The Ontario Midwifery Education Programme

The Bachelor of Health Science (B.H.SC) in Midwifery degree programme admitted its first class in September 1993. The programme is jointly offered by Laurentian University, McMaster University and Ryerson Polytechnic University.

The curriculum includes courses in basic sciences, social sciences, health sciences, women's studies and electives in addition to clinical courses. The academic and clinical components each make up fifty percent of the curriculum.

Each student is assigned to a midwifery practice for an extended period of clinical experience. This ensures that students will provide continuity of care to clients and obtain continuity of supervision from a clinical preceptor. Births are attended at both home and hospital. In addition to placement with midwife preceptors, clinical experience is obtained with a family physician, an obstetrician and in elective placements. Students are required to maintain current certification in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation.

The programme reflects the philosophy of midwifery in Ontario and its focus on women's participation in their health.

YEAR ONE - Introduction to Midwifery

Through small group discussions and arranged experiences, students will be oriented to the midwife's role, the philosophy of practice in Ontario and the future direction of Midwifery in Canada. Students will follow women throughout their pregnancies, labour, births and postpartum to gain an understanding of women's experience in pregnancy.

YEAR TWO - Midwifery Care I

This clinical course involves four weeks of structured learning experiences to prepare for a three month, individualized placement in a midwifery practice. The placement focuses on assessment skills during pregnancy, the labour and birth process and postpartum period. Students are certified in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation.

YEAR THREE - Midwifery Care II

This three month clinical course provides the student with an extended period of clinical experience within a midwifery practice under the supervision of a midwife preceptor. The course begins with a structured learning period and then moves into individualized placements. The placement focuses on clinical skills, prenatal, labour and birth, postpartum and newborn care. Students begin delivering babies during this placement under the guidance of the midwife.

Midwifery Care III

This three month clinical course is a continuation of clinical practice under the supervision of a midwife preceptor. Students will further develop their knowledge and skills in providing midwifery care to the woman and baby during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum. Student are also continuing their academic studies with a focus on variations from normal and complications of the childbearing year.

YEAR FOUR - Midwifery Care IV

By completion of this three month course, the student will have acquired a sound knowledge base and the clinical skills to provide care to the woman and baby throughout the childbearing cycle. She will work with you and your family to provide acre under the supervision of the midwife. Academic studies continue focusing on indications for consultation and referral and the relationship with other care providers.

Midwifery Care Clerkship

In this final term of clinical practice, the emphasis will be on clinical judgment and decision making skills. The student will be expected to participate in all phases of childbirth care in the role of one of your two midwives. While the midwife remains fully responsible, the student is increasingly involved in making clinical decisions, and providing care with minimal supervision.