Specialized practice is now certification
The BCCNM board on April 1 approved new Certified Midwives practice standards for midwives who hold certification with BCCNM. Under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), this will now be known as certification, and midwives will be able to use the title "certified".
What certification is
Certification confirms you've completed BCCNM-recognized education and met program requirements so you can practise in a specific certification program area.
You can apply for certification if you meet the requirements for the certification program you're seeking (including completing BCCNM-recognized certification courses and any other BCCNM requirements).
Standards
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Certified Midwives: Vacuum-Assisted Emergency Delivery
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Certified Midwives: Epidural Maintenance
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Certified Midwives: Induction and Augmentation of Labour
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Certified Midwives: Sexually Transmitted Infections Management
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Certified Midwives: Intrauterine Contraception Insertion
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Certified Midwives: Hormonal Contraceptive Therapy
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Certified Midwives: Acupuncture
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Certified Midwives: Surgical First Assist for Cesarean Section
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Midwives: Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism
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Midwives: Medication
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Midwives: Screening and Diagnostic Tests & Imaging
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Midwives: Use of Title
What RM(C) means in practice
As a midwife, you can make diagnoses and treat within your scope of practice and your own competence. If you hold
certification, you may also diagnose, treat, and perform activities covered by your certification program—but only within that program's practice standard(s).
Certified midwives use the title: certified midwife, midwife (certified) or RM(C).
Before you act: check the controls on practice
When you practise as an RM(C), make sure all four controls on practice are met:
- Legislation and regulation allow it
- Your certification program standard(s)/limits/conditions and authorize it
- Your place of practice supports (policies, resources, processes)
- You have the competence to do it safely today
Read more about the
controls on practice»
Important
You must maintain certification by meeting BCCNM Quality Assurance requirements annually. If your certification isn't current, you can't use the RM(C) title or practise as certified.
- Is certification program-specific?
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Yes. Certification is specific to the certified practice program you hold. Being certified in one program does not mean you’re certified in another. (Example: Acupuncture certification does not mean you are certified in Hormonal Contraceptive Therapy). Practise only within the practice standard(s) for the program(s) you currently hold.
- When can I use the title RM(C)?
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You may use Midwife (Certified) or RM(C) only when you hold current BCCNM certification. If you do not hold a current practising certification, use Registered Midwife or RM.
- I completed a certification course. Does that mean I'm certified?
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No. Completing a course is just one requirement. Certification is a BCCNM credential that you must apply for and be granted. You’re certified only when you hold current BCCNM certification in that program (and you may use the RM(C) title.
Need help or support?
For further guidance on understanding and applying the standards of practice, connect with our
Standards Support team.