New training opportunities for nurses are available through the BC Care Providers Association and Discovery Community College. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

seniors care

New funding helping train 10 Practical Nurses in Nanaimo

Jun 16, 2025 | 2:57 PM

NANAIMO — Senior government funding is helping the BC Care Providers Association get more nurses to work in the healthcare industry.

Ten spots are open in Nanaimo, another 10 in Vernon, for qualified healthcare assistants (HCA) to upgrade skills and earn certification as a practical nurse (PN) over a one year program.

Snezana Ristovski, senior director of programs and organizational development for the Association, told NanaimoNewsNOW they expect to see in excess of 60 applications for the 20 spots they have funding for.

“It is quite a high interest in the program, and out of those 60, we will need to pre screen and select individuals that are eligible to be entered into the programs. If we cannot take everyone in, we do run a waitlist…and being able to hopefully get them progress from HCA to a practical nurse their future.”

$671,000 is allocated to the program, which covers tuition expenses for successful applicants.

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The program is run as a 51-week accelerated bridging program, with credits on offer for past education in the field.

To qualify, participants must be at least 16 years old, a B.C. resident and have a valid certificate as an HCA, Resident Care Attendance or Home Support/Resident Care Attendant.

Around 600 hours of work experience as one of those designations is also required.

Graduates are primarily going into seniors’ care, long-term living or home health positions.

Ristovski said the Association ensures students are provided every opportunity to earn their qualifications, by offering different financial supports.

“We do keep in contact with previous applicants, hopefully we can help support them with financial support during the program, pay for their tuition and so forth, and get them employment right away after graduation.”

More information on the program, including the application process, is available on the Association’s website.

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