McGifford Announces Funding For LPN Program At St. Theresa Point First Nation

News Release – Manitoba
June 12, 2007

Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford today announced $625,000 in provincial funding to support a 25-seat licensed practical nursing (LPN) program at St. Theresa Point First Nation.

“This program fulfills our commitment for more health professionals provincewide and the need for health-care workers in Manitoba’s north,” McGifford said. “We’re pleased to offer this educational opportunity to northern Aboriginal people closer to home.”Between 2001 and 2006, Assiniboine Community College (ACC) has delivered licensed practical nurse training to Aboriginal Manitobans at seven sites across the province. In partnership with the University College of the North (UCN), a new site opened May 1 to train 25 students from St. Theresa Point and surrounding communities.

In addition to the LPN training program, a portion of the funding will be used to upgrade UCN’s regional centre in St. Theresa Point. UCN has also provided the students with pre-course training, which has provided the courses and skills required for student success in this demanding program.

“Manitoba’s health care providers are working with the province and regional health authorities to offer better care sooner to residents in rural and northern communities,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. “We’re very pleased to have these newly-approved licensed practical nursing spaces. These spaces will complement and enhance our commitment to expand training opportunities in the health field and provide quality health care to all Manitobans.”

This 18-month LPN program prepares graduates to deliver nursing care as part of a multi-disciplinary team of health-care providers. In addition to academic courses, students develop clinical nursing skills that qualify them to work in a variety of settings such as acute- and extended-care facilities, personal-care homes and community agencies.

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