the NMC website.
- A Return to Practice course – A return to practice course is an appropriate route for those who have not practiced midwifery for a long time. Courses vary in length to suit different needs and you can find them all on the Health Careers website course finder. Courses and clinical practice learning can be completed on a flexible or part-time basis.
Once you have started your course, you can look forward to your course and placement fees being paid, plus £1000 for travel, childcare and books. You’ll also receive the support of a personal mentor.
If you are undertaking a return to practice course while employed as an return to practice midwife, you will not be eligible for the £1000 stipend or placement fee reimbursement (your course fee will be reimbursed, however). You can search for return to practice roles on NHS Jobs.
Upon completion of your return to practice programme, you’ll be able to re-join the NMC register and look for permanent or temporary work within the NHS.
Find out more
For further details on returning to practice in midwifery, visit the Health Careers website.