What is a Perinatal Support Worker?
A Perinatal Support Worker or PNSW, is a Personal Support Worker who has graduated from a specialized program in perinatal care which allows them to provide non- medical, physical, emotional and educational support for women and their families from pregnancy through to the 1st year of infancy.
A Perinatal Support Worker or PNSW, is a Personal Support Worker who has graduated from a specialized program in perinatal care which allows them to provide non- medical, physical, emotional and educational support for women and their families from pregnancy through to the 1st year of infancy.
How is the PNSW different from traditional support?
A PNSW is a graduate from an academic program who has been educated and trained to facilitate the educational, emotional and physical support requirements of their clients from fertility, to pregnancy, through the birth and extending into the 1st year of infancy. A PNSW receives 1000 hours of education above and beyond their PSW education. A traditional service provider may or may not require any education or training.
This infographic can help show you how the PNSW differs from other persons who provide perinatal support.
A PNSW is a graduate from an academic program who has been educated and trained to facilitate the educational, emotional and physical support requirements of their clients from fertility, to pregnancy, through the birth and extending into the 1st year of infancy. A PNSW receives 1000 hours of education above and beyond their PSW education. A traditional service provider may or may not require any education or training.
This infographic can help show you how the PNSW differs from other persons who provide perinatal support.
Are there any prerequisites to enter into the PNSW program?
Yes, you must be a Personal Support Worker graduate from a recognized college/secondary institution to take the course. Once you have passed all 10 PNSW micro credentials, the practicum and pass the entry exam you will be recognized as a Registered Perinatal Support Worker and must keep your updated CPR, Back check and liability insurance updated at all times to be active and in good standing on the www.pnsw.org registry.
What are the advantages to being a PNSW?
A PNSW is a graduate from a combined academic and practicum program offered by a recognized educational facility. A PNSW graduate receives a comprehensive education which will prepare them for working with a variety of families throughout the reproductive cycle and into the 1st year of infancy.
There are no programs such as this for PSWs anywhere in Canada. In addition to the PNSW program, graduates will also have access to trainings that are unavailable through other avenues.
How long does it take to become a PNSW?
The academic portion of the program has been broken down into 10 micro credentials for a total of 150 hours spent in class. The iIndividual classes are 3 hours in length. They are held online from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Depending on which certificate you are completing, the classes can range from 3 sessions to 12 sessions. PNSW micro certificates must be completed in chronological order however the student can space them out to complete over a 60 month period. We strongly recommend that students complete the certificates within 24 months. In addition, the PNSW student is expected to complete approximately 300 hours of independent study. Study materials and preparation instructions for each class are available as part of the PNSW syllabus. Once a student has registered for the program with Mohawk College they will be provided with a student email and access to the PNSW program files.
Following the academic portion of the program students will need to complete 400 hours of practicum work which is composed of but not limited to: prenatal support and postpartum support. Students in the practicum will be connected to the practicum coordinator who will work with them throughout the practicum component. Once the student has successfully completed the practicum they will be eligible to write the PNSW exam.
If I have already taken a doula training does it count against the PNSW course?
Due to the wide variances in doula training we are not able to apply previous training to the academic portion of the program. Students with previous work experience can petition to have a portion of this applied against their apprentice hours. Please note that a maximum of 30% of the PNSW practicum hours can be replaced with these other hours with prior approval from the practicum coordinator.
If I am enrolled in a nursing or other medical provider course, can I use my training from that program in substitution for the PNSW practicum?
Unfortunately we are not able to accept training from another program or school as a substitute for the PNSW practicum program. The training for a licensed healthcare provider such as a nurse, physician or therapist has a very different academic focus and a much greater scope of practice than the PNSWs which makes it impossible to adequately compare them. If you are looking to augment your nursing training, we recommend that you take the Family Care Specialist micro credential program which does not have a practicum and is available to non PSWs.
If I am already a practicing, licensed health care provider, can I take the PNSW program?
