Hi...i am a little confused...please help...

[Dee]

Hi all, i'm new to all this so please bear with me.....i've struggled with myself for a very long time never been one for studying and universities, but have got to a stage in my life where it suddenly appeals to me as i have now decided to study midwifery but havent a clue where to begin, which option i should take. I have 2 small children, 2 & almost 4yrs old, my husband works full time and is also studying himself, but i really want to begin my access course to Midwifery/nursing asap....how does OU work, where do i begin????
My local college offers a part time access course, 3 evenings a week (5-9pm) but such an awkward time, would struggled with childcare and would cost me an absolute fortune....anyone...please help! I have already spoken with a local uni and they have confirmed an access course would be an acceptable entry requirement...just need more advice on OU how it works.... help available to me.....is this my best option?:blink:

[MrsBanks]

Hi Dee and welcome

there are quite a few people who have done an access course through DLC which, like OU, is online self directed content. Maybe this would suit you? Have a search for DLC and see if you get anything that helps you

[nasus1978]

welcome to the forum! :) I'd check with your unis that OU or DLC are acceptable as well and which courses they recommend if I were you as some prefer specific courses run by OU/DLC. I think that distance learning is fab if you've got the dedication to stick with it! certainly it can be easier to slot in around your life. You may be able to get the OU course fully or part funded as well, depending on circumstances so that could be an influencing factor in your decision. :)

[Dee]

Thank you for both your replies, i have just contacted the OU, and spoke with a very pleasent and helpful gentleman. An adviser will be calling me back within 5 days to discuss my options and best way to begin my path to midwifery! though i have to say i do find all this a little scary, studying etc, it's been way to long since i put my head in a book!!

[Delilah]

Not much to add but, welcome to the site.

[Miss Duke]

Hi and welcome!

You seem to be making progress with the academic side, so I just wanted to suggest that you also read plenty about midwifery. Have a good read around on here and look at the events to see if any suit you. You could consider subscribing to a journal, such as Essentially Midirs or the practising midwife, as this can give you a really good idea of what midwifery entails, and current issues etc. This is good for interview, but also for your own interest! Single copies are often available on E Bay. You could also contact your local health trust to see if there is any opportunity for volunteering or work experience, as this would look great on your application, but also would give you a better idea if you are persuing the right career. There are many books around that also will help you, maybe try your local library to save the burden on your pocket! They should be able to order books in for you from other branches if they don't have what you want. Have a look in the book review section here, or search midwifery/midwife on amazon to get some ideas.

Do check with your chosen unis about the courses that the OU suggest to ensure that they accespt them, and double check their GCSE requirements.

Midwifery is incredibly hard to get in to, so it is worth doing all the research you can, but at the end of the day someone has to get the places! Good luck x

[Dappy]

Hi Dee and welcome to the site. You've been given some good advice so far, anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

[Momiji]

Hi and welcome to the site :)

[joshuajay08]

Hi dnt know if this will help but i am a single mum with 2 young children 2 and 6 months i am doin a full time access course and you get help with childcare. it is 2 full dys 2 half days a week. it is hard but personally i find if you take part time course you are prolonging the stress ( each to there own) i would also sugest doin as much volunteer work in relation to midwifery as you can :>

[LittleFlowers]

Hi,

Just thought I would add....I am currently studying an Access course through the DLC. There are times when I lack in motivation but I know what my end goal is and I will get through it. I have 3 children under 3 years and I also work 21 hours a week from home so it is possible! Just keep thinking of why you are doing it and you will find a way I am sure! Good luck!

:-)