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Number of midwives graduated in given year (Line chart)
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Number of midwives graduated in given year (Bar chart)
European Health for All database
The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:
Indicators: 618
Updated: 04 September 2022
Contact:
The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:
• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)
• FTE: full-time equivalent
• PP: physical persons
• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.
Number of midwives graduated in given year
Indicator code: E365305.T
Number of students who have obtained a recognised qualification in midwifery in a given year._
Indicator code: E365305.T
Number of students who have obtained a recognised qualification in midwifery in a given year._
Albania
Source: Ministry of High School.
Austria
Source of data: Statistics Austria.
Belarus
Source of data: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus on the basis of statistical handbooks
(1980 009gg.) And primary forms of non-centralized state statistical observations provided medical
schools (1993 to 2011).
Note: In 1999 the preparation and publication of midwives were stopped and replaced with Physician
Assistants (paramedics), and the specialty ?General Medicine?. The graduates are qualified
\nurse-midwife\" and may seek employment as a position of \"midwife\"
(1980 009gg.) And primary forms of non-centralized state statistical observations provided medical
schools (1993 to 2011).
Note: In 1999 the preparation and publication of midwives were stopped and replaced with Physician
Assistants (paramedics), and the specialty ?General Medicine?. The graduates are qualified
\nurse-midwife\" and may seek employment as a position of \"midwife\"
Belgium
Source of data: Communaute francaise et Vlaamse Gemeenschap.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Source: Federal office of statistic
Bulgaria
Source of data: National Statistical Institute, Exhaustive annual survey
Reference period: 31st December
The specialties for medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, midwives and nursing are taught in
public higher schools. Ministry of Education, Youth and Science is determining annually plan scheme
(limits for new entrants) for each specialty in public higher schools, which varies at different
years according to national needs. Thus, the number of enrolments and respectively graduates are
varying during the different years. The reported data represents the real number of graduations.
For 1995 ? excluding foreign students.
According to the national legislation in 2007 the term of training of midwives was increased by a
year.
Break in time series: 2007.
Reference period: 31st December
The specialties for medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, midwives and nursing are taught in
public higher schools. Ministry of Education, Youth and Science is determining annually plan scheme
(limits for new entrants) for each specialty in public higher schools, which varies at different
years according to national needs. Thus, the number of enrolments and respectively graduates are
varying during the different years. The reported data represents the real number of graduations.
For 1995 ? excluding foreign students.
According to the national legislation in 2007 the term of training of midwives was increased by a
year.
Break in time series: 2007.
Croatia
Data not available.
Cyprus
Data not available.
Czechia
Czech Republic
Source of data: Ministry of education, youth and sports.
Coverage:
- No midwives graduated in 1998 because of changes in educational programmes.
- Till 2006, data relate to the number of graduates from paramedical schools in the qualified
midwife field of study (bachelor graduates from universities in the midwifery field of study are
included in nursing graduates).
- Data relate to number of graduates from paramedical schools in the qualified midwife field of
study (graduating till 2006) and bachelor graduates from universities in the midwifery field of
study (graduating since 2004).
Source of data: Ministry of education, youth and sports.
Coverage:
- No midwives graduated in 1998 because of changes in educational programmes.
- Till 2006, data relate to the number of graduates from paramedical schools in the qualified
midwife field of study (bachelor graduates from universities in the midwifery field of study are
included in nursing graduates).
- Data relate to number of graduates from paramedical schools in the qualified midwife field of
study (graduating till 2006) and bachelor graduates from universities in the midwifery field of
study (graduating since 2004).
Denmark
Source of data: National Board of Health, Authorisation Register.
Estonia
Source of data:
- State Statistical Office, annual reporting.
- Ministry of Education and Research.
Reference period: Given year.
Break in time series: 2000 and 2001.
- In 1999 the length of time of the educational programme of nursing specialists was extended.
- State Statistical Office, annual reporting.
- Ministry of Education and Research.
Reference period: Given year.
Break in time series: 2000 and 2001.
