Licensed Practical Nurse program funding extended

WHITEHORSE—The Department of Education will provide $1.86 million to extend the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Yukon College to 2016.

“The continuation of the Licensed Practical Nurse program will allow two more intakes of up to 15 practical nurse students per class to graduate and find work in Yukon,” Education Minister Scott Kent said. “An evaluation completed last fall recommended the program be extended and we are happy to make this announcement today.”

The decision to extend the Licensed Practical Nurse program was made to meet labour market needs identified by the Department of Health and Social Services. The program fulfills a demonstrated need for licensed practical nurses in the territory, and with a growing population, it is anticipated that this need will continue for the foreseeable future.

“There is a very real need for licensed practical nurses in many different areas in Yukon and I don’t see that need diminishing any time soon. Training our own LPNs locally gives us an incredible pool of talent to draw on to fill those needs,” Health and Social Services Minister Doug Graham said.

The Licensed Practical Nurse program has been available at Yukon College since 2008. The first class of 11 students graduated in June 2010.  Ten graduates are currently employed as licensed practical nurses in Yukon, while the remaining one is on maternity leave. The second class of 13 students is expected to graduate this spring.

“Our program has been recognized by nursing educators across the country for its use of innovative and cutting-edge technology, so we’re very pleased that it will be continuing,” Board of Governors’ chair Paul Flaherty said. “And we know there’s a real demand out there.”

For more information about the Licensed Practical Nurse program, visit http://www.yukoncollege.yk.ca. The College will be releasing details on how to apply for the LPN program in the next few days.