Midwifery Education Program

Health Sciences Centre (HSC), Room 4H24, ext. 26654
http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/midwifery/
midwifery@mcmaster.ca

ASSISTANT DEAN

Elizabeth Darling

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

Elizabeth Darling/B.ArtsSc., B.H.Sc., M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Ottawa), R.M.
Karen Lawford/Ph.D. (UofO), R.M., A.M.
Anne Malott/B.Sc.N. (Windsor), M.S.N (Case Western Reserve), Ph.D. (Western), R.M.
Patricia McNiven/M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto), R.M.
Elizabeth Murray-Davis/BA (Guelph), BHSc (McMaster), MA (Toronto), PhD (Sheffield), R.M.

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Elizabeth Cates, BSc (Guelph), BHSc (TMU), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.M.
Kate Demers, MMID (Sheffield), R.M.
Claire Ramlogan-Salanga, M.Sc. (McMaster), R.M.
Kathi Wilson, M.Sc. (McMaster), R.M.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Saadia Israr

Program Overview

Midwives are primary health care providers for clients during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period; conduct deliveries and provide care for newborn babies. Midwives have strong 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 of reproductive health care in Ontario. Midwifery education provides the base for sound professional practice. The Midwifery Education Program (MEP) is an integral part of the evolution of the profession of midwifery in Ontario and is a leader in midwifery education in Canada. The MEP helps create future leaders and teachers. It assures practice and teaching as a continuum so that learning environments become available across Ontario.

The MEP at McMaster University is a collaborative venture shared with Toronto Metropolitan University and leads to a Bachelor of Health Sciences (B.H.Sc.) in Midwifery, and prepares graduates for licensure by the College of Midwives of Ontario.

Admission Procedures and Requirements

Enrolment in the MEP is limited and admission is by selection and reserved for candidates who meet all requirements and who satisfy the academic regulations of the university. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. It is recommended that applicants have completed at least one year of university prior to applying. All certified transcripts from secondary and post secondary education previously attended by external applicants must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar. The application deadline is January 15 each year for the following September intake. All supporting documents must be submitted by February 1 of each year. Supporting documents received after February 1 will not be considered. Please note that all required courses must be completed, with final grades available on any and all official transcripts at the time of application (excluding current Secondary School students). All official transcripts must be submitted by the February 1 deadline. All documents submitted with the application become property of the university.

All applicants must have completed the following requirements in order to be considered for admission:

1. A full course credit in:
   1. Biology 
   2. Chemistry
   3. English

A minimum grade of 75% in each course is required.

2. CASPer^TM Test (computer-based assessment for sampling personal characteristics).

All applicants to the MEP are required to complete this mandatory assessment as a component of the selection process. Applicants must complete a CASPerTM Test for McMaster Midwifery on one of the dates listed on the
Casper/Acuity website to distribute results before February 1st.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure technical requirements including a reliable internet connection on their selected test date. No exceptions will be made for applicants who are unable to take CASPer online due to unreliable internet connection caused by technical factors. Applicants may want to explore details of the requirements and the structure of this assessment at https://acuityinsights.app/casper/.

3. Identity and Admission Survey

All applicants must complete the mandatory survey as part of the application to the MEP and submit it, along with the other requirements, by the February 1 deadline. The purpose of this survey is to gather information to establish baseline data on 1) the diversity of the applicant pool, 2) candidates who are invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), 3) candidates who participate in the facilitated admission pathways, 4) candidates who receive an offer of admission to the program and 5) where candidates would choose to be placed during clinical placements in the province. The collected data will help the program to monitor progress over time with respect to the program’s commitment to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive program through the admission process.

The survey is comprised of three sections:

1. demographic, social and economic questions,
2. the two facilitated admission processes, and
3. clinical placement region preferences.

The survey responses will not be used to determine an applicant’s admission to the MEP. If admitted, responses to section 3 of the survey are used to determine students’ placement regions.

It is recognized that applicants apply to the program with varying educational backgrounds. Applicants can fulfill the courses required from the following educational backgrounds:

Applicants Directly from Ontario Secondary Schools

The following are the minimum grade 12 U and M requirements under the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum for applicants directly from an Ontario Secondary School:

1. English 12 U (75% minimum)
2. Biology 12 U (75% minimum)
3. Chemistry 12 U (75% minimum)
4. Overall average of 75% in 12U or M courses

Completion of additional 12 U or M courses to total six credits.

