Journal article
Midwifery as a career choice for school leavers: A scoping review of the international literature
Women and Birth, Vol.39(1), pp.1-9
2026
PMID: 41297204
Abstract
Problem
Applications to study midwifery are declining despite the need to grow the workforce. With school leavers traditionally comprising a significant proportion of applicants, understanding how they view midwifery as a career choice is important.
Background
A steady pipeline of new graduates is essential for midwifery workforce growth. While mature students and registered nurses represent a significant portion of applicants, it is important to explore how school leavers view midwifery as a career.
Aim
To identify and synthesise what is known about midwifery as a career choice for school leavers.
Methods
PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, Web of Science, MIDIRS, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health and Scopus databases were searched for literature exploring midwifery as a career choice for school leavers. Data from seven documents were charted and thematically analysed.
Findings
Five themes were identified: ‘Family and social influences’, ‘Career guidance and information’, ‘Career motivation: vocational vs economic drivers’, ‘Perceptions and professional identity’ and ‘Barriers and challenges.’ These highlight how school leavers decisions about midwifery are influenced by an interplay of social, economic, informational, and systemic factors.
Discussion
School leavers’ interest in midwifery is shaped by social influences, especially family opinions, television, internet and media portrayals. To support workforce growth, early promotion through improved career guidance and accurate information is essential.
Conclusion
Understanding the factors that influence school leavers’ career choices is vital to promoting midwifery as a rewarding profession. By providing accurate information, guidance, and support, the profession can be positioned as a fulfilling career path.
Details
- Title
- Midwifery as a career choice for school leavers: A scoping review of the international literature
- Authors
- Tanya Capper (Corresponding Author) - Central Queensland UniversityTerri Downer - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Publication details
- Women and Birth, Vol.39(1), pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102142
- ISSN
- 1878-1799
- PMID
- 41297204
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Midwifery
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991187236202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
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Source: SDGs from InCites