Applicants who have completed midwifery education or training in programs, international or otherwise that are not recognized by the SCM, must successfully complete an SCM approved assessment process that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the entry-level competencies of midwifery and meet all other registration requirements of the SCM.
The following assessment process is approved by the SCM:
- Prior Learning and Experience Assessment (PLEA)
- BC Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP)
Until fairly recently, the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program (IMPP) at Ryerson University (currently Toronto Metropolitan University) in Ontario was an approved process for IEMs to have their qualifications and experience assessed and bridged. The IMPP discontinued operations. The IMPP was the only remaining bridging program for foreign qualified midwives in Canada that was available to applicants wishing to practise in Saskatchewan. It is unclear if this discontinuation is temporary or permanent. The approval of the IMPP was rescinded by the SCM Transitional Council at their meeting on September 13, 2022.
Prior Learning and Experience Assessment (PLEA) may be offered by other Canadian midwifery regulators from time to time, remains approved by the SCM at this time, however PLEA is not available in Saskatchewan. The College of Midwives of Alberta offers this program, but only to applicants planning to practice midwifery in Alberta.
We are working diligently with our counterparts across Canada and with the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council to explore options for internationally educated midwives to have their education and experience assessed and bridged.
In the meantime, IEMs can contact one of the following organizations to discuss their eligibility for entry into one of the following two programs offered in BC and Ontario:
BC Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP)
https://iembp.midwifery.ubc.ca/
College of Midwives of Ontario – Orientation and Assessment Program
https://cmo.on.ca/midwives/internationally-educated-midwives/#orientation-and-assessment
Although the CMO process is not currently approved by the College, it is likely that at some point in the future, it will be approved. Applicants will need to inquire about the intake processes and timelines. Neither organization has officially implemented a multijurisdictional component to their programs; however, the College works closely with regulator counterparts and the midwifery education programs across Canada, and would ensure open, fair and transparent processes and considerations for any applicant who successfully completed one of the two processes.
We anticipate a way forward in the very near future and will notify you as soon as we have clear direction to provide.
Many thanks for your continued patience.
Please contact the Registrar for further information on registration and licensure at 306.781.1356 or registrar@saskmidwives.ca