Beyond Manitoba
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Midwives - RPL as a Certification Path for Midwives in Manitoba
Overview of Project
This multi-year project developed a comprehensive process and accompanying tools to enable internationally-trained midwives to be certified in Manitoba based on Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL).
The resulting Prior Learning and Education Assessment (PLEA) ensures candidates has the midwifery competencies that are equivalent to those of an approved Canadian midwifery education program.
Overview of Project
This multi-year project developed a comprehensive process and accompanying tools to enable internationally-trained midwives to be certified in Manitoba based on Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL).
The resulting Prior Learning and Education Assessment (PLEA) ensures candidates has the midwifery competencies that are equivalent to those of an approved Canadian midwifery education program.
Needs/Opportunities
The practice of midwifery continues to grow in Manitoba. In 2000, midwifery became a registered profession, requiring a formal credentialing process.
While there is no recognized education program in the Province, there were and continue to be a number of qualified candidates who have emigrated to Canada from other countries as well as Canadians who have travelled to other countries to attend midwifery education programs.
Applying RPL
The project developed:
- the competency review processes and tools,
- pre- and post-advisory processes for applicants (including referral process for language benchmarking and upgrading) and
- training programs for advisors, assessors and examiners.
The RPL process includes a portfolio assessment, written and clinical exams and orientation to practice in Manitoba. Midwifery education, clinical experience, and English fluency requirements were established for eligibility to take examinations and successfully register as a midwife in Manitoba.
Impact
The RPL process is now one of three established paths to becoming a registered midwife in Manitoba.
Lessons Learned
RPL plays a critical role in transitioning midwifery to a regulated practice in Manitoba. RPL provides a recognized approach to assisting qualified individuals to meet the registration requirements under the College of Midwives of Manitoba and address the ongoing, increasing demand for this primary health service.