Maternal Nursing Certificate FAQs
I am interested in RPN Maternal Newborn Nursing Certificate. What is involved?
The RPN Maternal Newborn Nursing certificate is a part-time program offered through distance education. You will need access to the internet in order to communicate with your tutor and find articles/information. Courses run during the fall, winter and spring semesters. RPN Maternal Newborn has 4 theory courses and 2 clinical courses.
The courses provide an increasing level of complexity in care practice as well as critical thinking skills. The courses follow a logical progression and build upon each other therefore it is expected that students will complete the program in the following sequence:
1. Introduction to Perinatal Nursing 1 - NRSG10055
2. Introduction to Perinatal Nursing 2 - NRSG10056
3. Neonatal Resuscitation - HSCINSCB1
4. RPN Maternal Care - NRSGNSCA1
5. RPN Maternal Care Clinical Experience - CLIN10038
6. RPN Newborn & Family Care - NRSGNSCA2
7. RPN Newborn & Family Care Clinical Experience - CLIN10039
NOTE: The Neonatal Resuscitation course is expected to be completed prior to clinical experiences for Maternal Newborn Program.
What are the admission requirements?
You must have a current certificate of registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Practical Nurse AND be eligible to practice in Ontario. Students are expected to submit proof of their current registration to the Program Manager prior to any clinical experience.
How are the courses delivered?
The Introduction to Perinatal Nursing 1 and 2 courses are usually offered through distance learning and in some semesters, in class. RPN Maternal Newborn courses are offered via Distance Education. Usually, Neonatal Resuscitation is offered in class. All course offerings and delivery methods are subject to change.
Courses run during the fall, winter and spring semesters. Full program of study information and course descriptions and costs can be found in the current CE catalogue.
The Distance Education Office mails out start-up information to you during the week the course starts. This information includes who your instructor is and how to contact them. You are responsible for purchasing any textbooks through the Bookstore. Check what learning materials you need for courses at http://mohawk.bookware3000.ca.
How much work is there in the program?
The Maternal Newborn Nursing Certificate is a post-basic program which means you must have completed either college or university for your basic nursing education. As such, there is an expectation that you know how to write in a scholarly manner and can do computer searches for current literature and/or evidence-based practice.
You are evaluated by a number of methods: assignments, tests, paper, and group presentations. You will need to work outside of class in preparation. The biggest challenge to distance learning is time management. You can plan on spending 5 – 10 hours a week for reading, studying, and preparing assignments. For in-class offering, 1-2 hours a week or more may be required, in addition to the hours in the classroom.
Are there any clinical experiences? What is involved?
The clinical experiences complement the theory modules, providing you with the opportunity to apply the theory you have learned in a clinical setting. These experiences may be completed in your own community provided suitable clinical units are available and willing to take students.
Clinical experiences occur between April and August due to the overwhelming number of full-time students in clinical settings between September and April. However ultimately, scheduling or placement is at the discretion of the College and students must be flexible & willing to take a placement when it is offered.
Other requirements include medical clearance from Mohawk College Health Services; please note there is a one-time fee of $115 for this clearance. If you have paid this fee for another clinical experience through Mohawk you do not need to pay it again. However, require your medical clearance to be updated yearly. Contact Health Services if you have further questions at IAHShealthservices@mohawkcollege.ca
You will be expected to develop a learning plan which is your opportunity to design your clinical to meet your learning needs. The program manager will assist you with this if you have questions.
I work in Maternal newborn nursing now. Do I still have to complete the clinical hours?
If you work in maternal-child nursing, application can be made through Prior Learning Assessment to challenge this experience. Proof of your work experience must be provided; the Program Manager should be contacted for further information.
If you have further questions please contact the Program Manager.
