UBCO is adding more micro-credentials to its nursing options, providing flexible opportunities for learners to add to their professional skill set.
UBC Okanagan's School of Nursing is strengthening its focus on primary care nursing education with the introduction of two new micro-credential programs.
Micro-credentials are short, focused programs that teach skills needed for specific jobs or industry needs. Offered mostly online, they are designed to be focused and competency-based, making it possible for people to quickly gain in-demand skills while remaining in the workplace. Micro-credentials can be used individually or stacked to create a broader qualification.
Building on the successful launch of two School of Nursing micro-credentials earlier this year, these new programs address critical skills gaps in community-based health care across British Columbia and beyond, explains Sheila Epp, Associate Professor of Teaching in the Faculty of Health and Social Development.
"These programs are designed to provide nurses with advanced clinical skills for improved patient outcomes through early detection, care coordination, and ongoing care management," she says.
The first new offering-Caring for Select Populations in Primary Care Nursing-will prepare nurses to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed care to individuals facing health challenges or barriers to accessing medical services. Learners will gain competencies based on Canadian Family Practice Nurses Association frameworks, with an emphasis on inclusive approaches that address social determinants of health.
"Nurses are a critical link for expanding primary care access through team-based models, which can help reduce barriers for certain populations like individuals with mental health conditions or substance use disorders," adds Shannon Moore, UBCO adjunct professor and primary care registered nurse. "The micro-credentials will help bolster scarce services like gender-affirming or reproductive care, or give nurses more time for visits with newcomers to Canada requiring translation services."
Early next year, UBCO will also introduce the Health Promotion, Prevention and Screening in Primary Care Nursing micro-credential that will focus on preparing nurses to become leaders in preventive health-care. The program blends evidence-based approaches with practical training, giving learners the tools to design community health initiatives that respond to emerging public health needs.
"Nurses recognize the significant burden on the health system of chronic illnesses," says Melanie Wilson, Associate Professor of Teaching. "This course will focus on health promotion, prevention and early screening-an important part of health care and shifting nursing practice upstream. These approaches are especially important for communities and populations that are underserved by the health-care system."
The micro-credentials, offered through UBC Continuing and Professional Education are part of UBCO's initiative to create stackable credentials that allow nursing professionals to progressively build expertise while maintaining their current positions. Graduates receive digital badges recognizing their achievement and specialized competencies.
These non-credit programs are open to registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and final-year nursing students across Canada. They offer accessible and flexible learning options for working professionals looking to advance their careers.
UBC Okanagan is now accepting applications for the fall and winter micro-credential offerings, including the new Caring for Select Populations in Primary Care Nursing and Health Assessment for Primary Care Nursing programs.
