N.S. news: Nursing pilot program expanding [Video]

Nova Scotia is expanding a pilot program designed to help continuing care assistants become licensed practical nurses.

The province launched the pilot program last January at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) campus in Truro, helping 26 certified continuing care assistants receive practical nursing licences. The program will expand to include 25 more continuing care assistants at the NSCC Cumberland Campus in January 2025.

Certified continuing care assistants who have worked in a provincially-funded nursing home or home care agency in Nova Scotia for at least two years are eligible for the program. They must meet the community college’s practical nursing program requirements.

Assistants in the diploma program receive free tuition and books if they commit to working in the province for at least two years after graduation.

“We’re seeing individuals benefit from the inaugural bridging program at our Truro campus and hope the new group of learners who progress through our Amherst site …