Nova Scotia announces free pilot program to help continuing care assistants become nurses

HALIFAX, NS — Nova Scotia has unveiled a tuition-free practical nursing degree for continuing care assistants (CCAs) currently working in the province.

The pilot program, which begins in January, will be available to 25 certified CCAs with a minimum of two years of nursing home or home care experience to become licensed practice nurses.

The program, which lasts two and a half years, is taught online and supplemented by in-person lab sessions at the Truro campus of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

Participants must sign a return agreement, committing them to work full-time in Nova Scotia Continuing Care for at least two years after graduation.

The province will make details of eligibility criteria and the application process available to employers for distribution to their staff. To be eligible for the program, CCAs must meet the practical requirements of the NSCC for Nursing Programs.

“I am so pleased that the college and government have been able to work together and use the existing pathway to support this blended practical nursing program through our Truro campus,” said NSCC President Don Bureaux.

“This opens a new door for our hard-working CCAs who work in continuing care – it provides an important opportunity to work and learn if they want to train to become a licensed practical nurse.”

The province will cover tuition, textbooks, and most other costs for the selected 25 students. Participants also have access to tutoring and additional student services.

Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the licensed practical exam.

“We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking program that will support frontline workers who want to grow and improve their skills while meeting an important need within the long-term care industry,” said Vanessa White, vice president People and culture at Shannex.