Liana, with midwifery, you cover some of the same subjects as nurses (such as anatomy and physiology) but there are also some major differences.The BM doesn't allow the individual to work as a nurse in other areas like recovery or orthopedics etc. Nurses can't work as midwives because we don't do the childbirth component which is rather lengthy. Looking at and comparing the two degrees which are both offered at my Uni, they are completly different after first year (with the exception of second year science). Even though you don't have any intention of working as a nurse, it is worth considering doing nursing first or doing the double degree (4 years instead of 3) which will give you more options of areas to work in (on the off chance you burn out or get sick of midwifery as can happen), make you more employable and attractive to potential employers as well as entiteling (sp?) you to a higher wage. Nursing isn't all that bad and there is very little pan changing nowadays. I think I've changed maybe 4 bedpans in 6 years. And you don't have to work with "sick" people. You can work in areas like orthopedics which is surgical so people aren't sick in the conventional sense. But which way people go and what they specialise in is highly personal. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

For those of you who are worried about contact time at Uni - you can actually plan your timetable which will maximise follow on classes and reduce waiting around time. I have a friend at ACU in Vic who goes to Uni 4 days a week only. Also, nursing and mid are both offered externally through various uni's. The University of South Australia offers both degrees externally which you can also do part time. I am currently doing Nursing externally through UniSA and am more than happy to answer any questions.

MG