UBC School of Nursing graduate Christine Gregory and Southern Medical Program students Alison Leighton and Robyn Buna work to solve a patient emergency in the Pritchard Simulation Centre at Kelowna General Hospital, part of the clinical studies program for nursing and medical students.
UBC, Okanagan College common curriculum example of institutional cooperation
The UBC Okanagan School of Nursing collaborative bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program with Okanagan College has received the longest possible length of approval without terms or conditions from the profession’s regulatory body, the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC).
Through an agreement between UBC and Okanagan College, the 2+2 UBC/OC BSN allows students to take the first two years of study towards a UBC nursing degree at the College, increasing the accessibility of training opportunities for students in the region.
“UBC has an excellent relationship with Okanagan College and this collaborative program is a wonderful example of the partnership we enjoy,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard. “Institutional collaboration is essential in promoting innovation in the Interior and we look forward to exploring new opportunities to work closely with our regional partners, including Okanagan College.”
Upon successful completion of the first two years of the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing BSN curriculum at Okanagan College, OC students have guaranteed admission to the UBC Okanagan Nursing program to complete third and fourth-year clinical and classroom studies and earn a UBC BSN degree.
The first group of Okanagan College nursing transfer students recently completed their third year of the BSN program at UBC’s Okanagan campus and enter their graduating year this September. Completion of the four-year BSN program qualifies graduates to write the examination needed to apply as a registered nurse in BC.
“The 2+2 BSN program will help meet BC’s growing need for professional nurses. A seven-year approval by CRNBC with no terms or conditions is the highest endorsement we can receive from our nursing regulatory body and is a tribute to faculty and students at both institutions,” says Patricia Marck, director of UBC’s Okanagan School of Nursing. “The Okanagan College students who join our third-year nursing students make a positive contribution to the UBC student body.”
“Our collaborative efforts and joint commitment to quality education lie behind this extended approval,” explains Okanagan College’s Dean of Science, Technology and Health, Yvonne Moritz. “That makes a good piece of news even more inspiring for the two departments and our students.”
The 2+2 UBC/OC BSN program was approved by CRNBC until 2019 in two stages. UBC’s Okanagan campus School of Nursing was granted a seven-year approval of the four-year BSN program in September 2012. Okanagan College received CRNBC approval of their year one and two program in June of 2014.
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