Midwifery Master's Program

General Information

The Master's Program in Midwifery is one of the specialization areas under the Department of Midwifery. A specialist midwife, as defined in the regulations, is an individual who has received graduate education in the field of midwifery. According to the decision of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Executive Board, the Master's Program in Midwifery was opened on 08.12.2021. The language of instruction in the program is Turkish; however, foreign language (English) sources are also used during the educational process. The program is conducted by expert faculty members in the field of midwifery. Each year, an average of 10 students are admitted to the program.

Degree Awarded

Master's Degree in Midwifery

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applications to the proposed program are conducted in accordance with the Graduate Education and Training Regulations of Lokman Hekim University Health Sciences Institute, including entrance examinations (written / interview), calculation of the overall success score, and placement of students. Furthermore, before each application period, specific conditions for applicants recommended by the relevant department and decisions of the institute's board of directors, as well as the location and date of the entrance exam, are determined and announced.

Candidates eligible to apply to the proposed program include graduates from midwifery departments of faculties of health sciences offering 4-year education and midwifery departments of health vocational schools. Turkish or foreign national students who have completed their undergraduate programs in foreign countries must possess an equivalence or recognition certificate from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

Applicants to the proposed program must have an ALES (SAY/EA) score determined by the Institute Board, not less than 55.

Candidates who meet the application requirements are admitted to the scientific evaluation exam (written and/or interview).

The calculation of the overall success grade is based on the ALES score, undergraduate graduation grade point average, and the results of the scientific evaluation exam. According to the ranking of the overall success grade, students gain the right to definitive registration within the specified quota.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Having a bachelor's degree in midwifery

Qualification Conditions and Rules

To graduate from the Midwifery Thesis Master's Program, the student must complete at least 21 credits and 120 ECTS credits (including at least seven courses, seminar course, and thesis work). The seminar course and thesis work are non-credit and evaluated as pass/fail. Students transferring from other programs or taking courses as special students must have completed more than half of the total credits required in the current program when transferring credits. Upon the advisor's approval, courses from other programs may also be selected. The evaluation of students' course success status is based on the "Lokman Hekim University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation."

Program Objective

The aim of the midwifery master's program is to educate midwives who can apply advanced specialized knowledge and skills in line with the purpose of protecting and developing women's, children's health, and generally family and community health. In line with this aim, it is expected that the graduates of the program will develop fundamental qualities such as research, critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, independent decision-making, keeping up with current scientific knowledge and technology, taking responsibility and accountability, leadership, professional values, and ethical sensitivity.

Program Competencies (Achievements)

The program competencies are derived from the National Core Education Program for Midwifery (EUÇEP, 2016), consisting of 11 core areas:

• Midwives have the necessary knowledge and skills in obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology, social sciences, public health, and ethics to provide quality, culturally sensitive services to women, newborns, children, and families.

• Midwives provide culturally sensitive and quality health education and services to support healthy family life, planned pregnancies, and positive parenting.

• Midwives conduct regular monitoring and follow-up during pregnancy to maintain and improve maternal health, including early detection of risks, continuation of treatment, and referral of pregnant women in case of risk.

• Midwives provide culturally sensitive, quality services during labor and childbirth, ensuring a safe environment under hygienic conditions. They oversee the delivery under their responsibility and act appropriately in emergency and risky situations.

• Midwives provide comprehensive and quality postpartum care, facilitating adaptation to the postpartum period with a culturally sensitive approach for women and their families.

• Midwives have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide qualified newborn care for healthy babies after childbirth.

• Midwives provide personalized, culturally sensitive services in accordance with national protocols in cases of pregnancy termination or loss.

• Midwives engage in continuous education activities related to their field before and after graduation.

• Midwives participate in research on relevant topics, contribute to projects, and work to implement evidence-based research findings.

• Midwives provide counseling to women and families in the areas they serve.

• Midwives can organize in any area they are with women.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the midwifery master's program can work as specialist clinical midwives responsible for obstetrics and gynecology clinics in public or private health institutions, as well as managerial midwives or midwives in educational units. They can also work in Private Pregnancy Education Classes or Birth Preparation Classes and Family Health Centers. Moreover, there is a high chance of working in academic positions at universities in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, as well as in nursing faculties.

Transition to Higher Degree Programs

Upon fulfilling the necessary other conditions, graduates of the Thesis Master's Program in Midwifery can apply to doctoral programs.

Assessment and Evaluation

At the end of each semester, students are given a Course Achievement Grade for each course they are enrolled in. The Course Achievement Grade is determined by evaluating the student's success during the semester (midterms, assignments, practical work, projects, laboratory work, etc.) and the final exam together. It is required to successfully complete the program courses with a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 within a maximum of two years.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Thesis Master's Program in Midwifery, the student must have successfully completed all courses in the program, achieved a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 out of 4.00, and completed a thesis related to their field according to the institute's thesis writing rules, and defend their thesis orally before a jury. The graduation date of the student is the date of the thesis examination where the master's thesis is accepted.

Study Mode

The study mode is full-time. If necessary, classes and exams may also be conducted after working hours on weekdays and/or on Saturdays and Sundays.

Program Responsible and Contact Information

• Program Responsible: Prof. Dr. Ayten ŞENTÜRK ERENEL
• Email: ayten.sentürkerenel@lokmanhekim.edu.tr