Latest News
B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon and Health Minister Adrian Dix recently announced new commitments to nursing in the province.
Photo via news.gov.bc.ca/releases/
B.C. adding hundreds of new nursing training seats
Published 2:19 PDT, Wed March 16, 2022
—
The StrongerBC Economic Plan is working to address the growing demand for nursing services across the province.
More training opportunities are available in B.C. for people who want to work in healthcare. Last year the province invested $96 million over three years to support expanded post-secondary education and training capacity for the health profession workforce.
A total of 602 new nursing seats will be added to the 2,000 seats currently available for nursing programs in B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions. Over half of the new seats are designated for registered nursing and a portion of the others will support health-care assistants and licensed practical nurses to move into careers as registered nurses.
The province is also working with post-secondary institutions to expand health-care assistant programs as part of the Health Career Access Program.
“Nurses are integral to healthcare,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “Apart from providing life-saving care, nurses monitor and assess patients’ conditions, act as patient advocates, educate and inspire. Expanding the number of seats means more students can pursue their dreams and launch a career that makes a difference in people’s lives every day.”
Additionally, to help the next generation of nurse leaders and mentors grow, an initial $475,000 will be provided to support graduate nurse education at the University of B.C., University of Victoria, and University of Northern B.C.
“Nurses are, indeed, the backbone of healthcare, but more often than not, their backs are breaking due to the staffing crisis,” said Aman Grewal, president of the BC Nurses’ Union. “We recognize this investment as a step in the right direction and look forward to working together with all parties to build on today’s announcement for the future.”
In all, there are about 40,000 registered nurses working in B.C between 2017 and 2020. The number of registered nurses providing publicly funded health services increased by 2,259 or six per cent, while the number of licensed practical nurses increased by 1,141 or 12 per cent.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
