Before you can practice the fabulous profession of midwife, you need to complete several years of training. In this article, we'll take a look at the various stages of training, as well as the possible career opportunities depending on the specializations chosen. Let's take a look at how to become a midwife.
Why choose the midwifery profession?
The main tasks of a midwife
The midwife plays an essential role in the medical monitoring of pregnancy, childbirth and the post-natal period. She prescribes the necessary examinations, carries out prenatal and postnatal consultations, performs physiological deliveries and provides preventive gynecological care. Her field of action extends from adolescence to the menopause. This professional is a true Swiss Army knife, capable of operating with composure in a wide range of situations. This versatility is highly sought-after bymidwifery jobproviders.
The importance of midwifery in the care of women and childbirth
As a genuine first-line practitioner, the midwife provides comprehensive support for women throughout their lives. She is the guarantor of physiology and detects pathological situations requiring medical attention. She plays a crucial role in public health, particularly in prevention and health education.
The path to midwifery studies
The different routes: PASS and LAS
There are two main routes into midwifery studies:
- Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
Admission and selection criteria
Selection is based on first-year results. Places in midwifery schools are limited, with a numerus clausus set annually. To succeed, you need to work hard and prepare thoroughly for the theory tests and oral examinations.
The course of midwifery studies
The four years of training: content and learning
Training at midwifery schools is structured around a number of areas:
- Basic sciences: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology
- Obstetrics: pregnancy monitoring, childbirth, pathologies
- Gynecology: contraception, screening, prevention
- Human sciences: psychology, ethics, communication
- Public health and research in maieutics
Hospital internships
Internships are a major part of midwifery studies. They take place in various departments: birthing rooms, post-natal care, prenatal consultations, gynecological emergencies. Progression is gradual, from observation to complete autonomy.
Using simulation to develop clinical skills
Simulation-based learning is playing an increasingly important role in training, thanks to the development of new technologies that enable us to recreate real-life conditions. Students practice on high-fidelity mannequins and take part in realistic simulated situations, enabling them to learn technical gestures and emergency management in complete safety.
Skills and knowledge acquired during training
Midwifery training provides advanced expertise in obstetrics, gynecology and neonatology. Students learn essential technical skills, how to interpret clinical and paraclinical examinations, and how to deal with emergencies.
Beyond the medical aspects, the training also develops human qualities that are important for practice, such as listening, empathy and communication skills. Students learn to manage stress, make rapid decisions and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Jobs and prospects after midwifery studies
Hospital or private practice
Graduates can choose between :
- Hospital practice in a public or private maternity hospital
- Setting up in private practice
- Working in a PMI or birth center
- Clinical research or teaching
Specializations and further training
Additional training courses enable you to specialize in :
- Obstetrical ultrasound
- Acupuncture
- Perineal rehabilitation
- Lactation and breastfeeding
- Prenatal diagnosis
In short, the midwifery profession requires the mastery of rare skills in order to operate in situations of emergency and discomfort for pregnant women. It's for this reason that studies are long (5 years minimum) and accompanied by immersion courses, ensuring that the French healthcare system is equipped with competent professionals straight from school.
If you've enjoyed this article, please continue reading with our midwife ultrasound technician salary sheet.
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Midwife - Argenteuil 95
Liberal
2000 - 4000 per month
Argenteuil
Midwife Job Opening (M/F) - Argenteuil, 95 Are you looking for a midwife position in the Argenteuil area, in the Val-d'Oise? We have exactly what you need: a private practice partnership in Argenteuil starting in September 2026. About the Practice You’ll be working in a recently opened multidisciplinary practice, organized around five offices, three of which are already occupied. In addition, the practice is home to a part-time psychologist, a full-time perinatal counselor, and a full-time osteopath. Furthermore, the practice aims to develop a concept centered on women’s health and well-being. The environment offers functional facilities with a large shared waiting room and rest areas conducive to a peaceful practice. Description and Responsibilities Your main responsibilities will be: - Conducting prenatal and postnatal follow-up consultations - Providing perinatal support and perinatal counseling consultations - Conduct routine gynecological examinations and follow-ups within your area of expertise - Collaborating closely with other practitioners at the practice to ensure coordinated care - Independently managing your private practice, including scheduling appointments and tracking patient progress Compensation For this position, you will have the choice between two practices: A 14 m² practice with a monthly rent of 800 € (without a water connection) A 19 m² practice with a monthly rent of 900 € (with a water supply) Benefits: - Fully equipped facility - Bright office space - Cleaning of common areas provided - Easy parking in the nearby residential area Qualifications Midwife with a degree from France. Contact us at: 07 45 01 29 85 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 11732 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Midwife M/F - Saint-Denis 93
Employee
2500 - 2500 per month
Saint-Denis
Midwife Job Opening (M/F) - Saint-Denis 93 We are hiring a midwife (M/F) to join a multidisciplinary health center located in Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis, for a full-time, permanent position (39 hours per week). JobDescription and Responsibilities As part of your duties at this modern facility, you will be responsible for: - Medical care during pregnancy - Prenatal consultations - Providing support and counseling to patients throughout their care journey - Preparation for childbirth - Perineal rehabilitation You will work Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., in an environment that fosters teamwork and coordination among healthcare professionals. The Facility’s Core Values You will join a recently opened health center that brings together various professionals around a multidisciplinary care model. Easily accessible by public transportation and with nearby parking, this facility combines accessibility with a high-quality environment, featuring state-of-the-art facilities tailored to patient care and a setting that fosters interprofessional collaboration. Compensation For this position, you will receive a net salary of €2,500, to be adjusted based on your profile and experience. Benefits - Full-time permanent employee status - Salary based on qualifications - Modern, multidisciplinary work environment - Easy access by public transportation - Parking nearby - Meal vouchers (to be introduced soon) Qualifications State-certified midwife, registered with the Midwives’ Association. Contact us at 07 49 91 78 20 Job Posting ID: 9981 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Midwife - Clamart 92
Liberal
4000 - 4500 per month
Clamart
Midwife Job Opening (M/F) - Clamart, 92 A healthcare center in Clamart, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, is seeking a new midwife (M/F) to establish a private practice. Conditions - Private practice - Phased transition - Start date in May or June (or later, if desired) The Facility You will join a medical center located entirely on one level, on the ground floor with direct access. It covers a total area of 106 m², divided into 5 offices ranging from 13 to 17 m². In addition, construction based on the architect’s plans is estimated to take approximately 6 weeks. The offices will be custom-built, and the practitioners will select the furnishings. The timeline is flexible, with completion scheduled for spring 2026; you may move in at a later date. Rent - Rent of €940 (excl. tax) per month for a full-time practice or €530 for 3 days per week (ideally Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) - Operating expenses: €120 per month (water, electricity, internet, cleaning, coffee/tea) - Phased move-in plan: - Months 1–2: €0 - Months 3–6: 40% - Months 7–10: 70% Responsibilities - Provide prenatal care - Help develop a coordinated care plan - Collaborate with other healthcare providers - Participate in coordination meetings and the center’s administrative organization Benefits - Single-story health center on the ground floor - Custom-designed offices ranging from 13 to 17 m² with furniture selected by the practitioners - Phased move-in plan - Parking space available (€130/month) That Extra Special Touch Clamart is located just outside Paris, offering quick access to the capital while featuring numerous green spaces (such as the Bois de Clamart, which spans 209 hectares) perfect for walks and relaxation on the weekends. Qualifications Midwife with a degree from France. Contact us at: 07 45 01 29 85 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 12121 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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