Program Overview

Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP)

The Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP) aims to increase diversity and expertise within the midwifery workforce in British Columbia. This minimum 9-month orientation program provides a means by which internationally trained midwives can become registered for practice within B.C.

Program Overview

The IEMBP is an orientation program, not an education program. Applicants must have completed a recognised midwifery education program, or be assessed on significant midwifery experience if their education cannot be verified or approved. Only those who have undergone a midwifery education program can apply to the IEMBP. Medical professionals, regardless of experience, are not eligible for this program.

Eligibility Requirements

All interested applicants should refer to the Eligibility Requirements page to ensure they meet all educational and experiential expectations. Seats in the program are limited, so applicants are assessed, interviewed, and then offered a place in the IEMBP based on our mission to increase experience and diversity. Seats cannot be deferred to the following year. A waitlist is maintained.

Admission Criteria

Applicants will need to be eligible for and have in place prior to the start of Term 1:

• study permit & co-op work permit (obtained after acceptance on the course), or
• have permanent residency, or
• be a refugee, or
• be a Canadian citizen.

Program Structure

The IEMBP prepares candidates to take the provincial and national midwifery exams which, when passed, allows applicants to submit their application for registration as a midwife with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Term Dates

The IEMBP is offered twice a year in January and October. The program is delivered in 3 terms. Applicants must pass each term before being permitted to continue to the next. The exact start date of each term will be determined closer to the beginning of the intake.

Term Details

• Term 1: Tutorials
  • Location: Online
  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Details:
    • begins January or October
    • weekly 3-hour, case-based tutorials
    • can be completed anywhere in the world with high-speed internet and a computer
    • approximately 6-8 hours of self-study required each week
• Term 2: Lectures
  • Location: Vancouver
  • Duration: 9 weeks
  • Details:
    • daily lectures, workshops, simulations, and discussions
    • class times vary depending on the subjects of the day, occasional weekend sessions are required
    • 4 days of final examinations
• Term 3: Clinical Placement
  • Location: Anywhere in British Columbia
  • Duration: minimum 13 weeks
  • Details:
    • student can be placed at a midwifery clinic anywhere in the province with a Registered Midwife preceptor

Application Deadline

The application deadline for both cohorts is May 1. Applicants will be allocated to a cohort by the program unless a specific preference is requested. Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis as soon as the file is completed. This is when all references and verification documents are received. All applications that are inactive for 2 years will be removed. You are welcome to reapply in the future.