In the summer semester of 2024, four midwives - Sabine Kühlwein, Anja Lehnertz-Hemberger, Olivia Märkl and Lucy Wächter - became the first graduates from the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) to successfully complete the Master's degree program "Innovative Care Practice in Nursing and Midwifery". This new degree program was developed to address the increasing needs of the healthcare sector.
A pioneering skills profile for midwives
The application-oriented Master's degree program provides students with in-depth knowledge about the implementation of innovative concepts and measures in healthcare facilities. The aim is to develop cross-sectoral care concepts and to understand their social and organizational framework conditions. In addition, students learn methods from the fields of research, management and cooperation.
Practical training and qualification for management positions
During their studies, the graduates expanded their knowledge through a combination of theoretical content and practical applications. They deepened their expertise, qualified for management positions and developed methods for implementing innovative care concepts. Their skills in evidence-based care and innovation management were already used during their studies to systematically plan, implement and evaluate innovations in obstetric practice.
"Our graduates have shown that they are ready to actively shape the future of obstetric care. Their ability to develop and implement innovative and evidence-based concepts is a significant contribution to the further development of the discipline. We are very proud of their achievements and the successful completion of this challenging degree program," said Prof. Dr. Michaela Michel-Schuldt, Director of Studies.
Practical experience and positive feedback
An essential part of the course was a practical project in which the skills acquired were applied in real-life scenarios. The collaboration with various healthcare facilities and providers in the healthcare sector enabled the students to gain valuable practical experience, which they found extremely enriching.
"The first graduates of the Master's degree program "Innovative Care Practice in Nursing and Midwifery" are setting new standards in obstetric care. Their comprehensive training and practical experience enable them to decisively improve care in a landscape that is changing due to centralization as part of the hospital reform. We warmly congratulate them on this significant achievement. Now we also need suitable jobs for these excellently trained specialists," emphasizes Juliane Müller, 1st Chairwoman of the Rhineland-Palatinate Midwives Association.
Career prospects and contribution to healthcare
With the academic degree "Master of Arts (M.A.)" and 120 credit points (ECTS), graduates are qualified for a variety of fields of activity. These include the method- and research-based implementation of concepts, the management of interprofessional projects and teams as well as quality assurance and development in the inpatient and outpatient sector. In the field of midwifery science, they are also ideally prepared for management positions in delivery rooms, obstetric facilities and networks.
Future prospects and doctorate
The Master's degree also opens up the possibility of a doctorate. With their in-depth specialist knowledge and extensive practical experience, graduates are ideally equipped to actively shape the future of the healthcare system and continuously improve the care of patients, expectant mothers and newborns.
Professional contact
Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
Department of Social and Health Care
Midwifery Science
Prof. Dr. Michaela Michel-Schuldt
Tel. 0621/5203- 547
Email: Michaela.michel-schuldt@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de
