B.C. Expands Nurse Practitioner Training to Enhance Local Care

British Columbia is enhancing healthcare access by expanding nurse practitioner (NP) training across four universities in the province. During a press conference on September 11, 2023, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Jessie Sunner, announced the increase in NP program seats at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University of Victoria (UVic), the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

The government is adding a total of 65 new NP training seats: 30 at UBC, 20 at UNBC, and 15 at UVic. This initiative is supported by an annual funding of $4.7 million, aimed at addressing the urgent need for healthcare providers in communities throughout the province.

Sunner emphasized the importance of timely care, stating, “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.” By increasing the number of trained nurse practitioners, the provincial government aims to ensure that families have access to trusted healthcare providers in their local areas.

Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in the healthcare system, as they have extensive experience as registered nurses before completing advanced clinical training. They are equipped to serve as the “most responsible provider” in various medical settings, including primary care networks, emergency rooms, and specialized outpatient clinics.

Investment in Training and Infrastructure

The financial commitment also includes renovations at educational facilities, with $4.1 million allocated to UNBC and $17.5 million to UBC. According to Elizabeth Saewyc, director of UBC’s School of Nursing, the university now boasts the largest NP program in Canada, admitting 60 students each year.

“This growth not only helps fill an urgent need for more primary-care providers across the province, but it also expands UBC’s program in Surrey, adding classes to the clinical placements already taking place in the Fraser Health region,” Saewyc explained. Starting in September 2025, UBC will transition its new NP seats from the Vancouver campus to a renovated facility in Surrey, making the program more accessible to students in the Fraser region and beyond.

The benefits of this expansion are already evident for students like Alexandra Jude, a second-year NP student at UBC from South Surrey. The relocation of the program means she can now reach her classes in just 20 minutes, a significant reduction from her previous two-hour commute from Crescent Beach. Jude expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to study closer to home, stating, “The expansion of the NP program into Surrey provides me with the opportunity to not only learn from, but also to engage with the community that I hope to practise in.”

Growing Demand for Nurse Practitioners

As a result of this expansion, the number of individuals training to be nurse practitioners in British Columbia has risen to 165 per year. This increase follows the launch of a 15-seat NP program at Thompson Rivers University, which commenced in May 2023, and the introduction of a new stream at UVic for prospective NPs who already hold a master’s degree in nursing.

The provincial government’s investment in nurse practitioner training reflects a broader strategy to bolster local healthcare services and improve patient outcomes. By ensuring that more families have access to qualified healthcare providers within their communities, British Columbia is taking significant steps toward enhancing the overall well-being of its residents.