- In 1999 the length of time of the educational programme of nursing specialists was extended.
Finland
Source of data: VALVIRA. National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. Register on
Qualified Health Care Personnel, number of persons who have received their qualification in the
calendar year.
Reference period: Calendar year.
Break in time series: The two-year curriculum was discontinued in 1971. Specialist nurse-based
midwife education was run 1968-1986, and the last midwives graduated in 1994. The new midwife
education on secondary level was started in 1985. The length of education was 3.5 years or 4.5
years, and it was lengthened with obligatory training in 1993. Since 1995, midwife education has
followed the EU regulation. Additionally, all graduates with the new secondary level health care
professional education have been authorised to nurse since 1 August 1996. The first graduates
completed their studies in 2000.
Qualified Health Care Personnel, number of persons who have received their qualification in the
calendar year.
Reference period: Calendar year.
Break in time series: The two-year curriculum was discontinued in 1971. Specialist nurse-based
midwife education was run 1968-1986, and the last midwives graduated in 1994. The new midwife
education on secondary level was started in 1985. The length of education was 3.5 years or 4.5
years, and it was lengthened with obligatory training in 1993. Since 1995, midwife education has
followed the EU regulation. Additionally, all graduates with the new secondary level health care
professional education have been authorised to nurse since 1 August 1996. The first graduates
completed their studies in 2000.
France
Source of data: Ministere de la Sante et des Sports - Direction de la Recherche, des Etudes, de
l'Evaluation et des Statistiques (DREES). Sous-Direction de l'Observation de la Sante et de
l'Assurance maladie, Bureau des Professions de sante. Enquete ?Ecoles de formation aux professions
de la sante?.
For further information: http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/seriestat139.pdf.
Coverage: Data come from statistics compiled from a survey carried out in training institutions for
health professionals which estimates the number of degrees valid at the national level, in
metropolitan France and overseas departments and territories.
l'Evaluation et des Statistiques (DREES). Sous-Direction de l'Observation de la Sante et de
l'Assurance maladie, Bureau des Professions de sante. Enquete ?Ecoles de formation aux professions
de la sante?.
For further information: http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/seriestat139.pdf.
Coverage: Data come from statistics compiled from a survey carried out in training institutions for
health professionals which estimates the number of degrees valid at the national level, in
metropolitan France and overseas departments and territories.
Georgia
Source of data: Ministry of Labour Health and Social Affairs
of Georgia and include both, public and private sectors
Reference period: 31 December.
Coverage: The provided data cover all regions except separatist regions, Abkhazia and South Osetia.
Data for those two regions are unavailable.
of Georgia and include both, public and private sectors
Reference period: 31 December.
Coverage: The provided data cover all regions except separatist regions, Abkhazia and South Osetia.
Data for those two regions are unavailable.
Germany
Germany
Source of data: Federal Statistical Office, Statistics on Health schools, Statistics on vocational
training; Statistisches Bundesamt, Fachserie 11, Reihe 2, table 4_8_1 & SdG_7;
http://www.destatis.de.
Coverage:
- Professional midwives with a 3-year education who passed their examinations are included.
- Data do not include graduates for the regional state of Hesse.
- Data are available from 1996 onwards.
Source of data: Federal Statistical Office, Statistics on Health schools, Statistics on vocational
training; Statistisches Bundesamt, Fachserie 11, Reihe 2, table 4_8_1 & SdG_7;
http://www.destatis.de.
Coverage:
- Professional midwives with a 3-year education who passed their examinations are included.
- Data do not include graduates for the regional state of Hesse.
- Data are available from 1996 onwards.
Greece
Source of data: Hellenic Statistical Authority (EL.STAT.).
Coverage: All the data refers to graduates from Greek universities. (The 1980-1982, 1986, 1987,
1989, 1990 figures cannot be retrieved from publications.)
Note: The remarkably low number of graduates from 1983 and 1984 is due to the fact that there was a
serious change in the education system. The Technological Educational Institutions have replaced the
higher technical and vocational educational institutions (KATEE).
