Tokat School of Health was established by the Council of Ministers Decision No. 96/8655, published in the Official Gazette No. 22805 dated 2 November 1996, and commenced its educational activities in the 1997–1998 academic year. On 8 April 2016, Tokat School of Health was closed pursuant to the Council of Ministers Decision No. 2016/8562 and was transformed into the Faculty of Health Sciences. In addition to undergraduate education, the Department of Midwifery has offered a Master’s Program in Midwifery since 2014 and a Doctoral Program in Midwifery since the Fall Semester of the 2020–2021 academic year. Our department has a total of 13 academic staff members, comprising 1 Professor, 3 Associate Professors, 7 Assistant Professors, 1 Lecturer with a PhD, and 1 Research Assistant with a PhD.
The undergraduate program in the Department of Midwifery lasts four years (eight semesters), and the language of instruction is Turkish. The program comprises a total of 240 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes courses in basic medical sciences, professional midwifery courses, scientific research, and professional development, together with extensive practical and clinical training. The program is conducted in accordance with national regulations governing midwifery education, European Union professional qualification standards, and the National Core Curriculum for Midwifery (EUÇEP).
Throughout the educational process, students are expected to acquire the knowledge and skills required for preconception care, pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and newborn care, and to provide holistic care to women, newborns, families, and the community. Students also develop knowledge and skills in family planning, women’s health, early recognition of risk conditions, health education, counselling, research, management, and multidisciplinary teamwork. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all courses in the program and fulfil the requirements for antenatal follow-up, childbirth, postpartum care, newborn care, and other clinical practices stipulated in the relevant legislation.
Graduates who successfully complete the Midwifery Undergraduate Program are awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery and are entitled to use the professional title of “Midwife.” Graduates may work in healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health, family health centres, hospitals, university hospitals, and private healthcare institutions, and may also continue their education at the postgraduate level.