Update: Details about who qualifies and how to apply.

Bow Valley College is proud to partner with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Ministry of Health to offer an additional 120 seats in its Practical Nurse Diploma program to internationally educated nurses (IENs).The expansion of the program and bursary will help realize the dreams of talented healthcare professionals who choose to make Alberta their home. 

“Boosting the number of seats for nurses with foreign credentials is recognition that they have the knowledge and skills. They need a pathway to bridge those attributes to practice in Alberta,” says Michael Crowe, Vice President, Academic, Bow Valley College. “This support will help remove barriers for students who want to embark on that journey and get to the frontlines of a rewarding career.”

Increasing 120 seats will create opportunities for waitlisted IEN students at Bow Valley College.

“This is a program that is in-demand, with job prospects in an in-demand field,” says Janet Yorke, Dean of Health and Wellness, Bow Valley College. “Providing them quality training to practice the professional standards of Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta will help support nursing shortages.”

According to the Ministry of Advanced Education, any IEN students living in Alberta who are enroled in Bow Valley College’s approved bridging program can apply for the bursary. Available in the 2023 – 2024 academic year, the support provided to students will be determined based on their program, tuition costs, and licensing and program fees.

“Empowering students to concentrate on their studies with fewer financial pressures such as tuition and other living expenses will be life-changing,” says Crowe. “We look forward to working with the Ministry to get these capable nurses into the labour market and begin their career in Alberta.”

The Ministry of Advanced Education says its IEN funding will see eligible students access up to $30,000 over five years. The minimum amount for eligible IENs is approximately $8,000. The bursary requires recipients to complete a year of nursing in Alberta for every $6,000 disbursed.

Learn more about Bow Valley College’s Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses.

From left to right: Robyn Stewart, associate professor and BCN coordinator, Uche Nechi, BCN graduate, Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of advanced education, Zaldy Patron, Philippine consul general, Jason Copping, minister of health, Chad London, provost and VP Academic MRU, Lynn Connell, vice-president, learner experience at Bow Valley College and Jennifer Mah, dean of health studies at NorQuest College.

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About Bow Valley College 

Calgary and region’s only Comprehensive Community College — with 14,000 full- and part-time students, Bow Valley College helps Open Doors – Open Minds to in-demand jobs in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Our graduates contribute to the digital economy, careers in business, TV & film production, and serve on the frontlines of healthcare and social services. Bow Valley College invests in three applied research pillars: educational technology, social innovation, and health.