Note: This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of our On Call newsletter and has not been updated.
Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program extended for two more cycles.
The candidates currently enrolled in the first cycle of the Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program are more than halfway through the program. They are currently in the process of completing the three online modules in preparation for the in-person intensive scheduled in September. Those who successfully complete the program will be eligible to write the Canadian Midwifery Registration Exam in October.
Initially, Council approved the pilot for one cycle. At their June meeting, Council decided to extend the pilot for two more cycles to allow the collection of sufficient data before they can recommend whether the Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program should become the permanent route of entry for internationally educated midwives.
What is the Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program?
The College of Midwives of Ontario is proud of the new Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program for internationally educated midwives who wish to practise midwifery in Ontario.
In the recent past, internationally educated midwives would have attended the International Midwifery Preregistration Program (IMPP) at Toronto Metropolitan University. That program concluded in 2021 and the College committed to ensuring that internationally educated midwife applicants had a route of entry into the profession.
Going forward, internationally educated midwives who have not practised in Canada or attended one of Ontario’s Midwifery Education Programs must apply to the Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program to meet the requirements for registration to practise in Ontario. Internationally educated midwives who successfully complete the College’s Orientation and Assessment Pilot Program will be deemed to have equivalency to the qualifications of an Ontario Midwifery Education Program graduate and be eligible to write the Canadian Midwifery Registration Exam (CRME), enabling internationally educated midwives to apply for registration with the College to practise in Ontario.
If you or someone you know is an internationally educated midwife who wants to practise midwifery in Ontario, this webpage has all the information on how to become eligible and meet the requirements to apply for registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario.