Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary

Important: The Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary Program is Concluding on May 31, 2026.

The Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary, which provides up to $10,000 to eligible students enrolled in an APN program at a qualifying B.C. public institution, will conclude as scheduled on May 31, 2026.

New applicants: If your program begins before May 31, 2026, please review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
Current and ongoing bursary recipients: Please ensure all required documents are submitted within 30 days after the start of each semester.

Applicants are encouraged to check the website frequently to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

On August 23, 2022, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the Access to Practical Nursing Education Bursary. This bursary is for students enrolled in an Access to Practical Nursing (APN) program at a qualifying BC-based public institution.

The APN program is a unique career laddering program for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) wishing to train as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The APN program allows students to apply training and experience garnered as an HCA to accelerate their training as an LPN. Supporting the HCAs to enroll in this program will help to retain HCAs in BC’s public health system and to expedite the number of LPNs available to support more immediate LPN staffing needs.

This bursary will be paid in equal installments each semester to a total of $10,000.

To qualify for this bursary, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

APN Education Bursary Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must apply for the APN Education Bursary by submitting the Application Form with all supporting documents no later than sixty (60) days after the start of the program (i.e. the application window).
The applicant provides proof of enrollment in an Access to Practical Nursing (APN) program at a qualifying BC-based public institution, having begun their first semester between September 1, 2022 and May 31, 2026.
The applicant demonstrates proof of registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
The applicant must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) as of the date they submit their application and to receive a T4A, as this bursary is a taxable income.
The applicant confirms they have not or will not receive funding from Employer-Sponsored Earn and Learn Programs, where the employee receives funding for tuition, training stipends, etc. The applicant must also state they have not or will not receive funding from any Ministry bursaries, such as the Internationally Educated Nursing (IEN) Bursary, Return to Practice Nursing (RTPN) Bursary, or Priority Program Bursaries. For more information, please contact the HCA team.
The applicant must fulfill and complete all prior Ministry related Return of Service Agreements, including, but not limited to, Health Career Access Program (HCAP) and HCA Recruitment Incentive.
Once eligibility has been confirmed, applicants will receive a Return of Service (ROS) agreement, which must be signed and submitted. This ROS agreement is with the Ministry of Health, committing to work within BC’s public health system for a minimum of a 12-month period once licensed as an LPN.

Each semester:

The recipient submits unofficial transcripts from their last completed semester.
The recipient submits a copy of their APN program tuition statement dated at least two weeks following the start of the term.
The recipient submits these documents no later than thirty (30) days after the start of each semester.

Note: Our team is a division of Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC). All funds will be disbursed by HEABC and installments are paid directly to the recipient. Disbursements may take up to 6 weeks for processing once it is deemed the applicant meets all eligibility requirements.

Further Notes on Eligibility

The APN Education Bursary is available to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents only.
Applicants must complete their return of service working as an LPN in a publicly funded health sector employer, such as: (a) a regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care; or (b) an employer at long-term care or assisted living facility to the extent the position is to work at such a facility, excluding contract agencies (“Qualified Employer”).

Qualifying Post-Secondary Institutions

The following post-secondary institutions offer the APN program and are recognized as part of the APN Education Bursary.

Qualifying Post-Secondary Institutions offering the APN Program

Coast Mountain College

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

North Island College

Northern Lights College

Okanagan College

Vancouver Community College

Vancouver Island University

Required Documents

A registration or acceptance letter, or other proof of enrollment in an APN program at a qualifying BC-based public institution. This documentation must clearly indicate that the applicant began their first term between September 1, 2022, and May 31, 2026.
A copy of your APN program tuition statement dated at least two weeks following the start of the term.
A signed Return of Service (ROS) with the Ministry of Health, committing to work within BC’s public health system once licensed as an LPN.

*Please review all requirements and gather appropriate documents before completing the application form, as the system will not allow you to save your progress. If you experience any issues with the application form, please contact apn@choose2care.ca.

APN Education Bursary Distribution

APN Education Bursary installments will be paid directly to the recipient each semester for a combined total of $10,000 when all required documents outlined above are submitted.

Note: Payment can be expected within 4-6 weeks of submitting all required documentation.

