Midwifery Programs in Canada

McMaster University

• McMaster University offers a four-year, full-time program leading to a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, specializing in Midwifery. Along with Ryerson and Laurentian Universities, McMaster is recognized by The Ontario Midwifery Program of Canada; prospective midwives can only apply to one of these three universities. Graduates work mainly in Ontario, but have the ability to practice anywhere in Canada that recognizes the certification of midwives.

  McMaster prides itself on offering a program that combines health, social and biological disciplines. Theoretical education is enhanced by experiential learning in clinical settings so that students learn the ideology of the field and apply these insights and understandings to practical, real-life situations.

  Learn more about McMaster University's Midwifery program at the contact information below:

  Midwifery Education Program
  Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery
  Second Fl., 2210
  1200 Main Street West
  Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5
  Phone: 905-525-9140, Ext. 26654
  Fax: 905-523-6459

Ryerson University

• Students wishing to attend Ryerson University should expect to spend four years earning their Bachelor of Science degree in Midwifery. Potential graduates must participate in at least sixty births, and act as primary caregivers in at least forty births. Students must also be involved in both prenatal and postpartum cases occurring in midwifery clinics and homes.

  By combining theory and practice, students graduate with the knowledge and experience necessary for success. Ryerson's curriculum includes enrolment in courses that situate midwifery in social and cultural contexts, exploring issues of violence, race, ethnicity, sexuality, socio-economic status, public policy and the history of midwifery on national and global levels. Additionally, students should expect to devote six terms of their education to clinical experience.

  For more information, please contact Ryerson University's Midwifery Education program at the contact information below:

  Midwifery Education Program
  99 Gerrard Street East
  Room SHE-582
  Toronto, Ontario M5B 2L4
  Phone: (416) 979-5104
  Fax: (416) 979-5271

Laurentian University

• This four-year program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery degree. By preparing students to supervise, care for and counsel women during all stages of pregnancy and labor, Laurentian supports women's involvement in their own health care. Graduates achieve registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario, allowing for many opportunities for employment. One unusual benefit of this particular program is that the Ontario Ministry of Health guarantees funding for all graduates in their first year as practising midwives.

  The program requires that students complete six terms of full-time practical experience in clinical settings. One unique feature of Laurentian's midwifery program is that education is offered in both English and French. Students learn that child-rearing is a socially, culturally and biologically significant accomplishment that differs according to culture.

  Prospective students should contact Laurentian University at the information below:

  Midwifery Education Program
  Laurentian University
  Ramsey Lake Road
  Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6
  Phone: (705) 675-4822
  Fax: (705) 675-4830

University of British Columbia

• The Midwifery Education Program at the University of British Columbia exists as an independent component within the Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine. Responsible for educating most of the majority of registered midwives in B.C. and western Canada, the program's success can be attributed to it being the only one that prepares students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. With its own admission and selection processes, this program is the only academic institution for midwifery instruction and practise in B.C.

  The department offers a four-year Bachelor of Midwifery degree, available full-time to ten students in each class. By combining seminars, labs, web learning, correspondence learning and clinical study, faculty give students a well-rounded education applicable in many environments. A minimum of three terms are spent on practical learning in a clinical setting.

  Learn more about the program by contacting the University of British Columbia.

  Department of Family Practice
  Faculty of Medicine
  University of British Columbia
  B54-2194 Health Sciences Mall
  Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3
  Phone: (604) 822-0352
  Fax: (604) 822-8030