Dundalk IT expands midwifery programme with new clinical partnership

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has announced an expansion of its Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme, with Cavan Monaghan General Hospital joining as a new clinical placement partner for the first time. 

The 18-month, full-time postgraduate programme funded by the HSE and delivered in partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda  provides registered general nurses with a structured pathway to qualify as professional midwives. From this year, students will now also have the option to undertake the majority of their clinical placements at Cavan Monaghan General Hospital, enhancing training opportunities closer to home for healthcare professionals in the region.

For Chloe Donaghy from Monaghan and Rebecca Smith from Cavan, the programme offers the perfect opportunity to transition their nursing careers toward a lifelong passion.

“Having this course as an entry route to midwifery is so beneficial. It’s only 18 months, and you can carry through a lot of your general nursing skills,” said Chloe. “Although it’s a completely new aspect of healthcare for me, it isn’t like starting entirely afresh.”

A graduate of ATU Letterkenny in September 2024, Chloe was working in the Gynaecology Unit when she discovered her interest in women’s health.

“Working closely with obstetric doctors and student midwives during placements gave me great insight into the world of midwifery,” she explained. “My maternity placement during general nursing confirmed my passion — it’s such a beautiful profession where you build relationships with families during one of the most special times in their lives.”

Rebecca’s path took her from Coventry University in the UK, where she graduated in 2017, to a variety of clinical roles. She initially worked in Trauma and Orthopaedics at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire before returning home to Cavan in 2019. There, she cared for surgical, gynaecological, and medical patients in Cavan General Hospital, later moving into a Practice Nurse role in general practice.

“I always planned to do midwifery after general nursing, but life took over for a while,” said Rebecca. “Now feels like the right time.”

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As a mother of two, Rebecca especially appreciates the structure of the DkIT programme — being able to maintain her basic nursing salary throughout the course and complete placements locally in Cavan, allowing her to have a vital work-life balance.

Both students agree that their prior nursing experience gives them a strong foundation in their new careers. Their clinical skills, teamwork, and ability to support patients during emotional and physical transitions all translate naturally into midwifery.

“Go for it — it’s a great opportunity and such a rewarding course,” said Rebecca.

Chloe added, “The application process isn’t too difficult, and the support from lecturers and year leads is fantastic. You spend most of your time on the wards, which really helps you build confidence and learn new skills.”

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery runs every September for 18 months in DkIT. Applications will open at Easter 2026 for the next intake.