St. Mary’s has approximately 150-160 students enrolled in one of two academic programs. Students who have graduated from secondary school whose studies have a strong science focus pursue a Certificate in Midwifery degree. This is a 30-month program costing US$2,500 for the entire program including books, uniforms, classes, room, and board.
St. Mary’s Midwifery Training School has two special training courses.
Diploma in Midwifery (DM) (Extensors)
Duration: 18 month course
Interviews: September
Admissions: Once a year
Classes begin in February
Admission Requirements
- Applicant must be registered by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) and has obtained qualification as a Diploma Nurse, Registered Nurse, or Certificate Midwife.
- Applicant must have working experience of a minimum of 2 years in the field of qualification.
- Applicant must satisfy the requirements of the interview panel.
Certificate in Midwifery (CM)
Duration: 2 years and 6 months
Interviews: February
Admissions: Once a year
Admissions Requirements
- Applicant must have obtained an O-Level certificate with credits and passes in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
- Applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Applicant must have been in school for the last 3 years before applying
- Applicant must satisfy the requirements of the interview panel.
Students who are currently practicing midwives pursue an advanced graduate degree of Diploma in Midwifery that allows them to further their education. In order to successfully complete the Diploma in Midwifery students must complete a research study and paper presented to the Ministry of Health. The Diploma in Midwifery costs US$2,300. As with the Certificate program this cost includes the entire course of study.
St. Mary’s Midwifery Training School has two special training courses.
Diploma in Midwifery (DM) (Extensors)
Duration: 18 month course
Interviews: September
Admissions: Once a year
Classes begin in February
Admission Requirements
- Applicant must be registered by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) and has obtained qualification as a Diploma Nurse, Registered Nurse, or Certificate Midwife.
- Applicant must have working experience of a minimum of 2 years in the field of qualification.
- Applicant must satisfy the requirements of the interview panel.
Certificate in Midwifery (CM)
Duration: 2 years and 6 months
Interviews: February
Admissions: Once a year
Admissions Requirements
- Applicant must have obtained an O-Level certificate with credits and passes in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
- Applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Applicant must have been in school for the last 3 years before applying
- Applicant must satisfy the requirements of the interview panel.
$2,500 or $2,300 may seem a small price to pay for an academic program that provides qualified health professionals to the most needy and vulnerable of human beings but it is an astronomical amount to most Ugandan families. Many of the students are benefiting from academic scholarship through the Doctor Ambrosoli Hospital Foundation, local governments as well as from private donors.
All students receive hands on practical experience working in all of the seven wards at the Doctor Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital. Their rotations start three months after beginning their studies at St. Mary’s. Because St. Mary’s attracts health professionals and volunteers from throughout the world including the United States, Italy, Belgium, Canada, and Japan students have an added benefit of learning from a variety of health professionals well versed in the latest medical procedures and techniques. It could also be added that these international health professionals also learn from the students and staff at St. Mary’s. It is the epitome of cultural exchanges.
Classes are held six days a week. Students are also responsible for working in the school garden, sweeping the quad, helping in the kitchen, and general school maintenance. Uniforms must be worn to all school functions and they are to be clean and ironed. Individual tribal dances and songs are learned so that when students go out into the different communities they can relate more effectively to the families they are serving.
St. Mary’s accepts women from throughout Uganda. St. Mary’s does not discriminate, accepting women from all faiths, both believers and non believers alike.