BCIT Specialty Programs + job market

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Hi all,

I am currently in the process of applying to nursing and want to be sure I am entering into a program that is going to eventually get me where I want.

I know the job market in BC and Alberta for new grads is getting pretty bleak. I am wondering if this is still the case when you complete a specialty program? I am interested in Neonatal, which I know you can complete directly after your RN. And I am very interested in the Perioperative specialty program. From my understanding to complete that one you must have an industry sponsor. Does anyone have any information on obtaining an industry sponsor as a new grad or information on the job market for these two specialties as a new grad?

Any advice or information you have would be wonderful!!!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Right at the moment there are several openings for NICU in Edmonton and Calgary. The postings require experience, but I know first hand that doesn't mean anything. Of course, if you're just getting started on your nursing education, the situation could look very different when you're ready to look for work.

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Right at the moment there are several openings for NICU in Edmonton and Calgary. The postings require experience, but I know first hand that doesn't mean anything. Of course, if you're just getting started on your nursing education, the situation could look very different when you're ready to look for work.

I like your posts.

You are always positive and encouraging unlike many nurses here.

Glad to see positive replies here.

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Specializes in MS, Emergency.

I think there is a Perioperative Program in Alberta where you can do it on your own. Theory I believe is mostly online, with lab hours where you need to go to Alberta and more than 400 hours of clinical time. I am not sure if they require experience before you can be admitted for the program.

Sponsorship is a little tough. There's a lot of internal applicants for 5 seats of training.

It is always great to do more certifications. It will open new opportunities for you. Good luck!

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I graduated two years ago in Vancouver and know a few people who've recently got sponsorship in the perioperative program after working with a health authority for a year or so (for example in med-surg). Maternity is harder to get sponsorship I think...less demand...but again I have friends working in this specialty also. Good luck!

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hi, just thought i'd respond to you... i was going to do my nephrology certificate through bcit since its online...i couldn't believe how involved it was! i dont know if all their specialty programs are like that, but it seemed a bit much; almost like doing a masters' degree...lol. maybe you could find a school somewhere else, another province that would actually allow you to do the certificate in a reasonable amount of time with a reasonable amount of work...also have to watch the cost of it too. in ontario it used to be very easy to get your money back from RNAO, i pretty much could guarantee if my cont. ed came to less than $1500 i'd get 100% of my money back. now they do a complicated formula based on how much education you have taken this year and also how much you took last year to determine how much you'll get paid for the course...and of course there's always the same ol' line they use "depends on the funding available". so it can be costly if you take a cert with lots of courses and no reimbursement. good luck.

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