Nursing education in Fort St. John has received a major upgrade, with $3.6 million invested in new facilities and equipment at the University of Northern British Columbia’s Peace River–Liard campus. The improvements support the delivery of the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NBNP), which officially launched in the city in 2021.
The funding was part of a larger $10.25 million investment across UNBC campuses aimed at modernizing nursing education and expanding capacity. In Fort St. John, the funds helped create a new nursing lab, classroom, offices, and student lounge within Northern Lights College. A specialized simulation mannequin was also purchased to enhance hands-on learning.
The two-year NBNP allows students with prior undergraduate education to fast-track their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, preparing them to deliver high-quality care in northern and rural communities. Up to 32 students are supported through each five-semester program cycle.
Provincial officials say the upgrades are part of B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy, aimed at addressing healthcare worker shortages in underserved regions. The Fort St. John campus improvements reflect the government’s and UNBC’s commitment to keeping trained healthcare professionals in the communities that need them most.
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