About the School of Nursing and Midwifery
The School of Nursing and Midwifery has a long and proud history as one of the oldest tertiary nursing schools in Australia.
We offer education programs in nursing and midwifery that foster lifelong learning including undergraduate, postgraduate, research higher degrees and continuing professional development programs.
Our goal is to improve community health and wellbeing locally, nationally and internationally, by producing outstanding graduates, and research outcomes, that set best practice in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery.
We also recognise our role in promoting global health outcomes and maintaining a strong international footprint. Our students are encouraged to engage internationally through a variety of placements and mobility programs. Our staff offer professional training through partnerships that build clinical knowledge and foster a lifelong desire for learning.
We have key education and research partnerships in Singapore, Indonesia, Mauritius, Macau, Sweden, and Canada.
There are so many opportunities in nursing and midwifery. Students can obtain their basic qualification and then specialise in something that really resonates with them.
Clinical-based learning
Our clinical approach is unique, featuring dedicated academic teaching and research spaces that have been established by the University, and embedded in partner hospitals.
Here, undergraduate students receive practice-based training from the second year of study. Their academic learning is augmented by a fully immersive experience that socialises them into the health care environment.
Higher degree by research students also benefit from this environment, where they collaborate on innovative, clinically-focused research that informs nursing and midwifery practice.
Find out more about our facilities.
Leaders in research
The School of Nursing and Midwifery comprises a strong team of outstanding researchers who are working to improve health and wellbeing across communities and the lifespan.
The School is recognised nationally and internationally for its research. We are consistently rated at well above world average in the Excellence in Research for Australia.
Our research also aligns with the La Trobe University theme, Healthy people, families and communities.
Our research is grouped into five key areas:
Our researchers are addressing issues of relevance to these contemporary professions.
Our researchers are exploring the physical, psychological and emotional health of mothers, infants and children, and of the family more broadly.
Our researchers are examining the health problems of older adults and people with chronic illness, as well as for providers and consumers of health care.
Our researchers are examining mental health prevention, intervention and quality of care.
Our researchers are investigating contemporary challenges associated with nursing and midwifery education and practice.
Find out more about our research.
Research centres
The School of Nursing and Midwifery is also home to two prestigious research centres.
Through research, consultancy and educational activities, the Australian Institute for Primary Care and Ageing promotes quality improvement and consumer driven, evidence-based practice in all areas of primary health, community health and aged care. Our goal is to make a significant, positive and enduring impact on the way health, community and aged care is delivered and accessed.
Find out more about the Institute.
The Judith Lumley Centre conducts interdisciplinary, applied research to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children and families. The Centre leads research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family health; breastfeeding; child, family and community health; mother and infant health and maternity services; reproductive health and planned parenthood; preventing and reducing violence against women and children; transition to contemporary parenthood - preparation and support; and work and family.
Find out more about the Centre.
Academic and Research Collaborative in Health
Several of our academic staff are also members of La Trobe’s Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, which brings together academics, clinicians, consumers, healthcare professionals, health and social care agencies and policy makers skilled in the translation of interdisciplinary research.
The Academic and Research Collaborative in Health aims to improve the patient experience, patient outcomes, healthcare quality and safety, and to achieve best practice in service provision. Partners include Alfred Health, Austin Health, Eastern Health, Healthscope, Mercy Health, Northern Health, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Women’s.
Find out more about the Collaborative.