Streamlined Process To Cut Wait Times, Bring More U.S. Nurses To B.C.

The Province is streamlining the credential recognition process to allow for nurses from the United States to work in B.C. quicker.

The government says registrations will now take only a few days, compared to the previous average as long as four months.

“American health-care professionals are increasingly drawn to B.C. as a place that supports science, protects reproductive rights and takes care of people no matter how much money they have in their bank account,” said Premier David Eby.

“That’s why I’m delighted to see that our new, fast-tracked credential recognition has cut registration time from months to just days and is bringing in new U.S. nurses to strengthen our public health system and deliver better care for British Columbians, faster.”

The Province says that since launching the new process, applications from the U.S.-trained nurses have increased by 127%.

Nurses can now apply directly to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives without first going through a third-party assessment organization.

“With the uncertainty and chaos happening south of our border, we have an opportunity to attract the skilled health-care workers our province needs to strengthen public health care. That’s why we are ramping up our recruitment efforts in the U.S. and streamlining regulatory processes,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.

“And we are already seeing results with an increase in nurses applying to work in British Columbia and help deliver care.”

Since announcing the recruitment campaign in March nearly 1,200 nurses, doctors and allied health professionals from the United States have expressed an interest to come work in the province.

This includes 573 physicians, 413 nurses, 133 nurse practitioners and 39 allied health professionals.

Recruiters are highlighting job opportunities for U.S. nurses in the areas they are most needed, such as cancer care and emergency departments, as well as rural communities facing health-care worker shortages.

In early June, the Province will be launching a targeted U.S. marketing campaign in parts of the country with the highest interest in moving to B.C., including Washington and Oregon, and select cities in California.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.