Overview
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.
* 85% minimum average required for consideration plus supplementary application. Admission is by selection following an admissions interview. Students must obtain a minimum grade of 85% in English, Biology and Chemistry. Additionally, students must achieve an overall minimum consideration average of 85%
Expandable List
McMaster University offers a long-standing reputation as Canada’s “most innovative” university. McMaster is an international leader in midwifery care and research.
McMaster’s philosophy toward health sciences education is community-oriented, people-centered, interdisciplinary, and problem-based. Midwifery students are exposed very early to patients and their problems in settings ranging from community health care practices to specialized hospital services. Professional teamwork is emphasized.
The faculty of the Midwifery Education Program are highly respected leaders in the midwifery profession. Many teaching faculty also maintain clinical practice. They regularly publish in professional journals and give presentations in national and international forums. The Midwifery Education Program at McMaster is the first midwifery program in Canada to be accredited by the Canadian Association for Midwifery Education (CAMEd).
Graduates from our BHSc (Midwifery) program are eligible for registration in Ontario and meet internationally accepted standards. Career prospects are excellent. McMaster midwifery graduates have worked in midwifery practices across Ontario, in other parts of Canada and the world.
High School applicants may apply to Midwifery if one or more of the required Grade 12 prerequisites are in progress by February 1, 2026; however, high school transcripts must show the Grade 11 prerequisite(s) as completed with a minimum grade of at least 85% and submitted by February 1, 2026 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.
The Midwifery Program is based out of the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) building.
Your Classes
What You’ll Take:
- Anatomy and Physiology (HTHSCI 1DO6 A/B)
- Social Justice and Healthcare (HTHSCI 1C06 A/B)
- Introduction to Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (MIDWIF 1F03)
- Midwifery the Profession I (MIDWIF 1D03)
- Midwifery the Profession II (MIDWIF 1G03)
- Life Sciences for Clinical Practice (HTHSCI 1J03)
- One of
- Indigenous Medicine I – Philosophy (INDIGST 3H03)
- Indigenous Medicine II – Practical (INDIGST 3HH3)
- One elective course with a focus on humanities or social sciences from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Humanities, or Social Sciences
Learn more about the Midwifery I requirements.
Learn more about the Level II and above requirements.
For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.