September 9, 2009
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

New accelerated Nursing degree at UFV

The Province is providing $4.5 million for a new, three-year bachelor of science in nursing degree being offered at the University of the Fraser Valley this September, announced Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

“The three-year bachelor of science in nursing is providing our student nurses with more choices than ever,” said Stilwell. “The world is facing a critical shortage of nurses. By giving students options to complete their degrees more quickly, we can have them in the workforce faster and ensure British Columbians receive the health care they need.”

The new three-year degree program retains the same curriculum as the four-year program, but is compressed into three years by taking advantage of the summer semester. In addition, licensed practical nurses can enter the program midway and complete their degree in just two years. These options mean that more nurses are graduating and entering the province’s workforce in a shorter period of time. This is the third such program to be available in B.C., along with those already offered by BCIT and Vancouver Community College. Government is investing $4.5 million, of which $1 million will go to equipment and start-up, while the remaining $3.5 million will provide operating funding over four years.

“We have worked hard with UFV to make sure we create the most comprehensive range of courses and training for our local students,” says Chilliwack MLA John Les. “This new accelerated program makes the most of the students’ time at UFV and prepares them for one of the most valuable career fields there is.”

“Our university is quickly becoming recognized as one of the most innovative schools in the province,” says Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner. “The three-year nursing degree option will encourage more people to pursue a nursing career, helping fill a need in our health care system."

“UFV is pleased to introduce this three-year, fast-track option for our nursing students,” said Dr. Mark Evered, UFV president and vice-chancellor. “We’re also retaining our four-year program to offer our students greater choice in how they complete the program. Some students can study year-round to complete in three years, while others may need the four years to accommodate summer work or family obligations. It’s important to note that, in accommodating the fast-track program option, we have not compromised the curriculum at all.”

Nursing students at UFV will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience to enhance their preparation for clinical practice. New patient simulation labs feature life-like computerized patient dolls that have a pulse, speak and react to treatments administered. Typical sessions will involve a group of students dealing with a patient condition and making decisions, while the session is broadcast live to the rest of the class in another room. Students will review their classmates’ performance and discuss it afterward.

Since 2001, government has doubled the number of nurse training spaces adding more than 4,000 new spaces, producing a record number of graduates who have received over 13,000 degrees, diplomas and certificates in B.C.
 
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Contact:
Craig MacBride
Public Affairs Officer
Advanced Education & Labour Market Development
250 356-7882 250 213-1649 (cell)

Kim Lawrence
Director of Marketing & Communications
University of the Fraser Valley
604 864-4611
604 302-6257 (cell)

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

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