British ColumbiaNurse practitioners, or NPs, can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication and do other tasks similar to a doctor.New additions bring total number of nurse practitioner training seats in B.C. to 165CBC News · Posted: Sep 12, 2025 7:53 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 hours agoFile photo: A nurse practitioner meets with her patient at the Axis Primary Care Clinic in Surrey, B.C. in 2021. (Ben Nelms/CBC)The province has opened up 65 new nurse practitioner training seats, bringing the total to 165 across the province.The University of British Columbia is adding 30 seats, University of Northern British Columbia, 20, and the University of Victoria, 15.Nurse practitioners, or NPs, are autonomous care providers who can independently care for a patient. They have additional training and more nursing experience than a registered nurse and have a masters level education. Once graduated, they can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and perform some tasks normally reserved for a doctor.The B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education Jessie Sunner said the increases in training opportunities will lead to better primary care in communities across the province. “When you or someone in your family needs care, you shouldn’t have to wait, travel far or worry about whether your needs can be met,” Sunner said.The announcement also includes increased funding to UNBC in the amount of $4.1 million to support the expansion. UBC received $17.5 million for facility renovations. A UBC medical training facility in Surrey. UBC nurse practitioner students can attend training programs in Surrey or at the Point Grey campus. (Shawn Foss/CBC)Angela Wignall, CEO of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of B.C., welcomes the expansion.”It’s a positive step forward that results, we know, in increased access to care, timely care, and the opportunity to build more team-based care in B.C.,” she said.”NPs increase front line access and are particularly good at closing the gap for people who don’t have access to other forms of care, providing comprehensive care in any setting — urban, rural and remote communities.” Last year it was estimated that close to one million British Columbians were without a family doctor. Expanding the number of nurse practitioners is one way the province says it’s attempting to address the issue.with files from Michelle Gomez
B.C. opens 65 new nurse practitioner training seats across 3 universities
