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 of the requirements, you will be recognized as a Registered Perinatal Support Worker. You must keep updated CPR-C, Vulnerable Sector Police Check, and $2 million liability insurance at all times to be active and in good standing on the PNSW registry.
Do I have to be a PNSW to do traditional support work?
No, but you would need to be a Registered PNSW to do PNSW work or to use the title
RPNSW.
What are the advantages to being a PNSW?
A PNSW is a graduate from a combined academic and experiential program offered by a reputable organization. A PNSW graduate receives a comprehensive education that 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.
If I have already taken a doula training, does it count against the PNSW course?
Due to the wide variance in doula training, we are unable 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 experiential hours.
Can I still work while taking the PNSW training?
The theory portion of the program is offered in an asynchronous format, allowing you to
complete the coursework on your own schedule. This flexibility means you can continue
working full-time while progressing through the course at your own pace.
Do I need to have a college or university background to take the PNSW course?
You need to be a graduate of a recognized PSW program to apply for acceptance
into the PNSW program. If you are unsure, you can contact OPSWA to see if your
program is recognized.
Will there be an exam?
Yes, upon successful completion of all theory and experiential requirements, you will be
eligible to take the PNSW registry entry exam. With a passing grade of 80% or higher, you
will be officially listed as a registered PNSW on the PNSW website. For individuals who
choose not to complete their experiential hours or the entry exam, the knowledge and skills
gained through the training can still be utilized, but the titles RPNSW, PNSW, or Perinatal
Support Worker positions are protected and reserved for those who have fulfilled all program
requirements. Please note that while there is no fee to be included on the PNSW registry, there is a fee for the entrance exam.
Are PNSWs regulated by the government?
As of December 1, 2024, support service workers in Ontario were provided regulation under the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority or HSCPOA.
Registration with HSCPOA is currently voluntary however, we anticipate that registration will become mandatory for all support service workers in the near future.
If I am enrolled in a nursing or other medical provider course, can I substitute my training from that program 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 program, which does not have a practicum and is available to non-PSWs.
If I am already a practicing, licensed healthcare 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 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 of the requirements, you will be recognized as a Registered Perinatal Support Worker. You must keep updated CPR-C, Vulnerable Sector Police Check, and $2 million liability insurance at all times to be active and in good standing on the PNSW registry.
Do I have to be a PNSW to do traditional support work?
No, but you would need to be a Registered PNSW to do PNSW work or to use the title
RPNSW.
What are the advantages to being a PNSW?
A PNSW is a graduate from a combined academic and experiential program offered by a reputable organization. A PNSW graduate receives a comprehensive education that 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.
If I have already taken a doula training, does it count against the PNSW course?
Due to the wide variance in doula training, we are unable 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 experiential hours.
Can I still work while taking the PNSW training?
The theory portion of the program is offered in an asynchronous format, allowing you to
complete the coursework on your own schedule. This flexibility means you can continue
working full-time while progressing through the course at your own pace.
Do I need to have a college or university background to take the PNSW course?
You need to be a graduate of a recognized PSW program to apply for acceptance
into the PNSW program. If you are unsure, you can contact OPSWA to see if your
program is recognized.
Will there be an exam?
Yes, upon successful completion of all theory and experiential requirements, you will be
eligible to take the PNSW registry entry exam. With a passing grade of 80% or higher, you
will be officially listed as a registered PNSW on the PNSW website. For individuals who
choose not to complete their experiential hours or the entry exam, the knowledge and skills
gained through the training can still be utilized, but the titles RPNSW, PNSW, or Perinatal
Support Worker positions are protected and reserved for those who have fulfilled all program
requirements. Please note that while there is no fee to be included on the PNSW registry, there is a fee for the entrance exam.
Are PNSWs regulated by the government?
As of December 1, 2024, support service workers in Ontario were provided regulation under the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority or HSCPOA.
Registration with HSCPOA is currently voluntary however, we anticipate that registration will become mandatory for all support service workers in the near future.
If I am enrolled in a nursing or other medical provider course, can I substitute my training from that program 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 program, which does not have a practicum and is available to non-PSWs.
If I am already a practicing, licensed healthcare 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 program. .
