In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $42.94 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $48.42 |
| Top | $53.20 |
Interest in analyzing data for the purpose of counselling and educating women concerning diet and pre-natal health practices; and in reassuring patients and providing emotional support during labour and the post-natal period
Interest in operating medical equipment to examine patients and monitor fetuses during labour; and in conducting normal deliveries
Interest in instructing patients on how to care for themselves and their infants; and in providing ongoing advice and support
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Midwives take care of women and babies for pregnancies and deliveries that are not complicated by concerns that require medical intervention. In general, midwives:
Midwives provide care in client homes, clinics, hospitals, and birth centres. They may be required to stand, kneel, bend, or squat for long periods of time.
Midwives may be on call 24 hours a day. They may have to work long, unpredictable hours. Some midwives work together and share on-call schedules.
Midwives need to possess:
The College of Midwives of Alberta (CMA) sets all educational requirements for registered midwives, including identifying approved programs or equivalencies.
Registered midwives in Alberta hold a bachelor of midwifery degree. Once registered, all midwives must complete continuing education requirements as set by the CMA. Currently, this includes regular recertification of CPR, obstetrical emergency skills, and neonatal resuscitation.
To learn more about educational requirements, visit the CMA website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Midwives are required to have liability insurance. To learn about liability insurance, contact the Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM)
Midwives provide comprehensive prenatal, labour, birth and postpartum care to clients experiencing normal pregnancy, and provide counselling, education and emotional support related to the clients' physical, psychological and social needs.
Midwife is a protected title under Alberta's Health Disciplines Act and Midwifery Regulation. To call yourself a Midwife or practice as a Midwife, you must be registered by the Midwifery Health Disciplines Committee. Registered members provide health services listed in the Regulation.
Registration requires successful completion of: (1) an approved midwifery or refresher program within a specified time period prior to application, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and (2) an approved examination. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the Alberta Health website or contact the Registrar for Midwives.
Midwives who are registered by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered practitioners in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated midwives see Midwife Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
Registrar
College of Midwives of Alberta
215, 1935 Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7C8
Phone number: 780-422-2733
Email: registrar.cma@shaw.ca
In Alberta, midwives are self-employed. They have hospital privileges in designated Alberta Health Services facilities across Alberta.
Midwives must have a reliable vehicle and the equipment required to practice midwifery.
Midwives are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3124: Allied primary health practitioners. In Alberta, 92% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Midwifery is funded by Alberta’s health care system. Employment opportunities are expected to increase as midwifery services become funded in rural areas throughout Alberta.
Earnings vary as midwives are independent practitioners.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $28.88 | $49.04 | $42.94 | $48.00 |
| Overall | $32.78 | $54.13 | $48.42 | $54.13 |
| Top | $37.55 | $61.18 | $53.20 | $56.43 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,569 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $79,189 |
Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM) website: abmidwives.ca
Canadian Association of Midwives website: www.canadianmidwives.org
Canadian Midwifery Regulators Consortium website: www.cmrc-ccosf.ca
College of Midwives of Alberta website: www.albertamidwives.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.