Otago Polytechnic is a public tertiary provider in New Zealand known for hands-on, career-related education with strong professional and regulatory links — especially in health, business and technology fields. It supports international students through flexible learning options, student services and internationally recognised qualifications.

 

Courses & Topics Covered

The programme consists of up to four short online courses approved by the Midwifery Council. You can choose those that align with your registration or recertification needs:

1. Pharmacology and Prescribing for Midwives

• Focuses on medication prescribing, legal requirements, drug use in pregnancy and childbirth, and integration of evidence-based practice.

• Helps meet competencies related to safe prescribing and drug administration in midwifery practice.

2. Cultural Competence for Midwives

• Explores cultural safety, midwifery partnership models, and how culture influences care in New Zealand’s diverse context.

• Emphasises culturally competent midwifery practice centred around the woman’s needs.

3. Examination of the Newborn for Midwives

• Teaches neonatal assessment skills, understanding normal and abnormal newborn physiology, and recognition of clinical variations.

• Includes requirements for demonstration of practical competence.

4. Integrated Short Course – Complicated Childbirth

• Designed for midwives returning to practice after a long break, focusing on managing complications with appropriate consultation and protocols.

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Fully online professional development — suitable for busy midwives internationally.
• Courses approved by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand, aligning with their standards for entry and recertification.
• Offers flexibility with part-time study and self-paced completion windows.
• Provides targeted updates to practice areas like cultural competence and pharmacology.

 

Career Outcomes

These courses are professional development and regulatory competencies, not full academic qualifications. They help:

• Overseas midwives demonstrate competence to register and work as a midwife in New Zealand (subject to Midwifery Council approval).
• Registered New Zealand midwives meet recertification requirements and update their skills throughout their practising years.

 

Visa Requirements

• Because this programme is fully online, you do not require a New Zealand student visa if you remain outside New Zealand while studying.

• If you later undertake on-campus or blended programmes, or attend New Zealand for in-person activities, you would need an applicable student or visitor visa in accordance with Immigration New Zealand requirements.

 

Latest Updates / Important Notes

• The programme consists of multiple short online courses with flexible intake dates throughout the year.
• These modules align with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand’s registration and recertification framework and help applicants meet specific competency requirements.
• Online study ensures global accessibility, making it suitable for international midwives preparing for NZ registration.