By Obabueki Victor Nosakhare
Alberta’s advanced education minister said many internationally educated nurses face long wait-lists and significant financial barriers to gain accreditation.
“Albertans need more nurses and there are hundreds of internationally educated nurses who want to come live and work in Alberta,” said Demetrios Nicolaides.
Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping said programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars and it can take years to get into a bridging program to attain the necessary licence.
“The financial hurdles many face when looking to align their training with Alberta standards can also add to the stress and anxiety created coming to a new province and a new country to work,” he said.
Once an international student is able to get into a program, it usually takes between 10 and 14 months to complete.
Many of the nurses come from the Philippines and other Asian countries, the United Kingdom, the United States and parts of the Caribbean.
Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines last year.
Philippines Consul General Zaldy Patron said there are many nurses from his country waiting to practise in Alberta.
“In the process, they will be able to provide the warm bodies and the front-line service that Alberta’s health-care system needs so much at this time.”