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.