[ozmidwifery] Can anyone answer some questions from an English Student Midwife?

[Julie Castle]

Dear Listwives,   If any of you can help with some of my queries it would be much appreciated. First, some background.   I am currently halfway through an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (Direct Entry) at Bournemouth University. We have been given the option to convert to a degree in our final year (I qualify Sept 2006). My husband and I are visiting Perth this year in August with a view to possibly relocating there when I have finished my training. Ok now the questions!   1) If i move to Australia to practise midwifery do I need to have the degree or is the advanced diploma recognised. The reason for this question is if I convert to degree in the final year my bursary will be cut by about �300.   2) I read on one of the australian midwifery sites that if you have the degree your starting salary is higher. Does anyone know if this is true and does it only apply to Australian trained midwives?   3) If I move to Australia, will I be able to go into caseload practice as a newly qualified midwife or will I be expected to work in a hospital setting first?   Your help and guidance is much appreciated,   Love Julie Castle