Midwifery

fhs.mcmaster.ca/midwifery

HAMILTONO N T A R I OC A N A D Amcmaster.ca/future

Midwives in Ontario are primary care practitioners, recognized as responsible

and accountable professionals who work in partnership with

women to: give the necessary support, care and advice during

pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period – to conducting births

and providing care for the newborn and the infant.

A midwife’s care includes preventative measures, the promotion of normal birth, the

detection of complications in mother and child, the accessing of medical care or other

appropriate assistance and the carrying out of emergency measures.

The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman,

but also within the family and the community. This work should involve antenatal education and

preparation for parenthood and may extend to women’s health, sexual or reproductive health

and newborn care.

Qualifying for registration by the College of Midwives

The practice of midwifery is regulated by the College of Midwives. The College has approved a set of core competencies for entry to practice. These core competencies guide the Midwifery program’s curriculum. Regulations under the Midwifery Act set out the following for registration: attendance at a minimum of 60 births, of which the student must be involved as a primary caregiver for 40, 30 births must include care throughout pregnancy, labour and the puerperium. Graduation from the Midwifery Education Program does not guarantee registration with the College of Midwives. All applicants to the College must meet additional registration requirements.

MIDwIfeRy

fhs.mcmaster.ca/midwifery

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Problem-based LearningIntensives Intensives provide the opportunity for the students to group together for several days for workshops/clinical skills sessions. All intensives are held at McMaster University and generally last one week. Intensives are part of the curriculum; therefore, attendance is mandatory.

Clinical Courses 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 limited placements, students should expect to relocate or travel for clinical placements. Travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Program Overview leads to a Bachelor of Health Sciences

(B.H.Sc.) in Midwifery

jointly offered by McMaster, Laurentian and Ryerson universities

applicants may only apply to one of the three universities

a 4 year full-time English-medium program

Our Focus to reflect the philosophy of midwifery

in Ontario and its focus on women’s participation in their health care

to promote childbirth as a normal part of women’s health with an understanding of its cultural and social meanings

to work closely with practicing midwives and other maternity-care providers to ensure a high-quality clinical environment for students

The Curriculum The course sequence moves from foundation courses in basic science, social sciences, women’s studies and health sciences to the application of knowledge in clinical practice. A variety of course formats are used with a mix of small and large group learning. Distance learning formats (such as web conferencing) are also used in this program.

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level i PrograM Total = 30 units Health Sciences 1C06 – Working Across Difference

in Midwifery Health Sciences 1D06 – Anatomy & Physiology

Health Sciences 1J03 – Life Sciences for

Clinical Practice MIDWIF 1F03 – Introduction to Research

Methods & Critical Appraisal Midwifery 1D03 – The Midwifery Profession

Two of the following courses: Women’s Studies 1AA3 – Women Transforming

the World Women’s Studies 1A03 – Women, Culture, Power

Indigenous Studies 3H03 – Indigenous Medicine I – Philosophy

Indigenous Studies 3HH3 – Indigenous Medicine II – Practical

Elective: one elective (3 unit course) to be selected from the Faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities or Health Sciences

Level I Course DescriptionsNote: The unit value of a particular course is indicated by the last digit of the course code (e.g. 1A06 = 6 units).

Health Sciences 1C06 Working Across Difference in Midwifery

This course draws on perspectives from sociology, anthropology, cultural studies and women’s studies to explore the challenges and opportunities of working across differences of race, class, sexuality, ability (and other markers of difference) in midwifery care. The course will focus on development and strengthening the skills required to work competently and compassionately across social and identity differences among and between midwives, midwifery clients and other health care providers.

Health Sciences 1D06 Anatomy & Physiology

This course covers basic concepts of human structure and function, genetics and embryology through lectures, demonstrations and appropriate laboratory assignments.

Health Sciences 1J03 Life Sciences for Clinical Practice

This course provides an overview of basic concepts relating to chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. Content areas will include practical applications of clinical chemistry, specimen collection, related disease entities and pathologies, and the significance of laboratory values.

Midwifery 1F03Introduction to Research Methods and Critical Appraisal

Introduction to the principles of clinical research and statistical inference with particular emphasis on critical assessment of evidence as presented in the health science literature related to the care of patients. A problem-based approach will be taken.

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Indigenous Studies 3H03 Indigenous Medicine I – Philosophy

This course will examine the Aboriginal concepts of health and wellness. The holistic traditional approach will be used in the classroom as well as in visits by elders, medicine people and class trips to places of health, wellness and healing.

