For immediate release

Investment in Kwantlen Will Help Address Nursing Shortage

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (August 26, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Faculty of Community & Health Studies has received a one-time funding opportunity of $425,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education to offer an additional intake of the Graduate Nurse Internationally Educated Re-entry (GNIE) Program in 2012.

The funding is part of a joint Ministry of Advanced Education and Ministry of Health initiative to meet the continued demand for qualified health care professionals in British Columbia by providing a short duration health care program.

Kwantlen’s GNIE program is a highly subscribed program that is designed for internationally educated nurses who have completed their nursing qualifications in their home country. This unique, three semester program prepares students for practice as registered nurses in British Columbia.

“Kwantlen’s two intakes of students (May and September) have not been sufficient in keeping up with the demand from prospective students,” commented Tru Freeman, Kwantlen’s dean of Community and Health Studies. “This third intake will greatly enhance our ability to meet the needs of these students and our larger community.”

Program Applicants who have anxiously been awaiting the opportunity to prepare for their Canadian Registered Nurse Exam and join the British Columbian nursing workforce now have an opportunity to begin their studies in January 2012. The first two semesters (January through August) will be held at the Surrey Campus. Students will then join the rest of our health programs in their move to the new home of Community & Health Studies on the Langley Campus.

This targeted investment in Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Community and Health Studies will help address the emerging and future nursing shortage.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses — Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley — offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For further information about the GNIE Program, please visit: www.kwantlen.ca/calendar/programs/gneng-cr

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca