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Definition of Midwifery Nursing, Salary, Career Options, Top Colleges, Steps to Become

The Definition of Midwifery Nursing is that it is a branch of nursing responsible for looking after women during their pregnancy. Learn more about the salary, career options, top colleges, and more!
authorImageNivedita Dar20 Dec, 2023
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Definition of Midwifery Nursing, Salary, Career Options, Top Colleges, Steps to Become

Definition of Midwifery Nursing: Midwifery nursing is a branch of nursing responsible for overlooking women during pregnancy. Nurses provide collaborative and self-directed care to individuals of all ages. Nurses and midwives are pivotal in hospitals, leading in emergencies and joining disease prevention efforts. Midwifery concentrates on aiding women through pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum phase.

This field is exclusively for female students who are enthusiastic about maintaining women's reproductive health. Their duty encompasses crucial healthcare tasks like promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, all aimed at securing favourable health outcomes for patients. This article has all the details about the definition of midwifery nursing, types of midwifery nursing course, syllabus, salary, and more! If you’re preparing for nursing entrance exams and are looking for the best nursing coaching online, the Physics Wallah nursing coaching is just what you need! Our coaching program will help you crack nursing exams very easily and secure a high rank in those exams. Moreover, you will be mentored by the top industry leaders to stay ahead of your competition. So, don’t wait! Enrol now!

Definition of Midwifery Nursing

Midwifery nursing is a specialised nursing area that prioritises women's care across the reproductive life cycle. This focus spans pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase. Midwives, healthcare experts, support women through these stages, extending care to gynaecology, family planning, and menopause. Midwives also often provide gynaecological care, family planning services, and care for women during menopause. In numerous nations, midwife nurses constitute over half of healthcare personnel, playing a vital role in planning and executing health interventions at both frontline and managerial levels. They are often the initial and sometimes the only health professionals a patient encounters. The quality of their initial assessment and ongoing care is crucial for achieving positive health outcomes.

Midwifery Nursing Overview

Midwifery nursing focuses on caring for women during pregnancies, childbirths, and postpartum periods (including newborn care), as well as the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives. Midwifery nursing is recognized as a medical profession in several nations, known for its independent and specialised education, which should not be confused with the medical specialty that relies on prior general training. A midwife is an individual working in the field of midwifery. Nursing involves taking care of people of all ages, families, groups, and communities independently and collaboratively when someone is unwell or in good health. It includes promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for those who are unwell, disabled, or approaching the end of their lives. Midwife nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, often being the unsung heroes in hospitals, emergency situations, and the community. As the first responders in health emergencies, they are frequently called upon to work on the front lines of disease prevention and providing primary healthcare services, covering promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Types of Midwifery Nursing Courses

There are two kinds of Nursing and midwifery courses available at the diploma level in the country. These two diploma level courses can be pursued after completing class 12. The two Nursing & Midwifery courses are ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery) and GNM (General Nursing Midwifery).

ANM

ANM full-time is a two-year diploma program. It mainly focuses on the healthcare industry. This course covers knowledge on setting up an operation theatre, caring for various pieces of equipment, maintaining accurate records, and providing medication to patients on time. Candidates aspiring to pursue ANM courses must achieve a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks in their class 12 examinations to be considered for admission. Additionally, they must be under 18 years old to be eligible.

GNM

GNM Nursing is a diploma-level course that takes three years and six months to complete. The GNM curriculum consists of three years of formal study and a six-month internship requirement. The details of the General Nursing and Midwifery course aim to impart skills and knowledge related to patient care and clinical treatment.

This course is open only to students who have completed Class 12 and can enrol in the program. Students who have studied biology in the 11th and 12th grades are given special consideration. The admission process for GNM Nursing is managed through various state-level entrance tests, such as the West Bengal GNM, Kerala GNM, and Maharashtra GNM. The only way to obtain a GNM Nursing Qualification is by passing the entrance tests and gaining admission to the appropriate college.

What Is ANM?

The full form of ANM is Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery. ANM is a two-year diploma program in the field of Nursing. The ANM course mainly focuses on the Medical industry. It teaches students how to set up an operating room, take care of different pieces of equipment, maintain records, and administer medications to patients as per schedule. To be eligible for the ANM course, candidates must have passed Class 12 in the Arts, Humanities, or Science stream. The average fee for the ANM Nursing program ranges between INR 1,000 and INR 8 Lakh. The maximum age of the candidate should not exceed 35 years. Graduates of the ANM course can earn an average annual salary between INR 2 LPA and INR 5 LPA. Those who have completed ANM Nursing can choose job roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nurse, Travelling Nurse, etc. Interested candidates can explore further to learn more about ANM course details.

ANM Eligibility Criteria

Here’s the eligibility criteria for ANM:
  • The candidate must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31 in the year they apply for admission.
  • The candidate's age should not be more than 35 years.
  • To be eligible, the candidate must have cleared the Class 12 exam with Arts or Commerce subjects (including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, Business Studies, Accountancy, Home Science, and Philosophy) and English Core/English Elective, or Science or Health Care Science - Vocational stream from a recognized Board.
  • The candidate needs to be in good health and may need to provide a certificate confirming this.
  • Candidates who have completed Class 12 from the Arts or Science stream through the National Institute of Open School are also considered eligible.
  • Admissions are conducted once a year.
Note: If there is no official update, merit-based eligibility is stated for all courses and may vary.

What Is GNM?

GNM, which stands for General Nursing and Midwifery, is a three-and-a-half-year diploma course designed for those who wish to enter the field of clinical nursing. Some universities mandate a six-month internship as part of the curriculum, and the diploma is granted upon its completion. Individuals who have cleared their 12th standard exam in the Science stream can enrol in the GNM nursing course. The program teaches how to care for sick or injured individuals to assist in their full recovery. GNM admission can be obtained by taking state-level exams such as WBJEE ANM-GNM, Maharashtra GNM, Kerala GNM, etc. To understand the course content, one can refer to the GNM Syllabus. Students need to complete the GNM nursing course in traditional classrooms, as distance learning is not widely accepted. Well-known institutions like Christian Medical College - Vellore, Tamil Nadu, St John's Medical College - Bangalore, Jamia Hamdard University - New Delhi, SRM Institute Of Science And Technology - Chennai, Kalinga Institute Of Industrial Technology - Bhubaneswar, etc., provide admission to the GNM nursing course. The program fees range from NR 30,000 to INR 1 LPA. After finishing GNM nursing studies, various job opportunities become available, including roles as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Forensic Nurses, Legal Nurse Consultants, Government/Private Hospital Practitioners, Travelling Nurses, etc., offering competitive GNM salary packages. Refer to the table below for more details.

GNM Eligibility Criteria

Here are the general eligibility criteria for nursing and midwifery:
  • Completion of 12th grade with English is required, with a minimum of 40 percent overall in the qualifying exam. At least 40 percent in English separately is necessary, and the qualification should be from a recognized board. Candidates from State Open Schools acknowledged by the State Government and the National Institute of Open Schools (NIOS) recognized by the Central Government are also eligible.
  • Passing 12th grade with PCM/B (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology) and English is mandatory. A 40 percent aggregate in the vocational ANM course from any institute recognized by the Indian Nursing Council is also required.
  • Successful completion of 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and English is essential. A 40 percent aggregate in the Vocational Stream-Healthcare Science from a recognized CBSE board/Centre is also necessary.
  • Being a Registered ANM with a qualifying mark is a prerequisite.
Note: The eligibility criteria mentioned are based on merit for all courses unless there is an official update, and it may vary.

Midwifery Nursing Job Roles

When selecting a career, financial stability is a key consideration for most of us. However, perseverance and enthusiasm are crucial for successful execution. The field of nursing education research provides a range of lucrative career options. In India, nurses have access to various jobs with competitive salaries. Below are some well-paying and challenging job roles for midwife nurses:
  1. Nursing Officer: A chief nursing officer, a senior member of the nursing staff, utilises both medical and business knowledge to ensure smooth daily operations. These highly educated professionals oversee and advocate for the nursing staff in hospitals, private clinics, public hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
  2. Registered Nurse Anaesthetist: Also known as a certified registered nurse anaesthetist (CRNA), this advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) administers anaesthesia and other medications. They also care for and monitor patients undergoing or recovering from anaesthesia.
  3. Head Nurse: The head nurse holds a crucial managerial position in a nursing department, responsible for overseeing the staff providing care and establishing guidelines and standards for nursing practice.
  4. Critical Care Nurse: Working in intensive care units, emergency departments, or specialised areas like cardiac care, neonatal units, paediatrics, or trauma and burn units, critical care nurses provide specialised care and may also offer in-home care.
  5. Nurse Scientist: Nurse scientists formulate research questions, conduct experiments, gather and analyse data, and present their findings. Many work as academic instructors, contributing to scholarly journals and publications, and some conduct practical research in hospitals.
  6. Medical-Surgical Assistant: A surgical assistant, an expert in medicine, aids doctors, nurses, and surgeons during medical procedures, including surgery. This role is crucial as surgeons cannot perform all tasks alone.
  7. Midwife: A midwife is a trained professional that takes care of women during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth, ensuring a safe and intervention-free birth.
  8. Healthcare Worker: Healthcare workers conduct basic health checkups, ensure patient comfort, and assist with medication and dressing.

