Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Faculty of Health Sciences

Midwifery Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Education

In the McMaster Midwifery Education Program, clinically active midwives teach the professional practice of midwifery.

Curriculum Overview

Program Overview

The four year program which spans nine terms, includes courses from basic sciences, social sciences, health sciences and electives, in addition to clinical courses. A variety of course formats include classroom, distance learning through web conferencing and print-based self-study courses. Teaching methods include lecture format, small group tutorials, self-directed activities and practical learning experiences in both laboratory and clinical practice settings.

Midwifery is an important component of women’s health care. Midwives’ expertise in the care of normal pregnancy and childbirth arises from their understanding of childbearing as a social, cultural and biological process and from their ability to competently exercise clinical skills and decision-making.

Clinical Courses

Clinical courses consist of a practical and theoretical component and concurrent problem-based weekly tutorials. Students are assigned to a midwifery practice as well as to interprofessional placements including nursing, neonatal intensive care nursery, and obstetrical practices. Throughout the program, students will be placed in more than one midwifery practice within the McMaster Midwifery Program catchment area and will gain clinical experience in a hospital setting and with an obstetrician. Students should expect to relocate for clinical placements. Travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Intensives

An Intensive course is 5-7 days in duration and consists of workshop-style presentations focusing on clinical skills. Attendance (100%) is mandatory.

Requirements

135 units total (Years I to IV)

Note
An asterisk (*) following a course code indicates that transfer credit may be available.

Clinical Placements

Each midwifery practice group in Ontario has been assigned to one of three placement areas: Southwestern Ontario Area (SOA), Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Greater Ontario Area (GOA).

Your admission to the Ontario Midwifery Education Program (OMEP) will be linked to a specific area where you will be placed. The SOA is exclusive to McMaster University students, the GTA is exclusive to Toronto Metropolitan University students, and the GOA is shared by McMaster and Toronto Metropolitan University.

When the Laurentian University midwifery program closed in 2021, Toronto Metropolitan University and McMaster Universities began to accept additional students and agreed to place them in the placement region formerly affiliated with Laurentian University, giving McMaster two placement regions: Southwestern Ontario Area (SOA) and the Greater Ontario Area (GOA). About 30 students per year are admitted to the SOA and about 15 to the GOA.

The approximate boundaries of the areas (SOA = Purple, GTA = Yellow, GOA = Blue) and a list of the midwifery practices within can be found below. Please note the boundaries of this map are approximate and this map is subject to change at any time.

Applicants to McMaster University should not expect to be placed in the GTA.

Midwifery Practices Affiliated with Southern Ontario Area (SOA)

Midwifery Practices Affiliated with Greater Ontario Area (GOA).

Note: Applicants with a need to be placed in the GTA region should apply to Toronto Metropolitan University.

The only students who are eligible to cross regions are those who are Indigenous, Black or Francophone who can apply for a designated placement. Northern students who are offered a GOA placement are prioritized for northern placements, which are in the GOA region.  We use a lottery system for placements. Students submit preferences and the system maximizes top choices.

Please note that:

  • McMaster’s geographic placement regions may be subject to change without notice.
  • While we strive to place students in their allocated region, we cannot control the availability of placements so you must be prepared to relocate anywhere in Ontario for the midwifery clinical terms. Midwifery clinical terms comprise four semesters of the program and you will be placed in at least two midwifery practices, possibly in two different locations. You must be prepared to assume all transportation and accommodation costs for clinical terms. Again, careful financial planning plus willingness to commute and/or temporarily relocate is essential.

Expectations of students during Clinical Placements

Clinical terms comprise at least half of the program and students need to be prepared for the following:

  • You need to be ready to work long and unpredictable hours.
  • It is not possible to maintain a part-time job.
  • Students must be prepared to relocate for clinical terms.
  • Students must be prepared to assume all transportation costs.
  • Students are required to travel to more than one site per day including to clients homes, hospital and clinic sites.
  • Students must have access to a vehicle and hold a G2 or G licence prior to the first clinical placement course and for all subsequent placement courses.
  • Students must have a cell phone for all placement courses.

Living arrangements during Clinical Placement

During a clinical placement, students are expected to live within a reasonable travel distance to the practice workplace according to the norm of their allocated practice in order to appropriately attend to clinical care and meet course objectives. A common standard is a 30 minute travel time to the midwifery practice in regular travel conditions.

Non-Academic Requirements

Please note: For all students who are returning to a clinical placement from a leave or withdrawal, all Health Screening, Police Records, and NARS must be submitted  6 weeks prior to the start of placement.

Costs associated with NARS – Please note that prices are subject to change:

CPR Fees can range from $100 to $300
NRP $113 Workshop + $58 Exam + $90 Textbook
VSC Fees can range from $25 to $115
ALARM $300
ESW $75
MEP Penalty Fee $50

Regarding ALARM: The program will arrange ALARM prior to the final 12 months of placement. Students are required to attend this training. This training is valid for two years. Students are responsible for ALARM registration/cost. ALARM rates are released in January of each year.

