The University of Northern BC has announced a new program that could help Northern Health bring more registered nurses into the workforce sooner.
The LPN Pathway is expected to help ease staffing issues in the Peace Region by training Licensed Practical Nurses locally.
LPNs can now join the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program directly in Year 3.
The LPN Pathway is part of UNBC’s Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program and is delivered over five consecutive semesters.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse typically requires up to two years of full-time study.
Before the introduction of the LPN Pathway, practical nurses who wanted to become registered nurses generally had to complete a full four-year university nursing degree.
“The LPN Pathway will be a full-time program of combined theoretical and clinical coursework, including experiential learning such as simulation, laboratory and clinical placements in northern communities,” the university said.
UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen says the LPN Pathway helps smooth the transition to becoming a registered nurse.
“Nurses studying in Northeast BC tend to say in the region,” he added.
Owen says that of the nine graduates of the nursing degree last year, seven stayed in Fort St. John, one went to Chetwynd, and one to Dawson Creek.
The LPN Pathway will offer 16 open seats at the UNBC’s Fort St. John campus and 24 in Prince George, including priority seats for Indigenous students.
Applicants must have at least two years of acute-care experience to be eligible.
Owen says he hopes the pathway will also create opportunities for new graduates to fill LPN positions vacated by those going back to school.
The application deadline is on March 9, and those interested can participate in an info session offered by UNBC on February 17.