APN Education Bursary Application Form

Step 1 of 5

Personal Information

Name

First

Last

Address

Address Line 1

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Phone

BC Care Aide & Community Worker Registry Number

Acknowledgement & Consent

Check the boxes below in order to finalize and submit your application

As indicated by my agreement below, I confirm that the contents of this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

As indicated by my agreement below, I confirm that the contents of this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand and agree that if I make a false or misleading statement or representation with respect to my application, I will not be eligible for the APN Education Bursary.

I understand and agree that if I make a false or misleading statement or representation with respect to my application, I will not be eligible for the APN Education Bursary.

I understand that by accepting the APN Education Bursary that I become ineligible for the IEN, RTPN or Priority bursary programs.

I understand that by accepting the APN Education Bursary that I become ineligible for the IEN, RTPN or Priority bursary programs.

I understand that I must work with a publicly funded health sector employer such as: (a) a regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care; or (b) an employer at long-term care or assisted living facility to the extent the position is to work at such a facility, excluding contract agencies (“Qualified Employer”).

I understand that I must work with a publicly funded health sector employer such as: (a) a regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care; or (b) an employer at long-term care or assisted living facility to the extent the position is to work at such a facility, excluding contract agencies (“Qualified Employer”).

I understand that all personal information related to my application for the APN Program Education Bursary is collected in accordance with the applicable privacy legislation, for the purposes of administering my participation in the program, facilitating the evaluation process, funding verification, entitlement, disbursement of financial stipends, grants, reimbursement or waiver programs, statistical analytics, surveys, research, potential recruitment, employment, and other such related purposes. I understand that no personally identifiable information will be disclosed to outside parties, except as described in this application form.

I understand that all personal information related to my application for the APN Program Education Bursary is collected in accordance with the applicable privacy legislation, for the purposes of administering my participation in the program, facilitating the evaluation process, funding verification, entitlement, disbursement of financial stipends, grants, reimbursement or waiver programs, statistical analytics, surveys, research, potential recruitment, employment, and other such related purposes. I understand that no personally identifiable information will be disclosed to outside parties, except as described in this application form.

I provide consent for BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry to share personal information in my online Registry account with Health Match BC for the purpose of confirming my eligibility for this bursary.

I provide consent for BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry to share personal information in my online Registry account with Health Match BC for the purpose of confirming my eligibility for this bursary.

Signature

(Type your full name)

Date of Signature

Verification of Signature

I attest that my typed name in the signature line above is equivalent to my legal signature.

If you have any questions about the application form or the use of this information, please contact us at APN@choose2care.ca

APN Education Bursary – Program Closure FAQ

The Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary (the Bursary), offered through Choose2Care and funded by the Ministry of Health, is approaching its planned program closure. These FAQs explain what the closure means for applicants and current recipients.

1. Why is the APN Education Bursary concluding?

The bursary was created to support Health Care Assistants (HCAs) wishing to train as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). It is a time‑limited program with eligibility restricted to students beginning their first APN semester between September 1, 2022, and May 31, 2026, and is now concluding as scheduled.

2. If the Bursary concludes on May 31, 2026, what will happen to current bursary recipients?

Current bursary recipients may continue receiving bursary installments up to $10,000, if they continue to meet all eligibility requirements, even after May 31, 2026. Recipients must continue submitting the required documents within 30 days after the start of each semester. Missing documents may delay or prevent payments.

3. Am I eligible if my APN program starts between January and May 2026?

Yes. Applications submitted before the last eligible program start date will continue to be reviewed according to existing program eligibility criteria.

4. Can future APN students apply for funding after the Bursary closure?

No. The APN Education Bursary will not be available for students enrolled in the APN program cohorts beginning after May 31, 2026.

5. How will the bursary payments be issued after the Bursary closure?

For bursary recipients, the bursary payments will continue in equal installments each semester up to the maximum for the program. The applicants must submit all required documents and continue to meet the eligibility requirements throughout the continuation of their program to ensure timely payment.

6. What happens to my obligations under the Return‑of‑Service (ROS) agreement after the Bursary concludes?

The ROS requirement remains in effect even after the program ends. All bursary recipients must complete their ROS obligation, as outlined in the ROS agreement they signed, after becoming licensed as an LPN.