 

 

FHS HEALTH AND POLICE/VSS REQUIREMENTS

For full health screening requirements, please consult: https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/healthscreening/index.html

For full police and VSS check requirements, please consult: https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/pcbe/police_records_check.html

Expandable List

Summer

Required in July of your incoming year

1. FHS-Health Screening Record (Required by July 15) Submit one of three ways:

2. Police Check/VSS (Required by July 31)

  • Submit to FHS Professionalism Office

Summer

1. TB Screening Update (Required by July 31st of each year)

2. Police Check/VSS (Required by at least 2 weeks before current VSS expiry)

    • Submit to FHS Professionalism Office

Summer

1.TB Screening Update (Required by July 31st of each year)

2. Police Check/VSS (Required by at least 2 weeks before current VSS expiry)

  • Submit to FHS Professionalism Office

Summer

1.TB Screening Update (Required by July 31st of each year)

2. Police Check/VSS (Required by at least 2 weeks before current VSS expiry)

  • Submit to FHS Professionalism Office

Non-Academic Program Requirements (NARS)

In addition to annual Health Screening and Police Records Check / Vulnerable Sector Screening (which are collected and monitored by the FHS Health & Professionalism Office), the Midwifery Education Program requires all active students to be in possession of valid program Non-Academic Requirements (NARS) dependent upon their level of study and the specific academic term in which they are enrolled. NARS include: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), N95 Mask Fit certification, and PPE Awareness Modules.

It is expected that active students will be fully covered by their NARS during the academic term and it is the student’s responsibility for keeping their NARS up-to-date for each required term.

All MEP NARS are to be uploaded by the student to MedSIS.  Please visit the FHS MedSIS MEP training pages for instructions: https://medsisinfo.mcmaster.ca/training/midwifery/

Effective January 1, 2020, if a student is found to be in breach of this program requirement, the following actions will be taken:

  • The student will be pulled from placement or other program activities that may involve contact with pregnant clients until the expired certificate/training is updated;
  • The student will be charged a $50 penalty fee every time the required certificate/training is not updated on time; and
  • This behaviour will be noted as professional misconduct in the student record.
  • If the student fails to update the required certificate/training on time on three occasions throughout the duration of the program, they will be referred to the Faculty of Health Science’s Professionalism Committee for further action.

All NARS must be uploaded at least two weeks prior to expiry in order to facilitate administrative processing.  Any delays encountered should be communicated to the MEP as soon as possible.

Before each term, please consult the following list of NARS by term and make arrangements well in advance to complete absent NARS or update your NARS that will expire during the course of any given term.

Please select your upcoming Level / Term for NARS requirements

Please note that requirements are listed only for the terms in which they are required.  If a requirement is not listed, it is not required for that term.

VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM  RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website:  https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense.Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website: https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense.Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.

 

VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website: https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense.Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
PPE Awareness Module No later than Two (2) Weeks before the start of term Complete all requirements and components as instructed in the PPE Module in MedSIS Considered valid for 12 months from the date of completion
NRP Immediately upon completion during Fall offering of MIDWIF 2G06 Online component:  At student’s expense, successfully complete the NRP Essentials online examination from the Canadian Paediatric Society/Healthstream.

In-Person component: 2nd year students will have in-person NRP training offered during MIDWIF 2G06.  

Exam Resources: https://www.cps.ca/en/nrp-prn
Alternative In-Person Course Providers: https://cps.ca/en/nrp-prn/steering-committee

Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.

 Considered valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.
N95 Mask Fit Testing Immediately upon completion during Fall offering of MIDWIF 2G06 In Level 2, Mask Fit testing will be arranged by the program in the Fall term via the course MIDWIF 2G06. Students must sign up for a session on a first-come, first-served basis.  Mask Fit arranged by the program will be uploaded for students. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.

 

VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website: https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense. Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
PPE Awareness Module If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term Complete all requirements and components as instructed in the PPE Module in MedSIS Considered valid for 12 months from the date of completion
N95 Mask Fit Testing Immediately upon completion during Fall offering of MIDWIF 3I03 In Level 3, Mask Fit testing will be arranged by the program in the Fall term via the course MIDWIF 3I03. Students must sign up for the session on a first-come, first served basis. Mask Fit arranged by the program will be uploaded for students. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) Immediately upon completion during the Fall offering of MIDWIF 3I03 (Advanced Clinical Skills I) In Level 3, ESW will be arranged by the program in the Fall term via the course MIDWIF 3I03.  There is no certificate that is issued however a passing grade for MIDWIF 3I03 will serve as proof of completion.  ESW completion status will be updated for the student on MedSIS. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.  Please note – If ESW training expires, students may choose to renew with the program or externally.  Alternatively, valid ALARM training can also serve as a substitute.  It is mandatory for students to undergo ESW training provided by the program at least once during their tenure in the program.
VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website: https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense.  Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
PPE Awareness Module If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term Complete all requirements and components as instructed in the PPE Module in MedSIS Considered valid for 12 months from the date of completion
N95 Mask Fit Testing If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term At own expense, arrange for Mask Fit testing from the closest provider in your area. Consult your local hospitals, practices, or universities for Mask Fit testing options.  Please reach out to program administrators with your updated Mask Fit details. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
ALARM Upon completion during the Advanced Clinical Skills II (ACSII) intensive At student’s expense (a fee is charged to the students), successfully complete ALARM training organized by the Program during the ACSII intensive. Students will upload their ALARM certificate on MedSIS. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) Immediately upon completion during the Fall offering of MIDWIF 3I03 (Advanced Clinical Skills I) In Level 3, ESW will be arranged by the program in the Fall term via the course MIDWIF 3I03.  There is no certificate that is issued however a passing grade for MIDWIF 3I03 will serve as proof of completion.  ESW completion status will be updated for the student on MedSIS. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.  Please note – If ESW training expires, students may choose to renew with the program or externally.  Alternatively, valid ALARM training can also serve as a substitute.  It is mandatory for students to undergo ESW training provided by the program at least once during their tenure in the program.
VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website: https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense.Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
PPE Awareness Module If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term Complete all requirements and components as instructed in the PPE Module in MedSIS Considered valid for 12 months from the date of completion
NRP Upon completion in Level 3.  No later than six weeks before the start of MIDWIF 3H15. Online component:  At student’s expense, successfully complete the Advanced NRP online examination from the Canadian Paediatric Society/Healthstream.

In-Person component: 3rd year students will have in-person NRP training offered during Level 3

Exam Resources: https://www.cps.ca/en/nrp-prn
Alternative In-Person Course Providers: https://cps.ca/en/nrp-prn/steering-committee

Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.

 Considered valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.
N95 Mask Fit Testing If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term At own expense, arrange for Mask Fit testing from the closest provider in your area. Consult your local hospitals, practices, or universities for Mask Fit testing options.  Please reach out to program administrators with your updated Mask Fit details. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
ALARM If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term If a student’s ALARM certificate has expired or will expire during the final three clinical terms of the program and the student is unable to renew ALARM, they may complete Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) training as an alternative or provide proof of valid ESW training.  However, it is mandatory for students to undergo ALARM training provided by the program at least once during their tenure in the program.
If expired, and no valid ESW is in place, reach out to the SOGC to find an available ALARM course, at student’s own expense.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) Immediately upon completion during the Fall offering of MIDWIF 3I03 (Advanced Clinical Skills I) In Level 3, ESW will be arranged by the program in the Fall term via the course MIDWIF 3I03.  There is no certificate that is issued however a passing grade for MIDWIF 3I03 will serve as proof of completion.  ESW completion status will be updated for the student on MedSIS. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.  Please note – If ESW training expires, students may choose to renew with the program or externally.  Alternatively, valid ALARM training can also serve as a substitute.  It is mandatory for students to undergo ESW training provided by the program at least once during their tenure in the program.
VALID NARS REQUIRED FOR TERM RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION DATE TO PROGRAM OFFICE HOW TO OBTAIN and UPLOAD EXPIRY NOTES
CPR (BLS or HCP) If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term The approved course list is available on the CMO website: https://www.cmo.on.ca/members/continuing-competencies-2/
 
Cost is at student’s own expense.Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
PPE Awareness Module If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term Complete all requirements and components as instructed in the PPE Module in MedSIS Considered valid for 12 months from the date of completion
NRP If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term At student’s expense, successfully complete the Advanced NRP online examination from the Canadian Paediatric Society / Healthstream and the in-person course from a certified NRP instructor.

Exam Resources: https://www.cps.ca/en/nrp-prn

In-Person Course Providers: https://cps.ca/en/nrp-prn/steering-committee

Students will upload their provider card to MedSIS.

 Considered valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.
N95 Mask Fit Testing If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term At own expense, arrange for Mask Fit testing from the closest provider in your area. Consult your local hospitals, practices, or universities for Mask Fit testing options.  Please reach out to program administrators with your updated Mask Fit details. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
ALARM If absent or going to expire: Two (2) Weeks before the start of term If a student’s ALARM certificate has expired or will expire during the final three clinical terms of the program and the student is unable to renew ALARM, they may complete Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) training as an alternative or provide proof of valid ESW training.  However, it is mandatory for students to undergo ALARM training provided by the program at least once during their tenure in the program.
If expired, and no valid ESW is in place, reach out to the SOGC to find an available ALARM course, at student’s own expense.		 Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) Immediately upon completion during the Fall offering of MIDWIF 3I03 (Advanced Clinical Skills I) In Level 3, ESW will be arranged by the program in the Fall term via the course MIDWIF 3I03.  There is no certificate that is issued however a passing grade for MIDWIF 3I03 will serve as proof of completion.  ESW completion status will be updated for the student on MedSIS. Considered valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.  Please note – If ESW training expires, students may choose to renew with the program or externally.  Alternatively, valid ALARM training can also serve as a substitute.  It is mandatory for students to undergo ESW training provided by the program at least once during their tenure in the program.

Student Resources