People in Nova Scotia who want to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in continuing care can get free tuition through a new pilot program.
Students in the CCA (continuing care assistant)-Practical Nursing Bridging Program at Nova Scotia Community College's Truro Campus are pictured this week. The Province is taking further steps to add more licensed practical nurses in continuing care by offering free tuition for an accelerated training program. (Communications Nova Scotia)
The Province will cover the full cost of tuition and books for 30 future LPNs who agree to work in continuing care in Nova Scotia for two years after graduating. Students will be enrolled in an accelerated 18-month practical nursing program at Nova Scotia Community College's (NSCC) Ivany campus in Dartmouth.
"We have committed to building thousands of additional long-term care spaces across the province. These spaces mean more care for seniors and more career opportunities for people with a passion to work in healthcare," said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. "A paid-for, fast-track program is a compelling opportunity for nurses beginning their careers."
The pilot program will use the same course curriculum used in other practical nursing programs. Classes will run from January 2025 to June 2026 in the afternoons and evenings, allowing students to complete a two-year diploma program six months faster. Students will work one to two shifts a month in continuing care while they study.
More information on the program, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found at: https://www.nscc.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/plandescr.aspx?prg=PNURA&pln=PRACNURACC
This investment supports the workforce needed for the additional 2,000 long-term care rooms planned in the Province's long-term care infrastructure plan.
The Province has committed to building and replacing 5,700 long-term care rooms across the province by 2032. Investing in education and training for health and well-being is a key solution in Action for Health, the government's plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia.
Quotes:
"We know the need within our long-term care facilities is growing and the citizens that need that support from professionals like licensed practical nurses are so important to all of us. We are pleased to work with government to help increase the number of professionals wanting to dedicate their talent within this caring sector to be there for these important members of our communities."
Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College
"Working in the continuing care sector is an honourable, rewarding and, yes, at times challenging career. This pilot will provide education and training opportunities to the students participating so they can learn new skills, serve in the sector and stay here in Nova Scotia. Allowing for an expedited path to becoming an LPN will ensure that all long-term care residents in Nova Scotia continue to receive world-class support and services from the continuing care sector in our province."
Sheila Frampton, licensed practical nurse, Melville Gardens
Quick Facts:
- students will be accepted into the pilot program based on NSCC's current program admission requirements
- students will be eligible to write the licensed practical exam when they successfully complete the program
- Health Association Nova Scotia will help students find work placements during their studies, and employment in the sector once they have received their required licensing from the Nova Scotia College of Nursing
Additional Resources:
- Continuing care supports: https://www.nshealth.ca/continuing-care
- Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/
- Mandate letter for the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-SLTC.pdf