Coverage: All the data refers to graduates from Greek universities. (The 1980-1982, 1986, 1987,
1989, 1990 figures cannot be retrieved from publications.)
Note: The remarkably low number of graduates from 1983 and 1984 is due to the fact that there was a
serious change in the education system. The Technological Educational Institutions have replaced the
higher technical and vocational educational institutions (KATEE).
Hungary
Source of data:. Hungarian Central Statistical Office on the basis of the data collection of the
Ministry of National Resources.
Coverage: Since 1990, data are provided for graduates in secondary vocational schools and
professional nursing education, in addition to university level graduates in health care. The data
have been recalculated from 1990 and harmonized with the definitions of OECD and EUROSTAT.
Estimation method: Data for 2000 are estimated. The response rate of data collection in 2000 was
only 98%. Therefore, these data were corrected according to the grounds of data collection in 2001.
Break in time series: There is a temporary break in the numbers of midwives graduating in 2003,
because the length of the vocational training of this field was increased from 2 to 3 years.
Ministry of National Resources.
Coverage: Since 1990, data are provided for graduates in secondary vocational schools and
professional nursing education, in addition to university level graduates in health care. The data
have been recalculated from 1990 and harmonized with the definitions of OECD and EUROSTAT.
Estimation method: Data for 2000 are estimated. The response rate of data collection in 2000 was
only 98%. Therefore, these data were corrected according to the grounds of data collection in 2001.
Break in time series: There is a temporary break in the numbers of midwives graduating in 2003,
because the length of the vocational training of this field was increased from 2 to 3 years.
Iceland
Source of data:
- As of 1996: Statistics Iceland, Register of graduations.
- 1980-1995: Directorate of Health.
Reference period: As of 1996, the calendar year.
Coverage: Students who have obtained a recognised qualification in midwifery in Iceland (UI) in a
given year.
- As of 1996: Statistics Iceland, Register of graduations.
- 1980-1995: Directorate of Health.
Reference period: As of 1996, the calendar year.
Coverage: Students who have obtained a recognised qualification in midwifery in Iceland (UI) in a
given year.
Ireland
Source of data:
- Up to 1998: An Bord Altranais (Nursing Board).
- From 1999 onwards: Higher Education Authority.
Reference period: Calendar year.
Break in time series: The figures up to 1998 relate to the number of newly registered midwifery
qualifications in a given year. The figures from 1999 relate to the number of graduates in a given
year. A 2-year training programme was introduced in 1982.
Coverage: Universities, Institutes of Technology and Designated Institutions.
- Up to 1998: An Bord Altranais (Nursing Board).
- From 1999 onwards: Higher Education Authority.
Reference period: Calendar year.
Break in time series: The figures up to 1998 relate to the number of newly registered midwifery
qualifications in a given year. The figures from 1999 relate to the number of graduates in a given
year. A 2-year training programme was introduced in 1982.
Coverage: Universities, Institutes of Technology and Designated Institutions.
Israel
Israel
Source of data: The data are based on the Midwives License Registry maintained by the Nursing
Division and the Health Information Division in the Ministry of Health, for which the demographic
information is periodically updated from the Population Registry at the Ministry of Interior.
Coverage: Data are for new licensed midwives who graduated in Israel.
- There were no courses in 2003-2004 but a few midwives finished previously started studies.
Note: The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant
Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the
Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of
international law.
Source of data: The data are based on the Midwives License Registry maintained by the Nursing
Division and the Health Information Division in the Ministry of Health, for which the demographic
information is periodically updated from the Population Registry at the Ministry of Interior.
Coverage: Data are for new licensed midwives who graduated in Israel.
- There were no courses in 2003-2004 but a few midwives finished previously started studies.
Note: The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant
Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the
Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of
international law.
Italy
Source of data: Ministry of Education; ?Survey on Graduates and Exams? carried out yearly by the
Ministry by collecting data from Italian Universities (http://www.miur.it).