Applicants must submit a Commencement Form: Proof of Employment to the Ministry of Health. You must submit the form as soon as possible following your employment start date. For more information and to obtain a form, please contact the BC Ministry of Health at healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca.

7. Are there other funding options available to Health Care Assistants (HCAs)?

Applicants may explore:

Financial supports, grants, and scholarships may be available through your post-secondary institution. To get you started, you can visit:

8. Who can applicants contact with additional questions?

For support or program inquiries, email the Choose2Care team at: apn@choose2care.ca.

Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary FAQ

1. What is the Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary?

The APN program is a unique career laddering program for health care assistants (HCAs) wishing to train as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The APN program allows students to apply training and experience garnered as an HCA to accelerate their training as an LPN. Supporting HCAs to enroll in this program provides opportunities and removes barriers for HCAs who want to progress in their healthcare careers here in British Columbia (BC).

This bursary is intended to offer one-time financial support for its recipients.

2. What is the total amount of funds an applicant can receive from the APN Education Bursary?

Each eligible recipient will receive up to $10,000 to help offset the APN program tuition and fees.

3. How is the bursary paid to recipients?

The bursary will be paid in equal installments on a semester basis to a total of $10,000.

The first payment will be issued once the applicant has submitted all required documentation and considered eligible.

All installments are paid directly to the recipient’s bank account. Funds will be disbursed by HEABC and may take up to 6 weeks for processing once it is deemed the applicant meets all eligibility requirements.

4. What documents do I need to submit to apply for the APN Education Bursary?

APN Education Bursary Application Form;
APN program registration or acceptance letter for intakes beginning between September 1, 2022, and May 31, 2026;
Void cheque or direct deposit information;
A copy of applicant’s APN program tuition statement dated no sooner than two weeks following the start of the term;
Proof of registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry;
A signed Return of Service agreement with the Ministry of Health committing to 12-months of work within BC’s public health system as a licensed practical nurse upon graduation.

Please note: Bursary recipients must submit additional documentation each semester to continue to receive bursary funds. This includes a copy of the student’s tuition statement each semester, dated no sooner than two weeks from the start of the new term and an unofficial transcript from the last completed semester.

5. Which documents are required to be submitted each semester to continue receiving semester-based bursary funds?

To continue receiving semester-based funds, applicants must submit the following documents each semester:

A copy of the applicant’s APN program tuition statement dated no sooner than two weeks following the start of the new term.
Unofficial transcripts from the last completed semester.

6. Does the applicant require a social insurance number (SIN) to apply?

The applicant must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) as of the date they submit their application and to receive a T4A, as this bursary is a taxable income.

7. How long will this bursary be available for?

The bursary is open to individuals who began their first term of the APN program between September 1, 2022, and May 31, 2026.

8. Which APN students are eligible to apply for the APN Education Bursary?

This bursary is for registered HCAs interested in the Access to Practical Nursing program at a qualifying public BC post-secondary institution, beginning their first term between September 1, 2022, and May 31, 2026. The list of qualifying post-secondary institutions is provided in question #9 (see below).

The APN Education Bursary is available to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents only.

Please note HCAs who received the HCA Recruitment Incentive or have completed the Health Career Access Program (HCAP), must complete their existing return of service before they can be eligible for the APN bursary.

9. Which post-secondary institutions are offering the APN program qualify as part of this bursary?

Qualifying institutions include any public post-secondary institution in British Columbia offering an APN program that is recognized by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Currently, these include:

10. Why aren’t applicants from private post-secondary institutions that offer the APN program eligible for this bursary?

At this time, private post-secondary institutions do not qualify as part of the APN Education Bursary and therefore applicants from such schools are not eligible for this bursary.

11. What is the Return of Service commitment for APN bursary applicants?

Qualifying applicants must sign a Return of Service (ROS) agreement to receive the APN Education Bursary. This agreement is between the APN bursary recipient and the Ministry of Health of BC. The ROS commits the applicant to work as a licensed practical nurse within BC’s public health system upon graduation for a minimum of 12 months with a ‘Qualified Employer ’.

“Qualified Employer” means a publicly funded health sector employer, such as: (a) a regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care; or (b) an employer at long-term care or assisted living facility to the extent the position is to work at such a facility, excluding contract agencies; excluding contract agencies.

