McMaster University

Midwifery Home

About The Program

Prospective Students

1. What is a Midwife?
A midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to low-risk women throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth and provides care to both mother and baby during the first six weeks following the birth. Midwives work together in group practices. During regularly scheduled visits to the midwifery practice, midwives provide clinical examinations, counselling and education. Women in midwifery care normally do not see a physician during their pregnancy, labour or the first six weeks after the birth unless complications arise.

A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognized in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery. The International Confederation of Midwives believes that a midwife offers care based on a philosophy, which influences the model of care. - from International Confederation of Midwives website (September, 2007)

2. What are the financial implications of the program?
Clinical experiences require students to provide their own means of reliable transportation. Throughout the program, students will be placed in more than one midwifery practice. Due to limited placements students may have to relocate within Ontario for clinical placements. Travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the student. Careful financial planning is required in order to participate in the program.

3. Is practical experience available through the program?
Yes. Each student is assigned to a midwife preceptor during clinical courses. There are 6 clinical terms and each spans13 weeks. Students will provide continuity of care to clients and obtain continuity of supervision from a preceptor. There are additional placements in hospital labour and delivery units and with obstetricians.

4. What type of Educational Background do students accepted to the program have?
Midwifery students come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some students may have completed undergraduate university degrees; however, others may have graduate degrees and college diplomas or come directly from high school.

5. Will having a Nursing background help my chances of getting into the program?
There is no one educational background that will guarantee admission. However we recommend at least one year of university studies prior to application. The program curriculum is structured to train students who have no prior health care education or experience.

6. What if I go to the US or UK to train as a Midwife and then return to Canada?
Persons with qualifications from outside of Canada are advised to contact the Continuing Education Department at Ryerson University regarding the International Midwifery Preregistration Program (IMPP) Alison Gaul at agaul@ryerson.ca or (416) 979-5000 ext. 7681.

7. What is the likelihood of getting a position upon completion of the program?
All graduates are required to apply to the College of Midwives for registration and are required to work in an established practice for their first year of registration. To date all graduates who choose to practice are working.

Prospective Students Home

Admission Requirements

How To Apply

Selection Procedure

Ontario Universities' Application Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

8. What is the earning potential for a Midwife in Ontario?
The current minimum income for midwives in this province is $77,000 a year.

9. How do Midwives in Ontario work?
Midwives, as Primary Care Practitioners, set up private practices usually in groups of 2 or more. They attend births in hospitals and women's homes. They provide care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and up to six weeks postpartum to the woman and her baby.

10. When will the program admit higher numbers?
As of August, 2007 the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster admits 27 students per year. Prior to 2007 20 students were admitted each year. The program has a contract with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that sets out the number of students admitted each year.

11. I've never attended a birth; does this reduce my chances of getting into to the program?
Having attended a birth is NOT a requirement for admission to the program; however, any type of volunteer or work experience may be beneficial to you in understanding the role of a caregiver.

12. How does midwifery affect one's lifestyle?
Midwifery students should consider carefully the lifestyle changes that will occur as a student and later as a practicing midwife. Midwifery students will have to plan carefully for the four years of the program. This will mean discussing with family and support people, the implications of working long hours, relocating for clinical terms, maintaining transportation and the cost of the program. As a midwifery students, you will not be able to maintain a part-time job during clinical terms. These clinical terms begin in the 2nd term of year two of the program and students are expected to cover the costs, including transportation.

13. If I am not accepted this year, what can I do to enhance my application next year?
It is very difficult to answer this question without knowing what stage an applicant was unsuccessful. Unsuccessful applicants who intend to pursue University studies are encouraged to enroll in an area of interest to them.

Updated September 24, 2007