Midwives in Alberta are currently registered and regulated under the Health Disciplines Act. The registering body is called the Midwifery Health Disciplines Committee which is funded and governed by Alberta Health and Wellness. A successful registrant will have attended at least 60 births in the past five years. Of these, 40 must be as a primary care giver, 30 with continuity of care, and at least 10 births in hospital and 10 out of hospital. Appropriate university education is also a prerequisite for registration. Each registrant will be required to send proof of education and experience with their application for registration.
Midwives with unrestricted registration in another province, who have practiced for one year, may apply for reciprocal registration in Alberta. All other midwives are required to pass a prior learning assessment program organized by the Midwifery Health Disciplines Committee. The prior learning assessment program consists of an application for registration, submission of a detailed portfolio followed by written, oral and practical exams. An assessment is run when there are enough applicants.
The Standards and Competencies of Practice and the Midwifery Regulations will outline the knowledge and skills required of midwives in practice in Alberta. You can obtain these documents as well as information about registration from:
For a new registrants information package and further information contact:
Heather Cameron:
Registrar for Midwives, Health Professions Branch
17th Floor, Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Ave. NW.
P.O. Box 1360 Stn Main
Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3.
Ph. 1-780-422-2733
Fax 1-780-415-1094
Website: www.health.gov.ab.ca
E-mail: Heather.Cameron at gov.ab.ca
See also: Midwifery Education