Students must obtain a minimum grade of 75% in each of the three (3) required courses listed in points 1, 2 and 3 above AND a minimum overall average of 75% on grade 12 U or M courses including the required courses.

Current Ontario Secondary School Students may apply if one or more of the three (3) required courses are in progress at the time of application; however, the grade 11 prerequisite(s) must be completed at the time of application so that a preliminary assessment of the subject area(s) can be made. Admission is based on in progress secondary school grades for current secondary students only if the grade 11 prerequisite in that subject area is at least 75%.

Applicants with Prior College Diploma Studies

No admissions will be based on college standing. For applicants with prior college/diploma studies who completed their college education within the last two years of applying to Midwifery, admission will be based on secondary school eligibility. If college education was completed more than 2 years ago at the time of applying to Midwifery, please refer to the Mature Applicants section for eligibility and admission requirements.

Applicants from Ontario Secondary Schools (within two years of obtaining OSSD)

The following are the minimum grade 12 U and M requirements under the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum for applicants from an Ontario Secondary School who have obtained their OSSD in the previous calendar year and have never attended University:

1. English 12 U (75% minimum)
2. Biology 12 U (75% minimum)
3. Chemistry 12 U (75% minimum)
4. Overall average of 75% in 12U or M courses

Completion of additional grade 12 U or M courses to total six credits.

Applicants must have obtained a minimum grade of 75% in each of the three (3) required courses listed in points 1, 2 and 3 above AND a minimum overall average of 75% on grade 12 U or M courses including the required courses. All required courses must be completed at the time of application.

Applicants with Qualifications Equivalent to Ontario Secondary School

Applicants from out-of-province, with qualifications equivalent to Ontario Secondary School (e.g. Advanced Placement Students, American Style Curriculum Students, International Baccalaureate Students, General Certificate of Education Students, etc.) should refer to the Future McMaster website for general requirement and required course information. 

Applicants with Prior / Current University Studies

The following are the minimum course and grade requirements for applicants who are currently attending or have attended university in the past:

Prerequisite Requirements

• Grade 12 U courses from Ontario high school, equivalent out-of-province high school or CEGEP curricula, or 6 units (1.00 credit) from university courses in the three (3) required subject areas of:

o Biology
o Chemistry
o English

• Minimum of 75% in each of the three required courses
• Overall average from most recent 42 units or 14.00 credits of undergraduate coursework must be a minimum of 75%

All prerequisites must be complete at the time of application. If an applicant has obtained less than 18 units of university credit and has been out of high school or college for more than two years at the time of application, it is required that the applicant complete at least 18 units of university to be eligible for consideration.

Current McMaster University Students

Applicants who are current McMaster University students and who are not scheduled to graduate in the spring convocation following the Midwifery application deadline of January 15 may request an Internal Application Form from the Midwifery Program Office by emailing midwifery@mcmaster.ca. No OUAC application is required, and any required transcripts or documents should be forwarded to the MEP office.

International Students

Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or HOLD Permanent Resident/Protected Person status in Canada prior to applying to the Midwifery program.

Mature Applicants

A mature student is someone who has been out of full-time secondary school or college for the past two years, and who has never attended university. The MEP does not offer mature admission directly to the program. However, students interested in the MEP may be admitted as mature students to another program in order to complete university pre-requisite courses for later consideration for admission to the MEP. Enrolment in this program is limited. Possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

In order to apply for admission to the MEP, mature applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 units of university level course work with a minimum cumulative average of 75% prior to the application deadline.

Applicants must have grade 12 U courses from high school or full university courses in the three (3) required subject areas of Biology, Chemistry, and English with a minimum grade of 75% in each. A full university course is equivalent to 6 units or 1.0 credit, depending on the university.

Prior Midwifery Education or Experience

For applicants with prior midwifery education or experience, the College of Midwives of Ontario offers a bridging program for internationally educated midwives to meet registration requirements in Ontario. More information about eligibility and applications can be found at https://cmo.on.ca/midwives/internationally-educated-midwives/.

