Discover how to become a midwife in Canada as an internationally educated professional. Learn about bridging programs, registration requirements, and how Windmill Microlending can support your journey with low-interest loans and career support.
July 18, 2025
Midwifery in Canada is experiencing strong growth. In 2023, Canada had 2,153 certified midwives attending 45,391 births, up from 1,892 midwives and 48,420 births in 2021 (Canadian Association of Midwives). With an aging population and a baby boom nearing its peak, demand for midwifery care remains high, especially in provinces such as Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. In Ontario alone, midwives attended nearly 20% of births as of mid‑2025 .
For internationally educated midwives (IEMs), Canada offers a structured route to licence and practise, with many completing their pathway in under a year, far quicker than the four‑year degree required of new entrants. This guide will walk you through both routes: the full-entry pathway and the bridging route for IEMs. It’s designed for immigrants, permanent residents, protected persons and Canadian citizens aiming to resume or begin their midwifery careers.
A midwife in Canada is a regulated health professional providing comprehensive care before, during and after birth, including prenatal checkups, labour support, delivery services in hospitals, clinics or homes, and up to six weeks postpartum care. Midwives operate autonomously but collaborate with obstetricians and paediatricians as needed.
Confirm your qualifications against Canadian standards:
Eligibility checks are done by the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council (CMRC) and provincial regulatory bodies such as the College of Midwives of Ontario or BCCNM.
IEMs must complete a bridging program tailored to their region:
These programs bridge knowledge gaps and adapt practice to the Canadian system. Fees vary, IMPBP tuition around $12,000, plus exam, relocation and equipment costs .
After program completion, you must pass the CMRE—a key national exam required for provincial licensure.
Apply to your province’s regulatory body:
Each province may require additional language exams or jurisprudence components.
Once licensed, midwives provide autonomous care, collaborate with health teams and complete continuous professional development—focusing on safety, cultural sensitivity and evolving standards.
Midwife income varies widely:
The profession continues to expand. With only 2,153 midwives in 2023 supporting over 45,000 births, Canada needs approximately 9,000 more midwives by 2030 to meet demand . Opportunities are strongest in rural, northern and Indigenous communities where healthcare access is limited.
Windmill Microlending offers low-interest loans of up to $15,000, tailored to help internationally educated healthcare professionals, including midwives to restart their careers in Canada. If you are an internationally educated midwife (IEM) pursuing registration through a bridging or assessment pathway, our loans can help cover essential costs such as:
Beyond financial support, Windmill also provides free career mentorship, financial planning resources, and ongoing client success coaching. Our goal is to help skilled newcomers like you overcome financial barriers and return to your profession as quickly and confidently as possible. By supporting your journey, we help ensure Canada benefits from your training, experience and dedication to maternal and newborn care.
What is a midwife in Canada?
A regulated professional providing full-spectrum childbirth care and postpartum follow-up.
How long does it take to become a midwife?
New students: four-year bachelor’s degree + exam (4–5 years).
IEMs: bridging program + CMRE (typically less than 1 year).
Can internationally trained midwives work in Canada?
Yes—by completing bridging programs, passing CMRE and registering provincially.
How much do midwives earn in Canada?
Range: $65,000 to $125,933 annually depending on province and experience.
Where can I find bridging programs?
IMPBP at Toronto Metropolitan University, IEMBP at UBC, and provincial assessment programs in Ontario and MB.
