NURSING PROGRAM EXPANSION IN B.C.

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

§ Bachelor of science in nursing – five 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.

§ Two three-year accelerated degree programs, one at BCIT and one at VCC.

§ The University of British Columbia’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 4,900 students have benefited from this program, receiving $17 million in grants.

ANNUAL INCREASES IN STUDENT NURSING SPACES

Since 2001, government has funded the equivalent of 4,014 new full-time student spaces for nurses, an increase of 100 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 – 332 seats
2008-09 – 416 seats
2009-10 – 245 seats (with further expansion to come)

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Media contact:	Craig MacBride Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development 250 356-7882 250 213-1649 (cell)

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