Course descriptionThe Midwifery Program, offered in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services, prepares graduates to enter into midwifery practice in Nunavut. The program introduces students to the cultural, spiritual and traditional practices of Inuit midwives and is also designed to reflect the goals, values and ethical codes established as territorial and national standards and regulations. Specifically, graduates will be able to meet standards set by the Canadian Midwifery Regulatory Committee (CMRC) and provide care that is culturally appropriate for and acceptable to the residents of Nunavut.
The program is designed to support transferability into a Baccalaureate degree. The Nunavut Arctic College Maternity Care Certificate with an overall average of 80% is a prerequisite for acceptance into the Midwifery program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants wishing to apply to this program must:
* Be 17 years of age or older;
* Be a secondary school graduate with successful completion of English 30, Chemistry 30 &/or Biology 30 and a Social Science 30 or Inuktitut 30. Successful completion of Math 30 or 31 is a definite asset. A minimum secondary school average of 60% is recommended but applicants will be reviewed on an individual basis or complete a pre professional year that includes equivalent content;
* Have completed the NAC Maternity Care Worker Certificate with an average of 80%;
* Pass a criminal records check by the RCMP
* Have up to date immunization status
Mature candidates, 19 years of age or older, who do not meet academic requirements may be considered if they can demonstrate academic and professional suitability.
Applicant Assessment
Applicants will apply to the Registrar’s Office on the Campus where the program is being offered to ensure that they meet the requirements for program eligibility. Applicants must submit:
* A Nunavut Arctic College application form
* Two letters of reference, one that can attest to academic ability and one to community involvement
* A statement of interest in the field demonstrating a strong commitment to birthing families in Nunavut.
All applications will be reviewed by an Admissions Committee.
Record of Achievement
Midwifery Diploma—78 Credits
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates of this program are prepared to enter the field as entry-to-practice midwives* and following completion of one year in an established practice may seek employment with any agency offering midwifery services. Graduates may also decide to pursue a Baccalaureate degree.
* Definition of a Midwife (ICM/WHO/FIGO international,2005):
A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.
The midwife is recognised as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife’s own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant. This 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 child care. A midwife may practise in any setting including the home, community, hospitals, clinics or health units.