Facilitated Black Admission Process (FBAP)

We offer a facilitated admissions stream for applicants who self-identify as Black referred to as the Facilitated Black Admission Process (FBAP). Applicants wishing to apply through this admission stream must opt-in to this process when they complete the Identity and Admissions Survey. To be considered, the applicant must first apply though the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) by the posted application deadline and then complete the Identity and Admissions Survey by February 1.  All applications must meet McMaster University and program-specific eligibility criteria for consideration. 

To support Black applicants who opt-in to the FBAP, the McMaster Midwifery Education Program offers the following additional admission support:

1. FBAP applicants who are invited to the (MMI) are given the opportunity to attend an online information session where MEP representatives answer questions about the profession and provide details about the program, as well as next steps in the admission process.
2. For FBAP applicants who meet minimum eligibility criteria, we offer a virtual personal panel interview. The MEP FBAP Interview allows applicants an opportunity to have an individual interview conducted by members of the Equity Admissions Review (EAR) team. The EAR team consists of educators, senior students, clients, and midwives, all of whom are racialized.
3. The last component of the FBAP application is the completion of the MMI, which will be completed at the same time as all other applicants.

Indigenous Applicants

In accordance with the Self-Identification policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) applicants who wish to apply to a program that has a Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Process (FIAP) must complete the supplementary Self-identification Application. Information on the policy, application requirements and the online application can be found at: https://ihll.mcmaster.ca/students/future-students/facilitated-admissions-self-identification/#tab-content-applicationadmissions/self-identification.

One self-identification application is used for all Faculty of Health Sciences programs that have a Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Process (FIAP). This application should only be completed once even if an applicant applied to multiple programs. Applicants identify the program(s) they applied to on the Self-identification Application. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the Self-identification Application is submitted by the application deadline(s) for the program(s) in addition to completing any other application requirements. Applicants applying to multiple Faculty of Health Sciences programs at the same time must complete the Self-identification Application by the application with the earlist application deadline. 

Indigenous applicants who wish to apply to the MEP through the FIAP are required to complete the Self-Identification Application and apply to the MEP by January 15 of the year in which they are applying. All appropriate transcripts from secondary and post-secondary education must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by February 1.

Applicants must meet the same minimum academic criteria for admission as set out for the general pool of candidates.

To support Indigenous applicants who opt-in to the FIAP, the McMaster MEP offers the following additional admission support:

1. FIAP applicants are given the opportunity to attend an online information session during which time the MEP representatives answer questions about the profession and provide details about the program, as well as next steps in the admission process.
2. FIAP applicants are also offered an individual panel interview conducted by an Indigenous interview panel that includes Indigenous Healthcare providers and senior students.
3. The last component of the FIAP application is the completion of the Multiple Mini Interviews, which will be completed at the same time as all other applicants.

Transfer Credit

Students with previous university education may be eligible for transfer credits for non-clinical courses in Levels I and II. Transfer credits will be determined on an individual basis, after the admitted students have accepted their Offer of Admission.

Selection Procedure

The MEP admits a select number of applicants each Fall, so the admission process is very competitive. The admission requirements stated for eligibility are minimum requirements. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications. The average standing required for admission in recent years has been in the high 90% to mid 80% range. The selection process is comprised of two phases:

Phase 1: Assessment of Academic Eligibility / Achievement and Supplementary Application Review

• Review of all applications for completeness and to determine academic eligibility.
• Based on a combination of academic achievement and supplementary application data (i.e., Casper assessment results), top-ranking applicants will be invited to the interview in Phase 2.
• Applicants must be successful in phase one to be considered in Phase 2.

Phase 2: Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

• The MMI consists of a series of questions used to assess non-cognitive qualities including cultural sensitivity, maturity, teamwork, empathy, reliability, and communication skills. Applicants are assessed based on their verbal and written responses to interview questions. Each applicant will complete up to 10 timed interview questions in a sequential order.
• Offers of admission will be made to the top-ranking applicants based on the assessment of their MMI scores.
• Offers based on interim grades will be conditional upon maintaining satisfactory performance on final grades.

If an unsuccessful applicant or an applicant that refuses their offer of admission wishes to reapply to the MEP, a new application, including transcripts must be submitted the following year.

Application for Deferred Registration​

McMaster will normally only grant deferrals on offers of admission when there are special extenuating circumstances. The McMaster MEP will evaluate all requests for deferral on their own merits. A request for deferral (to the subsequent Fall term) will be considered under the following circumstances:

• the student has accepted their undergraduate offer of admission to the university; and,
• all conditions outlined in the Offer of Admission letter have been met; and,
• the student is not intending to return to secondary school or attend another postsecondary institution during the deferral period.

