BCCNM reviews and recognizes B.C. midwifery education programs and courses required for initial registration as an RM. After students graduate from a recognized B.C. midwifery education program, they can apply for BCCNM registration.
British Columbia
The Midwifery Program at University of British Columbia (UBC) is a four-year, direct entry, full-time undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Midwifery degree. Graduates may apply for Practising midwife registration in British Columbia (BC) after passing the Canadian Midwifery Registration Examination (CMRE) and meeting all registration requirements. For graduates who have applied to take the CMRE or are awaiting exam results, provisional midwife registration will be granted to graduates who have met all other requirements for practising registration. The curriculum combines broad-based knowledge and understanding in the humanities and the social and bio-medical sciences. A variety of teaching methods are used, including seminars, laboratories, web-based technology, distance-learning, and clinical placements with B.C. midwives. Teaching is done in clinical placements, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, hospitals and labs throughout the province, and in international settings. Students spend at least three terms gaining clinical experience in midwifery practices across the province in order to meet clinical experience requirements for practising midwife registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
The Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP) at UBC is designed to support internationally educated midwives (IEMs) in making the transition to working in the Canadian health care system and in the B.C. midwifery model of practice. All IEMs who wish to register to practice midwifery in B.C. must first complete the IEMBP. IEMBP has an application process, distance-accessible and in-person intensive gap training and orientation to practice in B.C., and a short clinical internship. Graduates applying for midwife registration in BC will be granted practising midwife registration after passing the CMRE and meeting all registration requirements. For graduates who have applied to take the CMRE or are awaiting exam results, provisional midwife registration will be granted to graduates who have met all other requirements for practising registration.
Ontario
Midwifery Education Program
Ontario has a four-year undergraduate midwifery education program, which earns a Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery. Program curriculum is similar to that described for UBC. Its graduates can apply for Practising midwife registration with BCCNM after passing the CMRE and meeting all registration requirements. The program is offered by:
Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Education Program*
To apply, use the online application forms.
*The BCCNM Board has approved recognition of this education program. This program is still within public posting period for bylaw changes. For further information, see Bylaws.
Alberta
The Midwifery Program at Mount Royal University (Mount Royal’s B.Mid. program) is a four-year, direct entry, full-time undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Midwifery degree. Graduates may apply for practising midwife registration with CMBC after passing the CMRE and meeting all registration requirements. Mount Royal’s B.Mid. program currently has an interim program recognition status with BCCNM.
Other Canadian Provinces and Territories
BCCNM do not currently recognize any midwifery education programs in other Canadian provinces or territories except the programs in B.C., Ontario and Alberta as stated above. Graduates from a Canadian midwifery education program that are not recognized by BCCNM must first seek midwifery registration in a Canadian province or territory that recognize the program and apply for registration in B.C. as a Canadian applicant.
BCCNM has a process in place in reviewing and approving a baccalaureate midwifery education program or a midwifery bridging program. Every program is required to apply through the process if the program intends to be approved by the BCCNM as a recognized program.