Midwives are primary health care providers who provide expert care to pregnant people and their newborns during low-risk pregnancy, labour, birth, and six weeks postpartum. Midwives have well-developed interpersonal skills and are competent in areas of health education, counselling and interprofessional collaboration. 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. Midwifery is potentially one of the most important components in the healthcare of pregnant people in Ontario. Midwifery education provides the basis for sound professional practice. The Midwifery Education Program is an integral part of the evolution of the profession of midwifery in Ontario and is a leader in midwifery education in Canada. The program helps create future leaders and teachers. It assures practice and teaching as a continuum so that learning environments become available across Ontario.

The Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University is a collaborative venture shared by McMaster and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and leads to a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Midwifery.

* 75% minimum average required for consideration plus supplementary application. Admission is by selection following an admissions interview. Students must obtain a minimum grade of 75% in English, Biology and Chemistry. Additionally, students must achieve an overall minimum consideration average of 75%

High School applicants may apply to Midwifery if one or more of the required Grade 12 prerequisites are in progress by February 1, 2024; however, high school transcripts must show the Grade 11 prerequisite(s) as completed with a minimum grade of at least 75% and submitted by February 1, 2023 so that a preliminary eligibility and interview selection assessment can be made. Any offer of admission will be conditional upon successful completion of all Grade 12 prerequisites.

Clinical Education

Clinical courses consist of a clinical placement and concurrent problem-based weekly tutorials. Students are assigned to a midwifery practice for an extended period of time to ensure continuity of care to expectant mothers and supervision from a clinical preceptor. Throughout the program, students will be placed in more than one midwifery practice and will gain clinical experience in a hospital setting and with an obstetrician. Due to placement availability, students should expect to relocate or travel for clinical placements. Travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the student.