4 reasons to pursue an education in nursing
As we celebrate National Nursing Week (May 6-12), it's an opportune moment to reflect on the invaluable role nurses play in our health care system and the significance of pursuing a career in nursing. VCC offers programs in Access to Practical Nursing, Practical Nursing and Nursing (BScN). Here are four reasons why you should consider a career in nursing.
1. Nurses are in high demand
Registered nurses along with registered psychiatric nurses are some of the highest opportunity occupations in the province, with more than 24,000 job openings forecasted in the next decade.
VCC graduates also boast high employment outcomes post-graduation—percentages of individuals in the labor force after graduating from Nursing and Practical Nursing consistently reach the high 90s.
2. Opportunities for financial assistance
We understand the financial considerations that come with pursuing higher education. Thanks to financial support from the province, students have access to various bursaries, easing the financial burden of education.
- Access to Practical Nursing: the bursary application process is detailed during the first week of classes, offering support specifically for the September 2024 cohort, with future availability under review.
- Practical Nursing and Nursing: students benefit from an automatic application of the nursing bursary to their student accounts, alleviating financial stress until September 2026. Indigenous students enrolled in BSN programs will also be eligible for an additional bursary of $5,000 per year. (Indigenous students in BPN and PN programs are already eligible for the additional $5,000 through the priority program bursaries initiative.)
For more questions about program-specific financial assistance, talk to an advisor.
3. Diverse career pathways
Whether you aspire to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health centers, or pursue specialized fields such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health, a nursing degree opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling career options.
At VCC, our programs are designed to seamlessly transition into other programs if students decide to continue their studies. For example, students who have previous training and experience as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) or Resident Care Attendant (RCA) can accelerate their practical nursing training by entering the Access to Practical Nursing program. Many practical nursing graduates go on to attain their BScN and become registered nurses.
4. Making a meaningful difference
Few professions offer the opportunity to make such a profound and direct impact on people's lives as nursing does. Nurses are on the front lines of healthcare, providing comfort, care, and support to patients and their families during some of life's most challenging moments. The sense of fulfillment derived from knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's life is unparalleled.
If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and are ready to embark on a rewarding journey in nursing, explore our programs and help shape the future of healthcare.