On Friday, 17.01.2025, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) bid farewell to the first cohort of students on the dual degree programs in Midwifery Science after their state professional examinations. The graduation ceremony was largely organized by the 37 students and celebrated together with their partners from professional practice.
After being welcomed by the trio of moderators - student Malina DiCarli, Prof. Dr. Michaela Michel-Schuldt and Prof. Dr. Karen Fried - University President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller greeted the 200 or so guests and addressed the students straight away: "You have not had it easy: you are the first cohort of your degree programs, you started under coronavirus conditions, you have had the temporary premises in Maxstraße and Amtsstraße as classrooms and you have had to work from home. They have had the temporary premises in Maxstraße and Amtsstraße as classrooms and then experienced the Department's move from the city center to the central campus in Mundenheim, but they have also had the privilege of a great team of lecturers and staff who have set up and supported these new degree programs with a great deal of commitment and warmth." At the same time, the President emphasized the special importance of the degree programs in Rhineland-Palatinate and at the university: "With the primary qualifying degree program in Midwifery Science, HWG LU is a pioneer for the entire state. This was only possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Science and Health, particularly in terms of funding and staffing."
Juliane Müller, first chairwoman of the Rhineland-Palatinate Midwives Association, then delivered the association's greetings: Müller emphasized that "midwifery is much more than a profession and goes far beyond the physical care of women giving birth". In addition to specialist knowledge, empathy, tolerance, respect and mutual support are an essential part of the job. It is not for nothing that midwifery has been named a UNESCO intangible world cultural heritage. At the same time, it is important not only to maintain this valuable tradition, but also to actively shape its future and stand up for women's rights.
Afterwards, course director and Vice President Prof. Dr. Nina Knape took stock of this first successful cohort of students: "You are pioneers. Everything was tested for the first time and this degree program is particularly complex with the various education and learning locations between the university, skills labs, professional practice, clinical and non-clinical assignments. But you have mastered all of this and - an important prerequisite for our profession - have always remained level-headed and given us valuable feedback." At the same time, Prof. Dr. Nina Knape focused on the academization and professionalization of the profession and the social significance of midwifery in her speech: "Your studies offer you additional perspectives and work on an equal footing with other academic disciplines," said Knape. At the same time, future midwives should not forget to see the women they support as autonomous actors. "Work in a woman-centered, non-discriminatory, open to diversity, respectful and reflective way," she told the students. Knape also wants her students to be involved in professional politics and society.
As a representative of the practice partners, Jutta Breichler, Head of the School of Midwifery at the Deaconess Foundation Hospital Speyer, then looked back on the joint work of recent years and traced the arc from the beginnings of midwifery as one of the oldest professions in the world to the present day. "Midwifery has always been influenced by political, religious and medical trends. From the wise woman who assisted in childbirth, to the training profession and now to academic education. And we have all been part of this latest milestone," said a delighted Breichler, who spoke on behalf of the cooperating practice facilities - the Worms Clinic, Mannheim University Hospital, Heidelberg University Hospital, the Motherhouse of the Borromean Sisters Hospital in Trier, the Westpfalz Clinic with its Kaiserslautern and Kirchheimbolanden sites and St. Marien Hospital in Ludwigshafen.
And, of course, the students themselves also had their say, represented by the semester speakers Anna Hofmann and Alicia Eckert, who gave a brief review of the last three and a half years: from the first online exam, the first ward assignment, the first term paper and the first non-clinical assignment, to experiences abroad and elective modules, right through to the Bachelor's thesis and taking the written and oral state examinations. Her conclusion, combined with many thanks to the lecturers, staff and practice partners: "The degree program not only provided us with specialist knowledge, but also a great deal of personal development."
Her review of the last seven semesters of midwifery studies was accompanied by a funny and touching film by student Sara Mayer with many insights into the everyday life of the midwives-to-be.
Anyone who is now interested in studying Midwifery Science can apply from 01.05.-21.05.2025 and/or get advice at the online information events on 28.01.2025 and 11.3.2025 from 16.00-17.30.
You can also find more information about the degree programs and the information dates at www.hwg-lu.de/studium/bachelor/hebammenwissenschaft-dual
Subject contact:
Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
Department of Social and Health Care
Ms. Claudia Hobbie
Course Coordinator Midwifery Science
Email: claudia.hobbie@hwg-lu.de
Tel. 0621 5203 - 524 or 0173-5663213