The PNSW program is only available to graduates of a personal support worker program. For all others who are interested in learning more about providing perinatal support and care we recommend they take the Family Care Specialist micro credential program.
Can I still work while taking the PNSW training?
The in-class theory portion of the program is offered in such manner that you can still work full time while taking the course. Currently the entire course is held online via zoom with live educators.There are approximately 150 hours of classroom time and on average a student should anticipate working at least 2-3 hours on their independent learning for every hour of in class time. Independent learning includes a variety of activities including: required readings, book reports, class projects, presentation preparation, research and writing for the required papers. All of these will be found in the PNSW Syllabus. It is important to understand the commitment to the program if you are working full time.
Do I need to have a college or university background to take the PNSW course?
You need to be a graduate from a recognized PSW program to apply for acceptance into the PNSW program.
Yes, you must be a Personal Support Worker graduate from a recognized college/secondary institution to take the course. Once you have passed all 10 PNSW micro credentials, the practicum and pass the entry exam you will be recognized as a Registered Perinatal Support Worker and must keep your updated CPR, Back check and liability insurance updated at all times to be active and in good standing on the www.pnsw.org registry.
What are the advantages to being a PNSW?
A PNSW is a graduate from a combined academic and practicum program offered by a recognized educational facility. A PNSW graduate receives a comprehensive education which will prepare them for working with a variety of families throughout the reproductive cycle and into the 1st year of infancy.
There are no programs such as this for PSWs anywhere in Canada. In addition to the PNSW program, graduates will also have access to trainings that are unavailable through other avenues.
How long does it take to become a PNSW?
The academic portion of the program has been broken down into 10 micro credentials for a total of 150 hours spent in class. The iIndividual classes are 3 hours in length. They are held online from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Depending on which certificate you are completing, the classes can range from 3 sessions to 12 sessions. PNSW micro certificates must be completed in chronological order however the student can space them out to complete over a 60 month period. We strongly recommend that students complete the certificates within 24 months. In addition, the PNSW student is expected to complete approximately 300 hours of independent study. Study materials and preparation instructions for each class are available as part of the PNSW syllabus. Once a student has registered for the program with Mohawk College they will be provided with a student email and access to the PNSW program files.
Following the academic portion of the program students will need to complete 400 hours of practicum work which is composed of but not limited to: prenatal support and postpartum support. Students in the practicum will be connected to the practicum coordinator who will work with them throughout the practicum component. Once the student has successfully completed the practicum they will be eligible to write the PNSW exam.
If I have already taken a doula training does it count against the PNSW course?
Due to the wide variances in doula training we are not able to apply previous training to the academic portion of the program. Students with previous work experience can petition to have a portion of this applied against their apprentice hours. Please note that a maximum of 30% of the PNSW practicum hours can be replaced with these other hours with prior approval from the practicum coordinator.
If I am enrolled in a nursing or other medical provider course, can I use my training from that program in substitution for the PNSW practicum?
Unfortunately we are not able to accept training from another program or school as a substitute for the PNSW practicum program. The training for a licensed healthcare provider such as a nurse, physician or therapist has a very different academic focus and a much greater scope of practice than the PNSWs which makes it impossible to adequately compare them. If you are looking to augment your nursing training, we recommend that you take the Family Care Specialist micro credential program which does not have a practicum and is available to non PSWs.
If I am already a practicing, licensed health care provider, can I take the PNSW program?
The PNSW program is only available to graduates of a personal support worker program. For all others who are interested in learning more about providing perinatal support and care we recommend they take the Family Care Specialist micro credential program.
Can I still work while taking the PNSW training?
The in-class theory portion of the program is offered in such manner that you can still work full time while taking the course. Currently the entire course is held online via zoom with live educators.There are approximately 150 hours of classroom time and on average a student should anticipate working at least 2-3 hours on their independent learning for every hour of in class time. Independent learning includes a variety of activities including: required readings, book reports, class projects, presentation preparation, research and writing for the required papers. All of these will be found in the PNSW Syllabus. It is important to understand the commitment to the program if you are working full time.
