They support the regional supply

FULDA. A special moment for health care in the region: 50 students have successfully completed the Bachelor's degree in Midwifery at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. What made the graduation ceremony with Dean of Studies Prof. Dr Daniela Zahn even more extraordinary this year was that for the first time, graduates from the Marburg satellite campus were also included - a first in the history of the study programme.

The period of study was eventful: from mask and test regulations due to the pandemic at the beginning of 2022, to knowledge about birth control and breech deliveries, to the topics of health promotion, paediatrics and evidence-based supervision - the students learned and experienced a lot together during their years of university studies. At this week's graduation ceremony on the campus of Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Professor Clara Eidt, Professor of Midwifery at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, emphasised: "Studying midwifery involves many formative memories - of births and touch, joy at new skills, but also of moments of excessive demands and doubt. As graduates, you now have sound specialist knowledge, can act as midwives and justify your decisions - always with the women and families at the centre of your work in mind. I am convinced that your reflective thinking and diverse experiences will strengthen you and advance the development of midwifery."

The Marburg satellite campus, which is part of the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, has thus successfully guided its first cohort through its university studies. "This is more than just an academic milestone - it is a clear signal that the academic training of midwives in the region is continuing to gain in breadth and importance," emphasised programme directors Ina Weisbecker and Professor Johanna Neumeyer. Fulda University of Applied Sciences is one of the pioneers of academic midwifery education in Germany: It has been offering the study programme Midwifery as a model course since 2012 - long before academic training became mandatory by law in 2020. With the Midwifery Reform Act, the pilot programme became the new standard. "In close coordination with the Hessian state government, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has consistently expanded its leading role in midwifery education following the change in the law and established a second study location in Marburg. This also contributes to strengthening the strategic partnership between Fulda University of Applied Sciences and the University of Marburg, which has been training medical students in Fulda for several years in cooperation with Fulda Municipal Hospital and Fulda University of Applied Sciences," added University President Prof Dr Karim Khakzar.

Broad network of cooperating hospitals
This university study programme is only possible thanks to a broad network of cooperating hospitals - a total of 16 hospitals from the entire region are partners of the study programme. The network extends from Kassel, Bad Hersfeld and Schwalmstadt via Fulda and Marburg, Lich and Frankenberg to Hanau, Bad Nauheim, Gelnhausen and even Meiningen, Bad Salzungen, Eisenach and Würzburg. Students complete their practical training in these clinics - close to women and families, close to life. Without this commitment from the partner hospitals, academic midwifery training in this area would be unthinkable.

An experienced team supports the students in their teaching with a wide range of practice opportunities in modern and well-equipped skills and simulation rooms. The good and close supervision of students is complemented by reflection on internship and practical support. The Marburg satellite campus expands the educational landscape of Fulda University of Applied Sciences and creates regional access to university studies that are urgently needed - because the shortage of midwives is noticeable nationwide.

With the degree, 50 well-qualified specialists are now leaving the university. For many families in the region, this marks the beginning of support in the best hands. Fittingly, programme director Ina Weisbecker emphasised at the graduation ceremony: "This day belongs to you, dear graduates - and it is well deserved. Behind you lie years of learning and long shifts, early mornings and moving moments. You have chosen a profession that accompanies people in one of the most important moments of their lives - and that is exactly what you will be from now on: a reliable, competent companion for women and families."