BACKGROUNDER
2008AE0027-000701 May 6, 2008	Ministry of Advanced Education
ANNUAL INCREASE IN STUDENT NURSING SPACES

Between 1991 and 2001, only 85 new nursing spaces were added at public post-secondary institutions around B.C. This was an increase of two per cent over a period when the population of B.C. grew by 21 per cent.

 

Since then, government has funded the equivalent of 3,786 new full-time student spaces for nurses, an increase of 93 per cent. Here are the new spaces that have been added each academic year:

 

• 2001-02 – 615 seats
• 2002-03 – 651 seats
• 2003-04 – 547 seats
• 2004-05 – 321 seats
• 2005-06 – 377 seats
• 2006-07 – 510 seats
• 2007-08 – 326 seats
• 2008-09 – 439 seats

 

NURSING PROGRAM EXPANSION IN B.C.

 

Twenty-three new nursing programs have been created at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. since 2001:

Degree programs:

§         Bachelor of science in nursing ­– four programs

§         Bachelor of science in psychiatric nursing – two programs

§         Master’s – two programs

§         Nurse practitioner (master’s level, independent practitioners who work with doctors as part of the primary health-care team, providing comprehensive and continuous care for patients) – three programs

§         PhD  – one program

Certificate programs:

• Practical nurse – 11 programs

 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING OPTIONS

 

More than half the nursing credentials awarded since 2001 have been bachelor of science in nursing degrees, which are required in Canada for anyone who wants to become a registered nurse. In the past seven years, options for earning a BSN have been expanded. Today they include:

§         16 four-year degree programs at public post-secondary institutions around B.C.

§         One three-year accelerated degree program, starting this fall at BCIT.

 

 

 

§         The University of B.C.’s accelerated BSN program, which supports students with advanced standing or a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisites required to enter directly into third-year courses and complete their degree in two years.

§         Advanced placement in degree programs for licensed practical nurses, based on their education and work experience.

§         Programs for registered nurses with diplomas, or registered psychiatric nurses, to complete their degrees.

§         Refresher programs for Canadian-educated RNs who have been out of the workforce, or for nurses educated outside the country.

 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR NURSING STUDENTS

 

§         Through the loan forgiveness program, nursing graduates who agree to work in underserved communities in British Columbia for three years will have all of their B.C. student loans forgiven.

§         Bursaries are also available for those nursing students who need financial assistance the most. Since 2001, more than 4,300 students have benefited from this program, receiving $15 million in grants.

 

NURSING CREDENTIALS – PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS

 

 

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Media contact:	Linda O'Connor Communications Manager 250 952-6400 250 812-4418 cell
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