Break in time series:
- From 2000: Midwives graduated. Data from 2000 onwards refer to the new education system of
midwives (to become a midwife it is necessary to get a 3-year university degree).
- 1999: Midwives with university diploma. Data refer to the previous education system of midwives
(to become a midwife it was necessary to get a diploma at university level).
- 1996-1998: Midwives with diploma. Data refer to the previous education system of midwives (to
become a midwife it was necessary to get a two-year diploma).
Ministry by collecting data from Italian Universities (http://www.miur.it).
Break in time series:
- From 2000: Midwives graduated. Data from 2000 onwards refer to the new education system of
midwives (to become a midwife it is necessary to get a 3-year university degree).
- 1999: Midwives with university diploma. Data refer to the previous education system of midwives
(to become a midwife it was necessary to get a diploma at university level).
- 1996-1998: Midwives with diploma. Data refer to the previous education system of midwives (to
become a midwife it was necessary to get a two-year diploma).
Latvia
Source of data: Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) since 2008.
Coverage: The annual surveys collected and compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) are as
follows:
- on higher education institutions and colleges.
Break in series: 2008: Change in data source.
Note: Source of data prior to 2008 not clear.
Coverage: The annual surveys collected and compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) are as
follows:
- on higher education institutions and colleges.
Break in series: 2008: Change in data source.
Note: Source of data prior to 2008 not clear.
Lithuania
Source of data: Statistics Lithuania, data of entire annual survey of education institutions. Report
?Health Statistics of Lithuania?, available from http://sic.hi.lt/html/en/hsl.htm.
The number of graduates fluctuates starting from 1992 due to political and economical changes in the
country, changes in the status of medical institutes (to universities) and medical schools (to
colleges) and changes in studying programmes. Therefore, every year different number of groups of
students of medical specialties is starting the education (and after some years graduating).
In 1999 the duration of education was extended from 3 to 3.5 years.
In some years the number of midwives graduates is 0. Not every year midwife education is offered to
new students, due to estimated low number of needed midwives. Therefore, after a couple of years,
there are 0 graduates.
?Health Statistics of Lithuania?, available from http://sic.hi.lt/html/en/hsl.htm.
The number of graduates fluctuates starting from 1992 due to political and economical changes in the
country, changes in the status of medical institutes (to universities) and medical schools (to
colleges) and changes in studying programmes. Therefore, every year different number of groups of
students of medical specialties is starting the education (and after some years graduating).
In 1999 the duration of education was extended from 3 to 3.5 years.
In some years the number of midwives graduates is 0. Not every year midwife education is offered to
new students, due to estimated low number of needed midwives. Therefore, after a couple of years,
there are 0 graduates.
Luxembourg
Source of data: Lycee technique de certaines professions de sante.
Malta
Source of data: University of Malta
Montenegro
The data are not available.
Netherlands
Source of data: Netherlands Institute for Research of Primary Health Care.
North Macedonia
Source of data: State Statistical Office (SSO), Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Macedonia
Reference period: 31st December
Note: Starting from 2008, midwifery education becomes university-level education (instead of
secondary school level).
Break in time series: 2008.
Reference period: 31st December
Note: Starting from 2008, midwifery education becomes university-level education (instead of
secondary school level).
Break in time series: 2008.
Norway
Source of data: Statistics Norway.
- Statistics Norway collects student data from the administrative systems of the various tertiary
institutions. The administrative systems in tertiary institutions create data files in the format
specified by Statistics Norway. Information on completed doctoral degrees is collected from NIFU
(http://www.nifustep.no/English/Pages/default.aspx).
- Tertiary graduation statistics include all individuals who have completed a degree of 2 years or
longer from an educational institution classified by the Standard Industrial Classification as a
tertiary institution. Registration of completed educational activities occurs during the period 1
October in year x, 30 September in year x+1.
- See http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/04/02/40/eksuvh_en/ and then 'About the statistics'.
Coverage: Complete coverage as statistics are based on enumeration of graduates in tertiary
education. Sampling errors and non-response errors do not exist.