Do I need to have a college or university background to take the PNSW course?
You need to be a graduate from a recognized PSW program to apply for acceptance into the PNSW program.
What is the scope of practise for a PNSW?
The Perinatal Support Worker is an advanced certification for Personal Support Workers (PSW) therefore all scopes and standards of a PSW would apply to a PNSW as well.
You can learn about the scopes of practice of a PSW HERE
You can learn more about the standards of practice of a PSW HERE
PNSWs provide information, educational and physical support to new and expecting parents. As an independent, ancillary member of the health care team the PNSW will be able to act as an advocate for the women and families whom they support. Working in collaboration with other members of a woman's health care team the PNSW can create the most appropriate and personalized emotional, educational and physical support for parents, baby and family. The PNSW may also work within institutions or directly with families.
In addition to the PSWs scope of practice, the PNSWs scope can be found HERE
What happens when you enter the practicum?
PNSW students who have successfully completed the stacked micro credentials will be able to register with Mohawk College to enter the PNSW practicum. The PNSW program will also send the student a welcome letter which explains how to connect with the Practicum Coordinator for support. Students are expected to check in with the Practicum Coordinator as soon as possible once they have registered in the practicum. The Practicum Coordinator will work with the student to secure practicum opportunities. Students must work with the coordinator on any practicum opportunities and provide them with any required, completed documents. Students enrolled in the PNSW practicum must not act as their own agent for securing practicum opportunities as these will not be recognized by the PNSW program. There is no exception to this rule. All students enrolled in the PNSW practicum may refuse no more than 2 offered practicum opportunities. Students who refuse more than 2 offered practicum opportunities will be discharged from the practicum and will receive a mark of “Fail”. Students who receive a mark of “Fail” will not be eligible to write the PNSW exam and will not be able to identify themselves professionally as a PNSW. They will automatically be designated as a Family Care Specialist.
Will there be a final exam for the PNSW course?
Yes. The proctored, online PNSW exam is held twice per year. Upon successful completion of the required micro credentials and practicum portion of the program the student will be eligible to write the PNSW exam. Students with a passing grade of 80% will receive a certificate of graduation from the Mohawk College and the PNSW program certificate of achievement. Students who successfully complete the PNSW program will be notified of the date/s for the next available exam. Please note that there is a fee of $ 150.00 for the exam which will need to be paid prior to writing the exam.
What is the passing mark required to graduate from the PNSW course?
80% is considered a passing grade.
Are PNSWs regulated by the government?
At present, service workers are not regulated by the Ontario Government. This process of standardization for service workers has begun. The PNSW program was developed to meet regulatory requirements in anticipation of this change.
Can anyone call themselves a PNSW without taking this course?
No. Only a graduate of the PNSW program can call themselves a PNSW. The PNSW program, and curriculum are trademark and copyright protected
How much does the PNSW course cost?
The cost for the course is based on the individual microcredentials. The course fees range from $ 288.00 to $ 750.00 per micro credential.
How much can I expect to earn as a PNSW?
$ 30.00 per hour is the recommended hourly rate for a PNSW graduate doing field work. For the PNSW who is hired in a healthcare facility the fees may not be as much however the hours may be more regular.
Fee structure will vary based on type of service being performed ie labour support fees can range between $ 800.00 and $ 1500.00, which includes both pre and postpartum visits in addition to attendance at birth. For post partum work shift premiums of up to 40% may be applied when working over night or with multiples. Childbirth educators charge $ 35.00 to $50.00 per hour, often with a minimum 3 hour charge.
Can a student be dismissed from the PNSW program?
Please note that the following activities will result in the immediate dismissal of a student from the PNSW program with no discussion: plagiarism, forging or altering of any l documents sent to them by the PNSW program, Mohawk College or any other institutions documents. Students found to have indulged in these types of activities will be removed from the program and they will forfeit their PNSW designation. Students who have been removed from the program will receive a mark of “Fail” and they will not be allowed to re-enter the PNSW program or the Family Care Specialist program.