For information on how to formally request a deferral, please see https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/events/admission-deferrals/

Unsuccessful Applicants

If an unsuccessful applicant, or an applicant who refuses their offer of admission, wishes to reapply to the MEP, a new application, including transcripts and supplementary materials must be submitted.

Application Deadline

Submission of completed application forms to the OUAC must be received by the University no later than January 15 of the year in which registration is expected. All certified transcripts from secondary and post-secondary education previously attended by an external applicant must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar and received by February 1. Applications received after January 15 will not be considered.

Immunization

The Ontario Public Hospitals Act requires that all persons working in a hospital setting meet certain criteria regarding surveillance for infectious diseases.  In order for the requirement of the legislation to be met, students are required to complete the immunization screening process by July 15th in the year of admission and each subsequent academic year. Failure to maintain immunizations will result in suspension of clinical training. Information regarding immunization requirements and how to provide proof of immunization will be sent to successful applicants prior to registration. 

Police Records Check

An offer of admission is contingent upon provision of a Police Records Check, which must be completed by July 31st of the year of admission.  All registered students are required to have a satisfactory Police Records Check completed by July 31st annually.  Expenses for the Police Records Check are the responsibility of the student.

The Police Records Check includes a Vulnerable Sector Screening and check of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), National Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database for the following:

• All records of Criminal Code (Canada) convictions
• All pardoned sexual offences
• All record of convictions under the Narcotic Control Act
• All records of convictions under the Food and Drug Act
• Any undertakings to enter into a Surety to Keep the Peace
• Any Restraining Orders issued under the Criminal Code (Canada) or the Family Act
• All outstanding warrants and charges

Financial Information

In 2023-2024 the tuition fees for a student in Level I of the MEP were $8,261.19 for Ontario students and $9,381.19 for Out of Province students for an eight-month academic year. Supplementary fees are estimated at $523.64 per year, but are subject to change.

Additional costs include books, supplies, and other learning resources estimated at $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 over the course of the entire program.

Students must have access to a vehicle for all placement courses.

Students should expect to relocate for clinical placements.

Students should expect to cover their own travel and accommodation costs during the program. The program strongly suggests that students join the Association of Ontario Midwives as a student member.

Academic Regulations

In addition to meeting the General Academic Regulations of the University, students enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program will be subject to the following program regulations.

The MEP reserves the right, at any point during the term, to remove a student from a clinical placement or laboratory setting if the student exhibits unsafe clinical practice or behaviour that places clients or others at risk and/or violates the Midwifery Act of Ontario. Such removal will result in the student receiving a grade of F and may result in dismissal from the program.

Continuation in the Program

All courses (clinical and non-clinical) with the subject abbreviation MIDWIF and HTHSCI (as outlined in the Curriculum Plan) are required for the degree. Students are reviewed at the end of each term. To continue in Good Standing in the program, students must achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 6.0 in all graded courses and achieve a Pass/Satisfactory performance in all clinical courses, including a minimum of B- in the tutorial and exams portions of clinical courses.

Good Standing

A student is considered to be in Good Standing when all of the following criteria are met:

• Level I
  • students must successfully achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of at least 6.0;
  • achieve a minimum grade of B- in MIDWIF 1D03  and 1G03 , and HTHSCI 1C06 A/B (or 1C03  & 1CC3 )
  • achieve a minumum grade of C- in each of HTHSCI 1J03  and MIDWIF 1F03 , with the exception that a minimum grade of D is acceptable in one of those courses
  • achieve a minimum grade of C- in HTHSCI 1D06 A/B  (1D06 A/B  does not have an acceptable grade of D as an exception)
  • receive a passing grade (minimum D-) in any required midwifery, health science, or indigenous studies graded course, other than those specifically stated above
• Level II
  • Students must successfully achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of at least 6.0
  • achieve a minimum grade of B- in MIDWIF 2G06  
  • achieve a minimum grade of C- in each of HTHSCI 2M03  and MIDWIF 2F03 , with the exception that a minimum grade of D is acceptable in one of those courses
  • achieve a Pass/Satisfactory performance, including a minimum grade of a B- in the tutorial and exams, in MIDWIF 2H15 /2M15  
  • receive a passing grade (minimum D-) in any required midwifery, health science, or indigenous studies graded course, other than those specifically stated above
• Level III
  • Students must successfully achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of at least 6.0
  • achieve a minimum grade of B- in MIDWIF 3F03  and 3J06/3N15  
  • achieve a Pass/Satisfactory performance, including a minimum of a B- in the tutorial and exams, in all clinical courses MIDWIF 3I03 & 3L03 (or MIDWIF 3M03 A/B ), 3K06 & 3A09 (or MIDWIF 3M09 ), and 3H15  
• Level IV
  • Students must successfully achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of at least 6.0
  • achieve a Pass/Satisfactory performance, including a minimum of a B- in the tutorial and exams, in MIDWIF 4A15  and 4B15  