Break in time series: Individually based data on completed education have been published annually
since they were first collected in 1973/74 (academic year). Most variables are comparable, but some
have changed. The revised Norwegian Standard Classification of Education
(http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/04/90/nos_c751_en/) recoded education courses to enable
comparison of newer and older data (also including a recoding to ISCED-97). While education courses
are reasonably comparable over time, other variables are not (e.g. coding of institution types).
- Statistics Norway collects student data from the administrative systems of the various tertiary
institutions. The administrative systems in tertiary institutions create data files in the format
specified by Statistics Norway. Information on completed doctoral degrees is collected from NIFU
(http://www.nifustep.no/English/Pages/default.aspx).
- Tertiary graduation statistics include all individuals who have completed a degree of 2 years or
longer from an educational institution classified by the Standard Industrial Classification as a
tertiary institution. Registration of completed educational activities occurs during the period 1
October in year x, 30 September in year x+1.
- See http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/04/02/40/eksuvh_en/ and then 'About the statistics'.
Coverage: Complete coverage as statistics are based on enumeration of graduates in tertiary
education. Sampling errors and non-response errors do not exist.
Break in time series: Individually based data on completed education have been published annually
since they were first collected in 1973/74 (academic year). Most variables are comparable, but some
have changed. The revised Norwegian Standard Classification of Education
(http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/04/90/nos_c751_en/) recoded education courses to enable
comparison of newer and older data (also including a recoding to ISCED-97). While education courses
are reasonably comparable over time, other variables are not (e.g. coding of institution types).
Poland
Source of data:
- Until 1990: publication of Ministry of National Education, ?Higher education, basic data?.
- From 1990: Central Statistical Office, reports S-10.
Break in time series: 1990 due to change of data source.
Coverage: Number of graduates with first university level and master?s degree from midwifery
programme, including foreigners who graduated in Poland.
Note: The education of midwives is now in a process of transformation, which means that traditional
nursing schools were closed down and a new license and masters degree-based system is being
established. This will allow the number of personnel with higher education to increase in these two
occupational groups.
Since 2003, Medical Universities have provided two types of studies for midwives: a 3-year licensing
degree and complementary studies for those who do not have the licence. After graduation, there is
the possibility of a 2-year master?s degree.
There is a concern about double counting of graduates in cases where a person first completes a
bachelor?s degree and then a master?s degree. Each year universities give information about the
number of graduates without identifying the people who continue their education in the second
degree. As a result, these graduates are registered again two years later upon completion of their
second degree.
- Until 1990: publication of Ministry of National Education, ?Higher education, basic data?.
- From 1990: Central Statistical Office, reports S-10.
Break in time series: 1990 due to change of data source.
Coverage: Number of graduates with first university level and master?s degree from midwifery
programme, including foreigners who graduated in Poland.
Note: The education of midwives is now in a process of transformation, which means that traditional
nursing schools were closed down and a new license and masters degree-based system is being
established. This will allow the number of personnel with higher education to increase in these two
occupational groups.
Since 2003, Medical Universities have provided two types of studies for midwives: a 3-year licensing
degree and complementary studies for those who do not have the licence. After graduation, there is
the possibility of a 2-year master?s degree.
There is a concern about double counting of graduates in cases where a person first completes a
bachelor?s degree and then a master?s degree. Each year universities give information about the
number of graduates without identifying the people who continue their education in the second
degree. As a result, these graduates are registered again two years later upon completion of their
second degree.
Portugal
Data not available.
Republic of Moldova
Source of data: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, National Centre for Health
Management, Annual statistical report N17 ?On staff and cadres of health institutions?.
http://cnms.md/areas/statistics/anyar/.
Reference period: Data as of December 31.
Coverage: Data exclude Transnistria.
Deviation from the definition: Foreign health personnel are not included.
Management, Annual statistical report N17 ?On staff and cadres of health institutions?.
http://cnms.md/areas/statistics/anyar/.
Reference period: Data as of December 31.
Coverage: Data exclude Transnistria.
