In the province of Nova Scotia, you must be registered with the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia in order to practice midwifery.
Approved Program means a Canadian Midwifery Education Program (MEP) has been approved by the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia.
View Approved Programs
For successful registration with MRCNS, you must:
Click on the link above to download a copy of our initial application for registration. Be sure to review our Checklist and Guidelines to help you complete your application (available in the Downloads section below). When completed, please submit your application, attachments and fees.
Download a copy of our guidelines to help with completing your application for initial registration. Processing time is 5 days once we have a complete submission.
Click on the link above to download the updated fees schedule. We cannot register a midwife until all documents and fees have been submitted.
Download Checklist
If you are registering for the first time, you can download all our forms related to your initial application here.
For Registration under this route, an applicant must:
Under the agreement for mobility between Canadian Regulators, a midwife who is registered in one Province may apply for registration in another Canadian jurisdiction.
Internationally trained midwives can apply for registration and become members of the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia after (1) having completed an approved bridging program and a competency assessment, (2) having received an offer of employment from the health authorities. The Council has approved the following programs:
For more information on becoming a midwife in Canada, click here.
Please see the following resources which are available to support international Midwives:
One of the routes for registration in Nova Scotia is through the completion of a baccalaureate level degree in midwifery. A graduate is also required to complete the Canadian Midwifery Registration Examination (CMRE) offered through the Canadian Midwifery Regulators’ Council.
Canadian baccalaureate midwifery degrees are currently offered at the following universities:
McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery (MDCL) Third Fl., 3103-1200 Main Street West Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5
T: 905-525-9140 Ext. 26654 View website
This program is offered in English only
Mount Royal University 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary, Alberta T3E 6K6
T: 403-440-5000 F: 403-440-7252 TOLL FREE: 1-877-440-5001 View website
Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Education Program 288 Church Street Room DCC-676 Toronto, Ontario
T: 416-979-5104 F: 416-979-5271 View website
This program offers part-time studies in English only
Université du Québec à Trois Rivières 3351, boulevard des Forges Trois-Rivières, Quebec
T: 819-376-5011 View website
This program is in French
University of British Columbia 2329 West Mall Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
T: 604-822-2211 View website
For any of one of these programs to be considered complete, a candidate must successfully complete a recommended clinical placement.
Registered Midwives must renew their registration each year.
ANNUAL LICENSE RENEWAL DEADLINE: March 1
Active Practising Clinical Midwives must ensure they have current certification in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Fetal Health Surveillance (FHS) and Emergency Skills (ESW). They must also maintain a certain level of practice to ensure their skills are current.
Renew your Clinical License
The practice of midwifery as defined in section 2 (i) of the Midwifery Act includes the non-clinical activities of research, education, consultation, management, administration, regulation, policy or system development related to midwifery.
Renew your Non-Clinical License
You will soon be able to pay by credit card after completing the application or renewal form when applying online (Coming Soon!).
Currently, you have the option to pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), certified cheque, money order, or personal cheque (NSF fees apply).
If you are paying by EFT you may submit your payment to:
info@mrcns.ca
If you are paying by certified cheque, money order, or personal cheque (NSF fees apply) you may submit your payment by mail to:
The Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia 300-120 Western Parkway Bedford, Nova Scotia B4B 0V2
After you have completed the application, uploaded the application documents to the secure portal, and payment has been received, you will receive an email confirmation that you will be licensed by the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia. You will also be provided with a receipt. You should save your receipt as your fees are income tax deductible.
Upon receiving a successful application from and applicant MRCNS will issue an receipt for their Registration & Licensure fee, this fee is non-refundable and the receipt can be retained for tax purposes.
The annual license renewal fee amount is dependent on your license type and is due by March 1st. Please refer to the Fees Schedule for details.
Additional policies for accommodation and special consideration the Council may factor into the application and renewal process.
Register Now
To practice midwifery in Nova Scotia and use the title "Midwife" or "Registered Midwife", a person must be registered with MRCNS.
In Nova Scotia, midwives are required to complete a baccalaureate level degree in midwifery, as well as the Canadian Midwifery Registration Examination (CMRE).
In Nova Scotia, Registered Midwives must have core competencies met as well as continuing competence in order to practice.
When a client chooses a midwife, they must be confident they are working with a healthcare professional who is competent, ethical and skilled.
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