B.C. is expanding training for nurse practitioners at three universities in the province.
Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner, also MLA for Surrey-Newton, announced the expansion of nurse practitioner training seats, during a Thursday, Sept. 11 press conference at the University of British Columbia’s Surrey campus.
Nurse practitioner program seats are being added to the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, the University of Northern British Columbia, and Thompson Rivers University.
“When you or someone in your family needs care, you shouldn’t have to wait, travel far or worry about whether your needs can be met,” Sunner said. “That’s why we’re expanding nurse practitioner training across B.C., so more people can get timely, personalized care right in their own communities. We’re making sure more families have trusted providers nearby and ready to help when and where they’re needed most.”
Nurse practitioners (NP) have years of experience as registered nurses before they complete master’s level-clinical training to act as the “most responsible provider,” similar to physicians. NPs work in a wide variety of medical settings, including primary care networks, emergency rooms, and specialized outpatient settings.
The province has added 65 seats to NP programs: 30 seats at the University of British Columbia (UBC); 20 seats at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC); and 15 seats at the University of Victoria (UVic). It will also provide $4.7 million in annually to support the program.
In addition, the government provided $4.1 million to UNBC and $17.5 million to UBC for renovations.
