UNBC Expands Nursing Program to Terrace in Partnership with Northwest Community College
February 1, 2005 for immediate release
Northwest Community College,
the University of
Northern British Columbia,
and Northern Health are partnering to deliver Nursing education in northwestern
BC. The new program builds on the existing Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate
Nursing Program developed by UNBC and the College
of New Caledonia.
18 students will be admitted into the first class this fall and the
College and University are currently welcoming expressions of interest from
students. Students will graduate with a BScN from UNBC after completing the
four-year program. The new
Terrace-based program will have some features that will make it uniquely
oriented to the needs of the Northwest region and local students.
In addition to completing coursework at the NWCC and UNBC campuses
in Terrace, students will have the opportunity to participate in clinical
placements in health care settings throughout the Northwest. They will also
have some opportunity to pursue their education through flexible course
delivery methods. For example, UNBC and NWCC are currently exploring which
courses are appropriate for online learning to accommodate students who are
either located in communities outside of Terrace or pursuing classes while
working.
NWCC and UNBC will establish an advisory committee that will have
direct input into the curriculum and its ongoing evolution and delivery. This
group will be comprised of local citizens, health professionals, and Northern
Health.
"We
are thrilled that the BC Government is funding this expansion," says
Suzanne Johnston, Chief Operating Officer for Northern Health's Northwest
Service Delivery Area. "This Nursing program will provide new educational
opportunities for people right here in the Northwest. It will also provide
students with the opportunity to learn from nurses who are already working in
hospitals and clinics throughout the region and establish them as role models
and leaders; patients will benefit as a result."
The new Terrace program is increasing the number of Nursing seats
available in northern BC to 114 (up from 60 seats in 2001). UNBC, in collaboration with the College of New Caledonia,
also has 24 Nursing spaces in Quesnel and 72 in Prince George. In 2004, 87% of the graduates
from the Nursing program accepted jobs in northern BC.