The Perinatal Support Worker is an advanced certification for Personal Support Workers (PSW) therefore all scopes and standards of a PSW would apply to a PNSW as well.
You can learn about the scopes of practice of a PSW HERE
You can learn more about the standards of practice of a PSW HERE
PNSWs provide information, educational and physical support to new and expecting parents. As an independent, ancillary member of the health care team the PNSW will be able to act as an advocate for the women and families whom they support. Working in collaboration with other members of a woman's health care team the PNSW can create the most appropriate and personalized emotional, educational and physical support for parents, baby and family. The PNSW may also work within institutions or directly with families.
In addition to the PSWs scope of practice, the PNSWs scope can be found HERE
What happens when you enter the practicum?
PNSW students who have successfully completed the stacked micro credentials will be able to register with Mohawk College to enter the PNSW practicum. The PNSW program will also send the student a welcome letter which explains how to connect with the Practicum Coordinator for support. Students are expected to check in with the Practicum Coordinator as soon as possible once they have registered in the practicum. The Practicum Coordinator will work with the student to secure practicum opportunities. Students must work with the coordinator on any practicum opportunities and provide them with any required, completed documents. Students enrolled in the PNSW practicum must not act as their own agent for securing practicum opportunities as these will not be recognized by the PNSW program. There is no exception to this rule. All students enrolled in the PNSW practicum may refuse no more than 2 offered practicum opportunities. Students who refuse more than 2 offered practicum opportunities will be discharged from the practicum and will receive a mark of “Fail”. Students who receive a mark of “Fail” will not be eligible to write the PNSW exam and will not be able to identify themselves professionally as a PNSW. They will automatically be designated as a Family Care Specialist.
Will there be a final exam for the PNSW course?
Yes. The proctored, online PNSW exam is held twice per year. Upon successful completion of the required micro credentials and practicum portion of the program the student will be eligible to write the PNSW exam. Students with a passing grade of 80% will receive a certificate of graduation from the Mohawk College and the PNSW program certificate of achievement. Students who successfully complete the PNSW program will be notified of the date/s for the next available exam. Please note that there is a fee of $ 150.00 for the exam which will need to be paid prior to writing the exam.
What is the passing mark required to graduate from the PNSW course?
80% is considered a passing grade.
Are PNSWs regulated by the government?
At present, service workers are not regulated by the Ontario Government. This process of standardization for service workers has begun. The PNSW program was developed to meet regulatory requirements in anticipation of this change.
Can anyone call themselves a PNSW without taking this course?
No. Only a graduate of the PNSW program can call themselves a PNSW. The PNSW program, and curriculum are trademark and copyright protected
How much does the PNSW course cost?
The cost for the course is based on the individual microcredentials. The course fees range from $ 288.00 to $ 750.00 per micro credential.
How much can I expect to earn as a PNSW?
$ 30.00 per hour is the recommended hourly rate for a PNSW graduate doing field work. For the PNSW who is hired in a healthcare facility the fees may not be as much however the hours may be more regular.
Fee structure will vary based on type of service being performed ie labour support fees can range between $ 800.00 and $ 1500.00, which includes both pre and postpartum visits in addition to attendance at birth. For post partum work shift premiums of up to 40% may be applied when working over night or with multiples. Childbirth educators charge $ 35.00 to $50.00 per hour, often with a minimum 3 hour charge.
Can a student be dismissed from the PNSW program?
Please note that the following activities will result in the immediate dismissal of a student from the PNSW program with no discussion: plagiarism, forging or altering of any l documents sent to them by the PNSW program, Mohawk College or any other institutions documents. Students found to have indulged in these types of activities will be removed from the program and they will forfeit their PNSW designation. Students who have been removed from the program will receive a mark of “Fail” and they will not be allowed to re-enter the PNSW program or the Family Care Specialist program.