Province of Burnaby 1/14/2010 11:13:26 PM
Accelerated Nursing Program in Burnaby, Canada, now Receives Greater Financial Aid
The accelerated program has been a great news and impetus for all those students who can now avail the specific training that they require
The Province of Burnaby of Canada, has made an official announcement of making an investment of $2.85 million over the last 6 years in operating funding for the first ever Accelerated Nursing Program of bachelor’s degree of B.C at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), according to Murray Coell, Minister of Labor Market Development and Advanced Education.
“The accelerated program has been a great news and impetus for all those students who can now avail the specific training that they require in their careers for moving into the work force as early as they can, and this is an encouraging news for British Columbians who are utilizing our system of health care,” remarked Coell. “Since the year 2001, B.C has managed to nearly double the number of spaces of nursing education in Burnaby to more than 3,700 – which is remarkable!”
A sum of $4,245,000 has been expended as an investment in the programs of accelerated nursing after its official announcement in early 2008. In addition to the current $2.85 million over the last 6 years in operating funding, the BCIT has further obtained $395,000 from the Ministry of Labor Market and Advanced Education and $1 million from the Ministry of Health Services a few months back.
“Nurses have a vital function for ensuring that the B.C maintains a proper and strong system of health care, and the BCIT’s program of accelerated nursing is a very positive and encouraging news for all prospective and potential nurses in Burnaby,” remarked George Abbott, Minister of Health Services. “This 3 year program will be a sure shot way of getting nurses promptly into the workforce along with proper on-the-job training. This is the best way to address the crisis of nurses in B.C.”
The accelerated program of nursing degree allows its students to complete their course in only 3 years. However, the outcomes and compositions will remain consistent with the regular and formal 4 year version of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or the BSN.
“We are extremely privileged to launch our 3 year BSN degree!” exclaimed Kathy Kinloch, dean of the School of Health Sciences of BCIT. “With 63 students presently enrolled, this program bears testimony to the commitment of BCIT towards the success of students. Graduates will therefore be better prepared for taking up challenging and rewarding careers in the industry of health service.”
The preliminary enrolment of students around mid 2008 was that of 64 students of first year. The BCIT has decided to take in further 72 students within the first quarter of this year. Moreover, the BCIT has planned to further accept 8 new students for each term. They are hoping to increase their enrolment by 50% within the year 2013.
Melanie Leckovic, vice-president of the Nurses’ Union of BC commented, “We are really thankful by the cooperation educational aspect of the 3 year degree program. This is a very crucial part of the program since it will provide students with an opportunity to gain clinical experience and simultaneously earn a decent income.”
Since the year 2001, Burnaby has invested more than $1.5 billion for the purpose of capital expansion of campuses, created 6 new universities, and increased operating funding to all institutions of post-secondary level by 40%.
