Program Overview

Introduction to the Midwifery Program

The University of British Columbia offers a Midwifery Program, which is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a midwife. The program is available to Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to gain registration as a midwife in British Columbia.

Program Overview

The Midwifery Program is a four-year undergraduate degree that requires the completion of 143 credits. However, RNs who apply to the program may be eligible for advanced placement, which can reduce the number of credits required to complete the degree.

Advanced Placement for RNs

The Advanced Placement Plan for RNs enables them to transfer up to 27 previously earned credits, thus reducing the costs and time required to complete the degree. This opportunity is limited to RNs and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are currently licensed in a Canadian jurisdiction.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the Midwifery Program, RNs must follow a similar trajectory as all applicants, with additional steps to identify their educational and professional expertise and create a tailored educational plan based on their unique needs.

Step One: Applying to UBC

• All applicants must submit an application to UBC Enrolment Services and identify Midwifery as their first choice of programs.
• The application must be submitted by the Application Deadline as designated annually by UBC.

Step Two: Midwifery Supplemental Application and Transcripts

• The applicant completes the UBC Midwifery supplemental application.
• The applicant must submit their supplemental application and all university or college transcripts, including their RN bachelor’s degree, by the Program deadline.
• Candidates who have completed a Registered Nursing degree and are currently working as a nurse upon application are waived from re-taking the BIO 155 prerequisite.

Step Three: Midwifery Interviews and Offer

• Following confirmation from Enrolment Services that the candidate meets the UBC entry requirements, successful applicants will be identified for UBC Midwifery selections interviews.
• A draft study plan will be developed for the applicant, which will determine the coursework required for completion of the Midwifery bachelor’s degree, based on each individual applicant’s previous education and work experience.
• Successful applicants will be offered a spot in the program, accompanied by a proposed plan of study for advanced placement where appropriate.

RN Plan of Study

• Challenging courses must be done prior to beginning the start of the program, in conversation with Midwifery Student Services and in conjunction with Undergraduate faculty.
• It is expected that a newly graduated RN without clinical experience will need different support and coursework than an RN who has years of perinatal nursing experience.
• RN-midwifery students will be expected to participate in every aspect of the courses for which they are registered.

Program Details

• The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a midwife.
• The program requires the completion of 143 credits, but RNs may be eligible for advanced placement.
• The program is available to RNs and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are currently licensed in a Canadian jurisdiction.
• The program has a limited number of spots available, and applicants must meet the admission requirements and follow the application process.

Research Areas

The Midwifery Program is involved in various research areas, including:

• Birth Place Lab
• Perinatal Wellbeing Research Team

Conclusion

The University of British Columbia's Midwifery Program is a comprehensive program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a midwife. The program offers advanced placement for RNs, which can reduce the number of credits required to complete the degree. The program has a limited number of spots available, and applicants must meet the admission requirements and follow the application process.