Deviation from the definition: Foreign health personnel are not included.
Romania
Source of data: National Institute of Statistics,
Activity of Education Units (Statistical data on tertiary education) ? annual survey performed by
NIS.
Reference period: academic year.
Activity of Education Units (Statistical data on tertiary education) ? annual survey performed by
NIS.
Reference period: academic year.
Serbia
Data are not available.
Slovakia
Source of data: National Health Information Center (submitted data are from the Institute of
Information and Prognosis of Education, http://www.uips.sk).
Break in time series: In 1994, the number of midwives who graduated dropped from 184 to 0 because of
changes within the Slovak health education and training system.
Information and Prognosis of Education, http://www.uips.sk).
Break in time series: In 1994, the number of midwives who graduated dropped from 184 to 0 because of
changes within the Slovak health education and training system.
Slovenia
Source of data: The National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Health
Statistics Yearbook.
Reference period: 31st December.
Statistics Yearbook.
Reference period: 31st December.
Spain
Data not available (the midwifery educational programme is a specialty of nursing education).
Sweden
Source of data:
- Until 1999: NBHW, Yearbook of Health and Medical Care.
- From 2000: National Board of Health and Welfare. National Planning Support (NPS) register.
Reference period: 1st November.
Coverage:
- Data refer to midwives licensed in a given year. Therefore, data include both domestically trained
midwives and those trained abroad who apply for a Swedish license.
- 100 per cent coverage.
- Until 1999: NBHW, Yearbook of Health and Medical Care.
- From 2000: National Board of Health and Welfare. National Planning Support (NPS) register.
Reference period: 1st November.
Coverage:
- Data refer to midwives licensed in a given year. Therefore, data include both domestically trained
midwives and those trained abroad who apply for a Swedish license.
- 100 per cent coverage.
Switzerland
Source of data: Swiss Red Cross, Bern, Directorate, Health and Integration, Professional Education.
Türkiye
Source of data: General Directorate for Health Services, Ministry of Health and ESPC Higher
Education Statistics.
Coverage:
- Data refer to total number of midwifery graduates of vocational high schools of health and
universities.
- Midwifery departments in vocational health high schools accepted an increasing number of midwifery
students until the mid-1990s in response to domestic needs. In the late 1990s, vocational health
high schools started not to enroll any students in midwifery section. However, in the early 2000s, a
growing need for midwives came to the agenda again, and these vocational schools begun accepting
more midwifery students again, explaining the rise in the number of graduates since 2004. In 2005,
the vocational health schools again started not to enroll any new students so there has been no
midwifery section graduates since 2008 in these vocational schools.
- In 2013, the data have been updated since 1988.
Education Statistics.
Coverage:
- Data refer to total number of midwifery graduates of vocational high schools of health and
universities.
- Midwifery departments in vocational health high schools accepted an increasing number of midwifery
students until the mid-1990s in response to domestic needs. In the late 1990s, vocational health
high schools started not to enroll any students in midwifery section. However, in the early 2000s, a
growing need for midwives came to the agenda again, and these vocational schools begun accepting
more midwifery students again, explaining the rise in the number of graduates since 2004. In 2005,
the vocational health schools again started not to enroll any new students so there has been no
midwifery section graduates since 2008 in these vocational schools.
- In 2013, the data have been updated since 1988.
Turkmenistan
Source of data: Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.
Ukraine
Source: State Statistic Department
United Kingdom
Source of data: Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Coverage: Data are for financial years, e.g. year 2009 data cover the period 1st April 2009 to 31st
March 2010.
Estimation method: The actual number of midwife graduates is not available. The figure is an
estimate based on the number of midwives newly registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
which is an essential requirement for working as a midwife in the United Kingdom.
Coverage: Data are for financial years, e.g. year 2009 data cover the period 1st April 2009 to 31st
March 2010.
Estimation method: The actual number of midwife graduates is not available. The figure is an
estimate based on the number of midwives newly registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
which is an essential requirement for working as a midwife in the United Kingdom.