First midwifery graduates in Dresden: A new profession is blossoming!

First midwifery graduates in Dresden: A new profession is blossoming!

On March 27, 2025, the first 17 graduates of the bachelor's degree in midwifery received their certificate at the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) their certificates. This marks a significant milestone for the newly founded Center for Midwifery Science (ZHW), which was launched in October 2021. The graduates belong to the first cohort of this innovative course of study, which addresses the needs of modern midwifery training.

There are now almost 60 dual study programs in midwifery in Germany. In Saxony, students can study midwifery in Dresden and Leipzig. The course combines academic teaching and professional practice and is designed by a working group of midwives, professors and obstetricians at the ZHW. The increasing demands on midwives require specialist knowledge in various areas in order to competently care for pregnant women and young families.

Course content and requirements

The midwifery course at TUD lasts seven semesters and leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). The graduates thus obtain state professional approval as midwives. Midwives support women throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, with both medical and psychosocial aspects playing a central role. This includes prenatal examinations, the management of normal births and breastfeeding advice.

Overall, students receive in-depth knowledge of anatomy, gynecology, newborn and infant development, psychology and ethical frameworks. Elective modules enable you to set individual priorities. The practical training is supplemented by assignments in 15 cooperation clinics, where the students are accompanied by experienced mentors.

Study conditions and future prospects

Access to the course requires a general university entrance qualification or certain completed training courses; internships are also required. The dual study program also includes shift work, which gives students a comprehensive insight into the practical activities. The demand for the course is high and the dropout rate is low, which underlines the attractiveness and relevance of the training.

A legal change in 2019 pushed forward the academicization of the midwifery profession in Germany. Now midwives must bring not only medical knowledge, but also interprofessional collaboration and psychological support skills to meet the complex needs of pregnant women and young families. These developments open up new perspectives for graduates who can work in a diverse field of work.

For those interested in a career in midwifery, there are numerous other study opportunities available in Germany. Universities offering similar programs include, among others Charité as well as various universities in Aachen, Bielefeld, Bochum and Cologne, which offer a wide range of training opportunities Midwives Association.