UBCO takes steps to address gap in primary health care

UBCO is offering a post-degree program in primary care health for registered nurses that should help address the needs of Canada’s provincial health-care systems.

To address the challenges in primary health care—including the shortage of physicians—Canada’s provincial health-care systems have been moving towards team-based care.

In anticipation of the pivotal role of nurses in this transformation, UBC Okanagan’s School of Nursing has launched a post-baccalaureate certificate in primary care nursing.

“Primary care is the first line of clinical services and the best means to prevent, screen for and manage disease,” says Dr. Nelly Oelke, Professor in the School of Nursing. “Nurses who complete this post-baccalaureate certificate will be ready to join primary care health teams and bolster this first line. This will lead to better health care outcomes, and in turn relieve the burden on our hospitals.”

While undergraduate nursing programs prepare nurses to practice in most settings, the emphasis for those nurses is on acute care. To work as a member of an interprofessional team in primary care, nurses require additional competencies, explains Dr. Oelke.

UBCO’s new certificate in primary care nursing will build leadership and competencies through two theory courses and a practicum course which help students apply their knowledge and skills. The delivery is online and flexible to accommodate working registered nurses. During the practicum, students work with a preceptor—an experienced nurse, nurse practitioner or physician who provides guidance and mentorship—in the student’s community if feasible.

“The certificate is unique in Canada in that it is open to registered nurses across all provinces,” says Dr. Clare Harvey, Director of UBCO’s School of Nursing. “This new post-baccalaureate certificate, in combination with our school’s primary care practice essentials micro-credentials, sets UBC Okanagan up as an education hub for primary care nursing.”

The first intake for the Post-Baccalaureate Primary Care Nursing Certificate begins in February 2025. Registration is open to registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in BC and across Canada. An online information session takes place on Friday, November 22. To register for that information session, or to learn more about the program visit: nursing.ok.ubc.ca/home/primary-care-nursing-programs