AMAZING NEWS!!! - New registration process for international nurses in BC
Hi International Nurses,
I recently came across some information that will be a HUGE help and relief for many of you — especially those looking to apply in British Columbia (BC).
The government of BC and NNAS have been in deep discussions regarding the process for international nurses to get their license in BC.
As of January 31, 2023 The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) are launching a NEW pilot registration process which they say will remove delays and reduce costs for international nurses!
The new registration process includes:
NNAS is not required - There are more options!
The new process requires you to still vaildate your education. You can now do this through;
The World Education Services (WES) — Canadian branch
Comparative Education Services (CES)
ICAS International Credential Assessment Service
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
National Nursing Assessment Services
Honeslty this is amazing news as many of you will know that NNAS caused a lot of issues. I feel this is an amazing step in the right direction as a lot of us need to go through one of these credential services anyway for our immigration applications! BCCNM have said the credentialing service will upgrade your report so you can use it for your nurse application. Yay!
2. Cost assistance!
BCCNM are looking at removing some/all of the upfront costs with NCAS (competency assessment) and the BCCNM application itself. Both of which are quite costly. They have said this is dependent on the government agrees — but they are working on it!
3. English language proficiency requirement changes!
For those who have to do an English Exam for your application, they are changing the benchmark levels for both IELTS and CELBAN. This is a good step int he right direction as I know the English exam can be a huge hurdle for many.
** IELTS (A) = IELTS Academic
4. Streamlined assessments
Previously the ineternational nurse assessment proess in BC would be NNAS > BCCNM > NCAS > BCCNM. Now it will be NNAS(or alternatice verification service) > NCAS > BCCNM
NCAS will be assessing;
Education
English language proficency
Nursing Competency
After this is complete, BCCNM will assess your application.
4. Other healthcare roles
International nurses will be able to have their competencies measured for; registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and health care assistant.
The benefit of this is that you will be able to work under the level you are assessed at, then can work towards upgrading, should you want/need to.
The BCCNM website encourages you to;
Sign up for email updates. For updates about the new registration process to your email inbox as they become available.
Visit www.nursingjobsbc.ca to find out more about supports and bursaries currently available.
For other Provinces;
BCCNM notes that at this time they are partnering with Alberta and New Brunswick on this initiative.
This information has been adapted from the BCCNM website: https://www.bccnm.ca/bccnm/Announcements/Pages/Announcement.aspx?AnnouncementID=396
There is also information here fron January 9 2023 from the Vancouver Sun https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/bc-will-pay-fees-fund-schooling-upgrades-to-get-more-nurses-health-care
Overall
This news couldn’t wait.. I just had to create a whole new website to share this information.
There doesn’t seem to be any specifics yet outlining details of how to go about all of this, but I’m sure they will release even more information soon.
Write in the comments and let me and other international nurses know how this news affects you. Will you be looking at applying for your license in BC?
Wishing you all the best!
**Please give me a little time to get this website up and running as I lost most of the data from my previous blog and am working on trying to recover it
