MORE FUNDING FOR ACCELERATED NURSING PROGRAM

BURNABY – The Province announced an investment of $2.85 million over six years in operating funding for B.C.’s first ever accelerated bachelor of science nursing program at the BC Institute of Technology, said Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

“The accelerated program is good news for students who can now access the training they need in the careers they want to move into the work force in record time, and it’s good news for British Columbians using our health-care system,” said Coell. “Since 2001, B.C. has almost doubled the number of nursing education spaces in the province to over 3,700 nursing education spaces – an increase of 93 per cent.”

A total of $4,245,000 has been invested in the accelerated nursing program since it was announced in March 2008. In addition to today’s $2.85 million over six years in operating funding, BCIT also received $1 million from the Ministry of Health Services and $395,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development earlier this year.

“Nurses play a key role in ensuring that B.C. maintains a strong health-care system, and BCIT’s accelerated nursing degree program is great news for prospective nurses in this province,” said Health Services Minister George Abbott. “This three-year program will get nurses into the workforce sooner and with significant on-the-job training. This is another example of how we are looking at innovative new ways to address nursing shortages in B.C.”

BCIT’s accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree enables students to complete their studies in three years. The course composition and outcomes will remain consistent with the four-year version of the BSN.

“We are proud to launch our three-year bachelor of science in nursing degree,” said Kathy Kinloch, dean of BCIT’s School of Health Sciences. “With 63 students currently enrolled, this program exemplifies BCIT’s commitment to student success. Graduates will be prepared to take on rewarding and challenging careers in the health service industry.”

The initial intake, in August of 2008, resulted in the enrolment of 64 first-year students. BCIT plans to accept an additional 72 first-year students in January of 2009. BCIT will accept an additional eight students each term – building enrolment by 50 per cent by 2013.

“We’re particularly excited by the co-op education aspect of the three-year degree program,” said Melanie Leckovic, vice-president of the BC Nurses’ Union. “This is a critical part of the program because it will give students an opportunity to earn a decent income while gaining clinical experience. Our union worked hard to help establish the three-year program and we're pleased to see so many students engaged in it.”

Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $1.5 billion in campus capital expansion, opened six new universities, added 32,000 seats, and increased operating funding to post-secondary institutions by 40 per cent.

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