Probation

A student will be placed on probation if any of the criteria required for Good Standing, as outlined above, are not met:
You must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 6.0 to continue in the program. If your GPA is from 5.5 to 5.9, you may remain in the program, but will be placed on program probation for one reviewing period. You may be on program probation only once.

If your GPA is 3.5 to 5.4, you must transfer to another program for which you qualify, or you may enroll in the Bachelor of Heath Science Program as a transition student for one reviewing period.

If your GPA is 3.0 to 3.4, you will be placed on academic probation. You may continue in the program for one reviewing period as a transition student. You may be on academic probation only once.

If your GPA is less than 3.0 you may not continue at the University.

A student previously on Academic Probation who fails to achieve good standing (minimum 3.5) at a subsequent review, cannot continue at the university unless granted reinstatement. Please refer to the General Academic Regulations   section in the undergraduate calendar.

Graduation Requirements

Students who have successfully completed Level III of the program may request permission from the B.H.Sc. (Midwifery) Program Office to graduate with a three-level B.H.Sc. degree. Please refer to the General Academic Regulations  section in this Calendar for additional information related to graduation.

Required to Withdraw

A student will be required to withdraw from the program if any of the following criteria is met. The student:

1. obtains a cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of less than 6.0 at the end of a probation period;
2. fails two of the following courses MIDWIF 1D03; 1G03; 1F03; 2F03, 2G06; 3J06/3N15; 3F03; HTHSCI 1C06 (or 1C03 & 1CC3); 1D06; 1J03; 2M03; MIDWIF 2H15/2M15; 3I03 & 3L03 (or MIDWIF 3M03 A/B); 3K06 & 3A09 (or MIDWIF 3M09); 3H15; 4A15; 4B15;
3. fails the second attempt at a course or receives a grade in the second attempt below C- for any of HTHSCI 1C06 (or 1C03 & 1CC3), 1D06, 1J03, 2M03, MIDWIF 1F03 (or HTHSCI 3C04), 2F03 or below B- in MIDWIF 1D03; 2G06; 3F03; 3J06/3N15;
4. fails to complete program requirements for graduation within the maximum allowable time (five years) (not inclusive of approved leaves of absence).

Deans’ Honour List, Graduation with Distinction, Provost’s Honour Roll

Students will be evaluated for standing on the Deans’ Honour List, Graduation with Distinction and the Provost’s Honour Roll only upon completion of the program. Students will be named to the Deans’ Honour List and will Graduate with Distinction if they receive no failing, provisional or unsatisfactory grades in any courses throughout the program and achieve a GPA of 9.5, on graded courses taken throughout the program.

For the Provost’s Honour Roll, students will be assessed if they have a GPA of 12.0 and have not received a failing, provisional or unsatisfactory grade in any course throughout the program.

Graduation Requirements

A student is eligible for graduation when all of the following criteria are met. The student must:

1. complete all required courses, including electives, and be in Good Standing (see above); and,
2. complete all courses for the degree within five years (not inclusive of approved leaves of absence).

The practice of midwifery is regulated by the College of Midwives under the Midwifery Act, 1991 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991.

The MEP monitors and documents students’ clinical experience in order that students meet minimum practice requirements to be eligible for registration to practice. Graduation from the MEP does not guarantee registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario. All applicants to the College must meet additional registration requirements. New graduates are required to work in an established practice for their first year of registration.

Regulatory requirements are subject to change from time to time.

Programs

• Midwifery Program (B.H.Sc.)