12. Are students registered in Practical Nursing programs eligible to apply for the APN Education Bursary?

This bursary is specific to students in Access to Practical Nursing Programs and not Practical Nursing Programs.

13. Am I eligible for other bursaries as a recipient of the APN bursary?

Recipients of the APN bursary are not eligible for the Employer Sponsored Earn and Learn Programs and / or Ministry related bursaries such as the Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) or the Return to Practice Nursing (RTPN) bursary programs and Priority Program Bursaries (and vice versa).

14. Under what conditions must the bursary recipient pay back any bursary funds that they received?

Bursary recipients are required by law to return all bursary funds under the following circumstances:

The bursary recipient withdraws or is asked to withdraw from the APN program and is therefore unable to fulfill commitments outlined in the Return of Service (ROS) agreement, unless exceptions are made by the Ministry of Health;
The bursary recipient fails to complete their 12-month ROS commitment (this includes recipient who have either resigned or are terminated from a licensed practical nurse position).

15. Where can I access Nursing employment opportunities by health authority?

You can search for Nursing job listings by public health employer on the BC Health Careers website.

16. Do I need to be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry to be eligible for the APN Program?

APN bursary applicants must be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. This step ensures that all bursary applicants meet the minimum standard professional requirements set out by the Registry.

17. How do I register to practice as a licensed practical nurse in BC?

Graduates of the APN program can obtain regulatory/licensing requirements from the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.

18. Am I eligible for the APN Education Bursary whilst fulfilling a prior Return of Service Agreement such as the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) or HCA Recruitment Incentive?

As part of the eligibility criteria, applicants are required to have fulfilled and completed the 12 months of employment as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) as per any Ministry related Return of Service (ROS) Agreements, including, but not limited to, Health Career Access Program (HCAP) and HCA Recruitment Incentive. This is to ensure that the applicant is eligible to sign a new ROS for the APN Education Bursary.

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Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary

Important: The Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary Program is Concluding on May 31, 2026.

APN Education Bursary Eligibility Criteria

Each semester:

Further Notes on Eligibility

Qualifying Post-Secondary Institutions

Required Documents

APN Education Bursary Distribution

APN Education Bursary Application Form

Personal Information

Do you have a prior Return of Service (ROS) commitment, such as the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) or HCA Recruitment Incentive?

Internationally Educated Nursing (IEN), Return to Practice Nursing (RTPN), and Priority Program Bursaries Declaration

Required Documents

Bursary Payment Installments

Acknowledgement & Consent

APN Education Bursary – Program Closure FAQ

1. Why is the APN Education Bursary concluding?

2. If the Bursary concludes on May 31, 2026, what will happen to current bursary recipients?

3. Am I eligible if my APN program starts between January and May 2026?

4. Can future APN students apply for funding after the Bursary closure?

5. How will the bursary payments be issued after the Bursary closure?

6. What happens to my obligations under the Return‑of‑Service (ROS) agreement after the Bursary concludes?

7. Are there other funding options available to Health Care Assistants (HCAs)?

8. Who can applicants contact with additional questions?

Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary FAQ

1. What is the Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Bursary?

2. What is the total amount of funds an applicant can receive from the APN Education Bursary?

3. How is the bursary paid to recipients?

4. What documents do I need to submit to apply for the APN Education Bursary?

5. Which documents are required to be submitted each semester to continue receiving semester-based bursary funds?

6. Does the applicant require a social insurance number (SIN) to apply?

7. How long will this bursary be available for?

8. Which APN students are eligible to apply for the APN Education Bursary?

9. Which post-secondary institutions are offering the APN program qualify as part of this bursary?

10. Why aren’t applicants from private post-secondary institutions that offer the APN program eligible for this bursary?

11. What is the Return of Service commitment for APN bursary applicants?

12. Are students registered in Practical Nursing programs eligible to apply for the APN Education Bursary?

13. Am I eligible for other bursaries as a recipient of the APN bursary?

14. Under what conditions must the bursary recipient pay back any bursary funds that they received?

15. Where can I access Nursing employment opportunities by health authority?

16. Do I need to be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry to be eligible for the APN Program?

17. How do I register to practice as a licensed practical nurse in BC?

18. Am I eligible for the APN Education Bursary whilst fulfilling a prior Return of Service Agreement such as the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) or HCA Recruitment Incentive?