November 12, 2024 (Edmonton, Alberta) – Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) Program.
This bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to students currently enrolled in an approved international nursing education bridging program in Alberta and successfully graduate. Eligible students may receive up to $30,000 to assist with tuition and living expenses in exchange for a commitment to work in a rural Alberta community of their choice upon completing their education. The BIEN program helps students achieve their educational goals and makes a significant impact to support Alberta’s rural communities.
“Rural Alberta relies on dedicated healthcare professionals to keep care accessible,” says Tracy Sopkow, Chief Executive Officer of RhPAP. “The BIEN Program supports internationally educated nurses in continuing their careers in Alberta, while helping address challenges in rural communities.”
Rural and remote Alberta communities offer a wide variety of unique attractions and lifestyles and present nurses and other local health professionals with rewarding opportunities to build their careers and explore their full potential. In rural settings, nurses can fully explore the scope of their practice while deeply connecting with patients and families in the communities in which they live and serve.
The BIEN Program supports internationally educated nurses in making this transition, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in Alberta’s healthcare workforce.
Internationally educated nursing students can easily apply for the bursary online at RhPAP.ca/BIEN. Applications will remain open until June 2025, or as long as funding remains available.
Since its launch in the spring of 2023, the BIEN Program – initiated by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education and administered by RhPAP – has provided financial support to 208 internationally educated nurses. This initiative is key to strengthening Alberta’s rural healthcare workforce, ensuring that communities across the province continue to have access to skilled healthcare professionals.
Internationally educated nursing students are encouraged to visit RhPAP.ca to learn more and apply. For inquiries, contact the RhPAP team at BIEN@rhpap.ca.
Media inquiries can be directed to:
Jessica Surgenor
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP)
Tel: 403-363-6008
jessica.surgenor@rhpap.ca
About RhPAP:
The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is an organization that aims to enhance the quality of healthcare in rural communities across Alberta. RhPAP collaborates with rural communities, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and government bodies to address healthcare workforce challenges and improve access to healthcare services in rural areas. To learn more about RhPAP, please visit RhPAP.ca.