B.C. recruits 113 U.S.-trained nurses after streamlining credential checks. Over 1,200 American healthcare workers express interest in relocating.
B.C. Welcomes Over 100 U.S. Nurses After Credentialing Reform
In a bold move to combat its ongoing health-care staffing shortage, British Columbia has fast-tracked 113 U.S.-trained nurses to practice in the province—just weeks after introducing a faster, streamlined credentialing system.
Premier David Eby and Health Minister Josie Osborne announced the update in Victoria, stating that over 1,200 American-trained health professionals have now shown interest in working in B.C., including:
- 573 physicians
- 413 nurses
- 133 nurse practitioners
- 39 allied health professionals
From Months to Days: B.C.’s Credentialing Breakthrough
Previously, foreign-trained nurses had to undergo lengthy third-party evaluations. But under the April changes, B.C.’s College of Nurses and Midwives now directly verifies education and work history with U.S. counterparts.
Of the 413 nurses who’ve shown interest, 177 have submitted formal applications, and 113 have already received approval to work—cutting wait times from four months to just a few days, Osborne said.
Physician approval data is still pending, but more announcements are expected soon.
A Message to U.S. Health Workers: “You Will Be Valued”
Eby didn’t hold back in framing B.C. as a progressive alternative to the U.S., especially under a political climate marked by restricted reproductive rights, vaccine skepticism, and limited access to care.
“In British Columbia, you will be valued,” said Eby. “You’ll provide care based on need—not income.”
The province’s recent advertising campaign, launching in June, will target cities across Washington, Oregon, and California—where B.C. has already seen strong interest.
Why U.S. Nurses Are Considering B.C.
Among them is Rachael Smith-Taylor, a nurse from Belton, Texas, who visited Nanaimo in April. Inspired by a local’s TikTok invite, she and her partner toured the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and left considering a full relocation.
Citing growing political and social concerns in the U.S., Smith-Taylor said the Canadian move offers not only professional opportunities but a safer environment for her LGBTQ+ family.
“Just since our trip, opportunities keep falling into our laps,” she shared, noting that the logistics of moving with children remain a challenge.
The Big Picture: Progress or Just a Start?
While the fast approvals are a win, union leaders caution that the province is still short 6,000 nurses.
Tristan Newby, vice-president of the B.C. Nurses’ Union, praised the credentialing shift but stressed that recruitment alone won’t solve the crisis.
“We cannot recruit our way out of this,” said Newby. “We need nurse-to-patient ratios, retention policies, and safe working conditions.”
The province has not disclosed a budget for its upcoming recruitment campaign, but Osborne said costs will be shared among hospitals, unions, foundations, and local governments.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on healthcare recruitment, workforce reforms, and the future of B.C.’s medical system.