What is the scope of practice 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 also apply to a PNSW.
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 and 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 is the passing mark required to graduate from the PNSW course?
80% is considered a passing grade. Students must achieve a passing grade to write the PNSW registry entry exam.
Can anyone call themselves a PNSW without taking this course?
No. Only graduates of the PNSW program can call themselves a PNSW. The PNSW program and its curriculum are trademark and copyright protected
How much does the PNSW course cost?
Please email [email protected] for further information
How much can I expect to earn as a PNSW?
The recommended hourly rate for a PNSW graduate performing fieldwork ranges from
$25.00 to $40.00 per hour. For PNSWs employed in healthcare facilities, the compensation
will depend on the specific institution. Fee structures will also vary based on the type of
service being provided. For example, labor support fees typically range from $800.00 to
$1,500.00, which includes both pre- and postpartum visits, as well as attendance at the
birth. Childbirth educators generally charge between $35.00 and $50.00 per hour, with a
common minimum fee of three hours.
What else is unique about the PNSW program?
The PNSW founders have made the PNSW program a comprehensive advanced PSW
program that is unique in the world. The program is taught by over 10 different faculty
educators who are all experts in their respective fields. In addition to all of this, the PNSW is
part of a regulatable profession.
Can a student be dismissed from the PNSW program?
Yes. Any student unable to meet the academic requirements will be dismissed from the program. Students who display behaviors that are oppressive or antagonistic towards others
will also be dismissed.
Is the PNSW program right for me?
If you are a PSW who wants to improve themselves and create additional professional
opportunities, then the PNSW program could be the right program for you. We are looking for
people who understand the value of appropriate and relevant support at any stage of life.
People who are not afraid to place themselves at the vanguard of a new profession and who
want to make a difference for new parents and families. If you are looking for a career, then consider the PNSW program. If you are looking for a new job, then this program may not be right for you.
Can the PNSW program guarantee employment?
As with all academic programs, the PNSW program cannot guarantee employment however,
we can guarantee that your employment opportunities will increase.
The Perinatal Support Worker is an advanced certification for Personal Support Workers (PSW); therefore, all scopes and standards of a PSW would also apply to a PNSW.
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 and 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 is the passing mark required to graduate from the PNSW course?
80% is considered a passing grade. Students must achieve a passing grade to write the PNSW registry entry exam.
Can anyone call themselves a PNSW without taking this course?
No. Only graduates of the PNSW program can call themselves a PNSW. The PNSW program and its curriculum are trademark and copyright protected
How much does the PNSW course cost?
Please email [email protected] for further information
How much can I expect to earn as a PNSW?
The recommended hourly rate for a PNSW graduate performing fieldwork ranges from
$25.00 to $40.00 per hour. For PNSWs employed in healthcare facilities, the compensation
will depend on the specific institution. Fee structures will also vary based on the type of
service being provided. For example, labor support fees typically range from $800.00 to
$1,500.00, which includes both pre- and postpartum visits, as well as attendance at the
birth. Childbirth educators generally charge between $35.00 and $50.00 per hour, with a
common minimum fee of three hours.
What else is unique about the PNSW program?
The PNSW founders have made the PNSW program a comprehensive advanced PSW
program that is unique in the world. The program is taught by over 10 different faculty
educators who are all experts in their respective fields. In addition to all of this, the PNSW is
part of a regulatable profession.
Can a student be dismissed from the PNSW program?
Yes. Any student unable to meet the academic requirements will be dismissed from the program. Students who display behaviors that are oppressive or antagonistic towards others
will also be dismissed.
Is the PNSW program right for me?
If you are a PSW who wants to improve themselves and create additional professional
opportunities, then the PNSW program could be the right program for you. We are looking for
people who understand the value of appropriate and relevant support at any stage of life.
People who are not afraid to place themselves at the vanguard of a new profession and who
want to make a difference for new parents and families. If you are looking for a career, then consider the PNSW program. If you are looking for a new job, then this program may not be right for you.
Can the PNSW program guarantee employment?
As with all academic programs, the PNSW program cannot guarantee employment however,
we can guarantee that your employment opportunities will increase.