McMaster is one of three universities in Ontario offering midwifery education. It's a full-time, four-year program that yields a bachelor of health sciences degree. McMaster is world-renowned for its hands-on teaching methods and its esteemed faculty, who are themselves experts in their field, many of whom are published and maintain clinical practices. Graduates of the program are eligible to register as midwives in Ontario, and also meet the criteria to take their work to other parts of Canada and abroad.
The Ryerson midwifery degree can be completed in four to six years. The first three semesters in the program may be taken part time, making it an obvious choice for busy professionals and parents. Core courses emphasize a well-rounded curriculum in the social and biological sciences, while clinical placements also provide students with hands-on experience in the field. Health professionals who already hold a baccalaureate degree can apply for the post-baccalaureate program for health professionals, which can be completed in two years. Students of aboriginal descent may be eligible for additional financial aid.
The Laurentian program is offered in both English and French and takes four years to complete. Students complete rigorous placements in various clinical settings during their final six semesters. The Midwifery Education Program prides itself on being culturally inclusive, empowering students to explore new avenues of knowledge and commit to lifelong learning. Graduates will meet the requirements to practice in Ontario as well as other provinces.
Perhaps the most well-known program for midwifery in Canada, the University of British Columbia Midwifery Education Program is a full-time, four-year program. Clinical and in-class work encompass the program's three major foci: human growth and development, pregnancy and birth transitions, and effective care. Interdisciplinary studies and research are both strongly emphasized. Graduates can anticipate a wide variety of job opportunities in their community. Class size is limited to 10. The University of British Columbia Midwifery Education Program prides itself on being Canada's premiere authority on midwifery research and leadership.
In June 1999, midwifery was legalized in Quebec as a legitimate medical practice. The midwifery baccalaureate program available at the University of Quebec Trois-Rivieres takes four years to complete and is conducted exclusively in French (as is most official business in the province.) It draws on a wide range of disciplines. The first year is devoted to the biomedical sciences, social sciences and humanities. The three subsequent years emphasize experiential learning in various clinical settings. In addition to becoming skilled at clinical work, students also explore a breadth of theoretical and research applications. Candidates must be born in Quebec, or prove residency in Quebec. Each class is limited to 24 students.