- Program Description
- Program of Studies / Mandatory Courses
- Admission and Registration
- Opportunities
- Next Steps
- Field Placement / Clinical
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- College Resources
- Program Contact
Program Description
The PNSW program is an accredited, advanced program for PSWs which covers the period from fertility and on through postpartum and into the first year of a newborn's life. The PNSWs unique education and training makes them able to support persons who are experiencing a wide range of circumstances such as: disability, medically high risk, socially high risk, perinatal bereavement, mental health issues and more. No other program offers such a comprehensive approach to providing support.
Upon completion of the program, the PNSW will function as a PSW, acting both independently and under supervision of a licenced health care professional such as a doctor, nurse or midwife depending upon the circumstance of their employment.
As an independent, ancillary member of the health care team the PNSW will be able to facilitate self advocacy for the persons and families whom they support. Working in collaboration with other members of the health care team, the PNSW can create evidence based, timely and personalized emotional, educational and physical support for the client and their family. The PNSW will also be able to deliver various pre-natal and post-natal education classes to new and expecting parents.
The educational model is approximately 1000 hours made up of academic/theory education, practical experience and a proctored exam. A mark of 80% or more is required for graduation and awarding of the PNSW credential.
Program Highlights
- Offers a new and innovative career for professionals whose passion is working with new and expecting families.
- Train to provide evidence based educational, emotional and physical support appropriate to the individual needs of the clients.
- Learn to provide supportive care for newborns and infants up to the age of 1 year.
- Courses are completed online and in the evenings, allowing students to work while in the program.
Courses in this program cost approximately $400- $695 each. Practicum course may have higher fee.
Interested in learning more about this program?
Register for an online information session
Micro-credential Information:
On completion of the 10 courses listed you may apply for the stacked Micro-credential for Perinatal Support Worker (1077).
You may also apply for individual Micro-credentials upon completing:
- Reproductive Health, History and Politics (1067) OR
- Introduction to Clinical Research (1068) OR
- Maternal and Infant Anatomy & Physiology (1069) OR
- Pregnancy Through the Trimesters (1070) OR
- Complications of Pregnancy (1071) OR
- Labour and Birth (1072) OR
- Perinatal Loss and Bereavement (1073) OR
- Breastfeeding for Support Worker (1074) OR
- Postpartum and Parenting (1075) OR
- Prenatal Educator Training (1076)
Additional Details
Admission and Registration
You do not need to apply to begin this program. Simply ensure you meet the requirements listed on the Admission Requirements webpage prior to registering.
- You must be a graduate of a Personal Support Worker Program from a recognized Post-Secondary institution.
- You must email a copy of your PSW degree/diploma certificate to info@pnsw.org within 7 days after registering for the program.
Interested in taking a single course? Provided you have the appropriate prerequisites, the courses in this program can be taken individually.
Opportunities
Students in this program may also be interested in:
- Registered Nurse - Perinatal Nursing (High Risk Obstetrics)
- Registered Nurse - Perinatal Nursing (Neonatal)
- Registered Practical Nurse - Maternal Newborn Nursing
- Family Care Specialist
Career Opportunities
It is expected that the employment opportunities for the PNSW would be similar to those available to PSW's. Offering the opportunity for both self and gainful employment, depending upon the needs/desires of the individual PNSW.
Where would a Perinatal Support Worker be able to obtain employment?
- Institutions, Organizations and Agencies
- In Home with private clients
- Breastfeeding Clinics
- Parenting Education Facilities
- Private Businesses
For details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).
Next Steps
Field Placement / Clinical
Students may register for PNSW Practicum (WORK10193) upon successful completion of all the courses in the PNSW Stacked Microcredential.
Students preparing for laboratory and clinical experience should visit our Preclinical / Clinical webpage and our Clinical FAQ for details and information on the process.
You MUST register for Preplacement/Clinical Service (HLTH10223), which is not part of the program of study, to complete required health clearances prior to registering for a clinical.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
College Resources
Program Contact
Continuing Education
Health, Nursing and Community Studies
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1-844-767-6871