Which Sectors Can Midwife Nursing Work In?

Students pursuing GNM courses have opportunities in various sectors. By enrolling in the courses listed below, candidates can enhance their knowledge and skills, leading to increased pay. The following sectors offer employment opportunities for Nursing & Midwifery candidates:
  1. Indian Red Cross Society: A nonprofit organisation dedicated to safeguarding human life and health, affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
  2. Indian Nursing Council and State Nursing Councils: Regulatory bodies ensuring uniform standards and regulating nursing education nationwide.
  3. Hospitals: Nurses play a vital role in providing effective nursing care in hospitals, attending to personal hygiene, administering medication, and monitoring vital signs.
  4. Nursing Schools and Associations: School nurses coordinate and evaluate health services to minimise health-related absenteeism and facilitate independent functioning in students.
  5. Armed Forces: Military nurses work in various branches, providing medical care to injured soldiers and their families.
  6. Old Age Homes: Palliative care nurses inform and support families regarding the care of the elderly in old age homes.
  7. Dispensaries: Nurses can work as certified medical assistants, basic healthcare workers, and perform various roles in dispensaries.

Midwifery Nursing Salary

A nurse's pay can vary based on the employer and clinics. As you gain experience in this field, your salary is likely to increase. Overall, nursing is a stable profession. Those with ANM diplomas can anticipate earning between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000. However, with more experience and additional education, they may earn Rs 3.2 Lakh to 7.8 Lakh per year. The specific amount depends on the employer and the hospital. The starting salary for GNM diploma graduates might be around Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000. Yet, with experience and further education, they can earn anywhere from Rs 3.2 lakh to Rs 7.8 lakh annually. The actual figure can vary based on the employer and hospital. Check the table below for more details:
Midwifery Nursing Salary
Job Profile Annual Income (in INR)
Basic Community Health Worker 1,80,000
Certified Nursing Assistant 2,70,000
Midwife 3,60,000
Military Nurse 9,00,000
Staff Nurse 2,00,000
Health Care Worker 1,50,000
School Nurse 3,00,000
Industrial Nurse 3,00,000

How to Pursue a Career in Midwifery Nursing?

If you're interested in a career in Nursing & Midwifery, consider the following suggestions.
  1. School-Level Preparation : If you want to become a nurse, start your studies by joining the Science stream, where Biology is a necessary course. Focus on the Science stream during your 10+2 years and prepare for admission exams in advance.
  2. UG-Level Preparation: To get into a good university for a three-year bachelor's degree, aim for a grade point average of 70–80%. It's recommended to enrol in specific nursing certificate programs to gain experience, build your resume, and increase your chances of finding better employment.
  3. PG-Level Preparation: After completing your undergraduate program, pursuing a postgraduate degree can provide additional knowledge, enhancing your chances of securing good placements with a higher pay package.
  4. Improve your skill set: Participate in a certification program to acquire essential nursing skills. A certification course will teach you all the necessary job skills, serving as legal proof of your competency and subject knowledge.
  5. Gain experience: Explore internship opportunities offered by your institution. These courses are an excellent way to enhance your nursing knowledge and skills. Internships provide insights into various healthcare organisations and facilities, sometimes leading to professional connections and future employment.

Midwifery Nursing Top Colleges

Many colleges and institutions in India provide midwifery nursing courses. If you aim to pursue midwifery nursing for good job opportunities, you may be curious about the best midwifery nursing colleges in India. With the right skills, you can find employment in different fields and earn a good income. Here is a list of some top midwifery nursing colleges along with their highest CTC.
Midwifery Nursing Top Colleges
University Highest CTC (in INR)
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 9.2 LPA
AIIMS, New Delhi 1.6 LPA
NIMS, Jaipur 9.6 LPA
Amity University, Noida 14 LPA
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 10.2 LPA
Government Medical College, Nagpur 21.2 LPA
KIIT, Bhubaneshwar 52 LPA
Christian Medical College, Vellore 7.9 LPA
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 20 LPA

Midwifery Nursing FAQs

What is the meaning of midwifery nursing?

Midwifery nursing involves providing care and support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, focusing on promoting maternal and infant well-being.

What is a nurse midwife?

A nurse midwife is a registered nurse with advanced training in midwifery, specialising in providing care to women during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth.

What is the full form of ANM?

The full form of ANM is Auxiliary Nurse Midwife.

What is the full form of GNM?

The full form of GNM is General Nursing and Midwifery.

What is the difference between nursing and midwifery?

Nursing encompasses a broader range of halthcare responsibilities, including general patient care, while midwifery specifically focuses on care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
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