Indigenous Studies 3HH3 Indigenous Medicine II – Practical

This course will examine the concept of traditional medicines, their histories and their connection to Aboriginal philosophies of wellness (studied in Indigenous Medicine I); procedures for procurement and use of the medicines will be addressed and emphasis will be placed on the reasons for efficacy.

Midwifery 1D03 The Midwifery Profession

Seminar presentations, discussion and arranged experiences to introduce students to the history, philosophy of care, and role of the midwife in Canada and elsewhere.

Women’s Studies 1A03 Women, Culture, Power

An interdisciplinary introduction to Women’s Studies focusing on how women and men shape and are shaped by culture (including popular culture), systems of power and institutional ideologies.

Women’s Studies 1AA3 Women Transforming the World

An interdisciplinary introduction to Women’s Studies that explores women’s historic and current collective efforts to transform social, economic and political conditions both nationally and globally.

Typical Timetable – Term 1Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:30 a.m. Health Sciences 1J03 (lecture)

9:30 a.m. Elective Health Sciences 1D06 (lab)

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m. Health Sciences 1C06 (lecture)

Health Sciences 1D06 (tutorial)

1:30 p.m. Health Sciences 1D06 (lecture)

Midwifery 1D03 (seminar) Health Sciences 1J03 (lab)

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Women’s Studies 1A03 (lecture) / or Indigenous Studies

Health Sciences 1D06 (tutorial)

Women’s Studies 1A03 (lecture) / or Indigenous Studies

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Admission applicants to the program must meet the general requirements for

admission to McMaster University

students applying directly from high school must have six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including English, Chemistry or Biology and a Social Science.

admission is by selection; a minimum average of 75% is required to apply, however in recent years the actual standing required for admission has been an average in the mid 80s.

the Midwifery Education Online Application Form (available at fhs.mcmaster.ca/midwifery/) is due February 1, 2012

applicants may only apply to ONE Midwifery university program in the province in any one year

an overall assessment of applicant files will determine an invitation for an interview

the deadline for both the Ontario Universities Application Centre application and McMaster’s Midwifery Education Online Application Form is February 1, 2012 (for all applicants)

Financial Implications careful financial planning is required

students must have access to a vehicle for all placement terms

students should expect to relocate for clinical terms

travel, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the student

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARy 1, 2012

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Regular Campus ToursCampus tours take about 1½ hours and are conducted by McMaster students. The entire campus is covered in the tour including a visit to at least one residence building. Please note:

advanced notice of two to three working days is required

tours are available Monday to Friday, from October 3 to December 6, 2011 and January 9 to April 5, 2012

tour times are 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

campus tours may be scheduled on some Saturdays with at least one week’s advance notice

campus tours are also available throughout the summer, from mid-May to the beginning of August

To register for a campus tour, contact the Student Recruitment & Admissions Office:

Tour Portal tours.mcmaster.ca e-mail liaison@mcmaster.ca phone 905-525-9140 ext. 23650 fax 905-524-3550

Complimentary parking passes will be provided for registered campus tour visitors upon arrival. Please refer to your tour booking confirmation e-mail for further details. It is best to enter the campus via the Sterling Street entrance (Central Campus). Directions can be found online at: www.mcmaster.ca/welcome/findus.cfm

Virtual Tour tours.mcmaster.ca

Unable to visit McMaster in person? Explore our picturesque campus via one of our online tours. you can take a Guided Tour that follows the same route as an in-person walking tour, create a personalized tour or simply explore major campus hotspots. We also offer a basic version for users with a slower internet connection or older computer.

Special Visit events

Fall Preview

Saturday, October 29, 2011

visit display areas and talk with reps from academic, service areas and student groups in a relaxed and informal Roam Around Session

tour the campus

March BreakMonday, March 12 – Friday, March 16, 2012

regular campus tours

faculty-specific activities available

be sure to register in advance as group sizes are limited

May@MacSaturday, May 12, 2012

University-wide Open House event

applicants will be sent information in the Spring

includes campus bus tours, special facility tours, sample lectures and lab demonstrations, opportunities to speak with professors, staff and students

VISITOR INfORMATION

tours.mcmaster.ca

Still have questions? ask.mcmaster.ca

Hamilton, OntarioCanada L8S 4L8

905-525-9140 ext. 23650mcmaster.ca/future