- Program Description
- Program of Studies / Mandatory Courses
- Admission and Registration
- Opportunities
- Next Steps
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- College Resources
- Program Contact
Program Description
The Family Care Specialist program focuses on training individuals with interest in supporting new and expecting families throughout the reproductive years. As a Family Care Specialist, you will ultimately be able to offer your clients support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
The educational model consists of six microcredentials, totalling approximately 400 hours, through a combination of in-class and independent learning. Upon successful completion of all the courses, students will be listed in the www.pnsw.org (opens in new window) FCS database and must maintain valid CPR, Back Checks and Liability Insurance in order to work under the FCS title.
To learn about FCS Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice, please visit the Family Care Specialist webpage (opens in new window).
Continuing Education students usually complete this program in two semesters.
Program Highlights
- An FCS is a graduate from an academic program offered by a recognized college.
- An FCS is a graduate who will receive an FCS certificate along with the 6 micro-credential certificates which are recognized in Ontario.
- An FCS graduate receives a comprehensive education which will prepare them for working with a variety of families throughout the reproductive cycle and into the first year of infancy.
- An FCS graduate will learn from multiple educators including a PNSW, Prenatal Educator, an IBCLC, and more who teach live classes.
- An FCS graduate will be listed on the FCS database.
Courses in this program cost approximately $400 - $695 each.
Interested in learning more about this program?
Register for an online information session
Micro-credential Information:
On completion of the 6 courses listed you may apply for the stacked Micro-credential for Family Care Specialist (1078).
You may also apply for individual Micro-credentials upon completing:
- 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)
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.
Interested in taking a single course? Provided you have the appropriate prerequisites, the courses in this program can be taken individually.
Intakes are available in the Fall (September) and Winter (January).
Opportunities
Students in this program may also be interested in the Perinatal Support Worker Microcredential (1077).
Career Opportunities
The FCS will be able to work in many different roles both in the prenatal and postpartum period.
- Antepartum support
- Pregnancy Coach (basic nutrition, comforting touch and facilitate self-hypnosis for pain management)
- Labor & Birthing Coach (in home, hospital or birthing centre)
- In home day and overnight support
- Breastfeeding education & hands on support
- Newborn care education & hands on support (basic nutrition and comforting touch)
- Maternal care (including support for those with disabilities or cognitive impairments)
- Partner education & support
- Education & support with multiples birth
- Maternal mental health education and screening
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).
Next Steps
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Family Care Specialist FAQ (opens in new window)
- Continuing Education FAQ
- Where can I find more information on registering?
- What is the fee structure?
- How can I apply for an exemption?
- Can I obtain credit for learning obtained outside a traditional classroom?
- Where can I find more information on online learning and exams for online courses?
- How do I apply to graduate?
College Resources
Program Contact
Continuing Education
Health, Nursing and Community Studies
Email Us
1-844-767-6871
