Debra McPherson Member Education Bursary

• Post-basic clinical seminars, programs, or conferences
• Courses to enhance specific skills
• Courses to allow a change in practice (e.g. long-term care nurses moving to acute care)
• Specialty training
• Career laddering (e.g. PCA to LPN, LPN to RN/RPN)
• Courses leading to a post-secondary nursing degree
• Upgrading English language skills
• Upgrading relevant computer skills
• Canadian Nurses Association first-time course and exam. Re-certification course or exam will not be eligible

Other courses may also qualify as determined by BCNU’s Bursary Committee.

Note: Before applying for this bursary, you must approach your employer first to seek funding, and if the course is a job requirement, your employer must pay the costs (Nurses’ Bargaining Association collective agreement Article 35 and Public Service Master Agreement Article 23.01).

This is a one-time bursary. If you have applied for and received funding from this bursary in the past, you are not eligible to apply again.

Applications are accepted from January to Sept. 15. The application deadlines are April 15 and Sept. 15 of each year.

If your course starts after the previous Sept. 15 intake deadline, apply for the April 15 intake or for the following Sept. 15 intake. If your course starts before Sept. 15, you should apply before the Sept. 15 intake deadline. If your course can be started anytime during the year, you need to apply before the Sept. 15 intake deadline. 

Complete both the online application and associated waiver when applying for the bursary.

The BCNU Bursary Committee will review applications in May and October to determine eligibility and approve/deny requests. Decisions of the Bursary Committee are final.

Notification emails will be sent to approved applicants near the end of May and October. Please ensure you check your junk mail folders.

The maximum award will be based on the funds available.

Successful applicants will be notified by email with instructions and will be required to provide their social insurance number (SIN) for tax purposes as well as proof of enrolment and fees/tuition paid before funds are released.

Approval of expenses is based only for the course(s)/conference(s) described in your application. Only receipts relating to the application submitted will be accepted.

Funds are only awarded for tuition, related textbooks, conference registration and mandatory course fees. Assessment fees (NNAS), travel, hotel, rent, personal bills, living expenses, equipment, and any other expenses/fees are not eligible and will not be reimbursed.