Alberta aims to bring in more internationally educated nurses to bolster the health care system.
More than 600 new seats are being created for nurse bridging programs, as well as a new bursary for internationally educated nurses.
“We are reducing barriers for internationally educated nurses to come to Alberta,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides. “This is truly a ‘win-win’ for our province, and will help us train more nurses to keep our health care system strong now, and in the future.”
In Budget 2023, Alberta is planning to invest more than $15 million to train and support these nurses.
“The costs of internationally trained nurses to get accredited to work in Alberta can be a hurdle for many looking to further their careers here,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping. “These bridging program bursaries remove the financial challenges and also help attract more health-care workers to the province to meet our growing needs.”
Bursaries for internationally educated nurses
A $7.8 million annual investment, under Budget 2023, will fund non-repayable financial assistance for internationally educated nurses, building on the $1.25 million announcement last fall.
Eligible nurses would be able to access up to $30,000 over five years through a bursary to help offset the costs of nursing bridging programs, tuition and living expenses. The bursary will be available in the 2023-24 academic year.
Recipients are required to complete one year of nursing service in Alberta for every $6,000 disbursed. This will ensure Albertan patients and communities benefit from having nurses start their careers in the province. A third party will disburse assistance and oversee the program on behalf of Alberta Student Aid.
Any internationally educated nurse learner living in Alberta who has enrolled in an approved bridging program will be eligible for the bursary, regardless of their eligibility for any other federal or provincial student aid. The amount will be determined base don program of study, tuition costs, licensing and program fees, with a minimum of $8,000 awarded.
600 new seats in bridging program
A total of $7.3 million is earmarked to create more than 600 new seats for registered nurse and licensed practical nurse bridging and licensing programs starting in the 2023-24 academic year.
This includes 256 new seats at Mount Royal University, 120 at Bow Valley College and 250 at NorQuest College nurse bridging programs.
Read the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.
Red Deer-North residents with questions or comments can reach out to their MLA through the constituency office using the contact form.