Over 1,400 US Healthcare Workers Apply to Practice in BC

More than 1,400 US healthcare workers are actively seeking employment in British Columbia (BC) as the province enhances its recruitment efforts and simplifies the process for transferring credentials. This surge in interest coincides with increasing challenges faced by the US healthcare system under the current administration. Notably, the number of applications has doubled since May 2025.

In a recent announcement, Josie Osborne, the Minister of Health, reported that over 140 qualified US doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals have accepted job offers in BC to date. The ministry highlighted that “with growing uncertainty in the US, increasing numbers of American healthcare workers are drawn to BC as a place that believes in science, protects reproductive rights, and provides universal healthcare coverage.”

Healthcare professionals are expressing a strong desire to work in an environment where their skills are appreciated and where they can focus on patient care rather than battling with for-profit insurance companies. Osborne emphasized that this influx means shorter wait times, enhanced team-based care, and improved health services across BC.

To attract these professionals, the province launched a targeted recruitment marketing campaign in June and July 2025. The campaign focused on health workers in Washington, Oregon, and select cities in California, and it continues through advertisements in academic publications until September. Since the campaign’s inception in March, more than 2,950 healthcare workers have shown interest in relocating to BC by visiting the BC Health Careers website.

Dr. Olga Decker, a US physician who relocated to Kamloops in July 2025, shared her positive experience. “Our family made the move to Kamloops this summer and we already feel at home,” she stated. “The process was smooth and supportive. Health Match BC and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC made it possible for me to start practicing quickly.”

Several measures have been implemented to facilitate the transition for US healthcare workers. These include an expedited credential recognition process for US-trained nurses. As a result, 535 US nurses and 104 nurse practitioners have successfully registered with the BC Colleges of Nurses and Midwives.

Additionally, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC has made bylaw changes, allowing US-trained doctors to practice in the province without undergoing further assessments or examinations. Since these changes, 29 US-trained physicians have been registered through the college. For doctors trained outside Canada and the US, the province has eliminated the requirement for an additional exam, the licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.

Nickol Dameron, a US nurse relocating to Nakusp in November 2025, commented on her transition, stating, “Since February, I have been working with HealthMatch BC, and they’ve made the process of moving from Alaska to Nakusp very smooth.” She added, “I am so thrilled to be joining my colleagues and providing care to my community at Arrow Lakes Hospital starting in late November.”

These developments underscore British Columbia’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system by attracting skilled professionals from the United States. As the province continues to streamline processes and enhance support for incoming healthcare workers, the implications for patient care and community health services are promising.