Characterization of undergraduate Midwifery programs in South American countries

The International Confederation of Midwives stablishes standards for the education of these professionals. The aim was to characterise the direct entry midwifery programmes and higher education institutions that offer them in South America. A descriptive-exploratory documental research was done. 75 programmes were identified, offered in universities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. All of them demand a test or preparatory course for enrolment. The number of hours varied between 3.322 and 9.000 and the duration is eight to 12 semesters. They are mainly named Midwifery Programme and award the academic degree of licensee or bachelor and the professional title of Obstetriz/Obstetra or Matrona/Matrón. There is great heterogeneity regarding the vision, mission and graduate profile. There is similarity among the syllabuses. The curricular contents emphasise the biological sciences, knowledge applied to Midwifery, practical activities and internships.