Province invests more than $400,000 in Mohawk program that helps foreign-trained nurses provide care in Ontario
HAMILTON - The provincial government is investing $408,047 in Mohawk's Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) program.
Mohawk's BIEN program provides internationally educated nurses with the education and experience needed to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario and work in the province. As part of the program, students complete clinical placements at hospitals throughout Hamilton and the surrounding region. The BIEN program is a collaboration of Mohawk, the Hamilton Training and Advisory Board, SISO (Settlement and Integration Services Organization) and the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (Hamilton) and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.
"Ontario needs the global education, skills and experience that newcomers bring to build a strong and prosperous Ontario economy," said Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan in announcing the government's investment this morning at the University of Toronto. The province is investing $27.4 million in 40 programs to help newcomers bridge their international credentials and experience into Ontario qualifications. As part of the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, the federal government is contributing $8.1 million to partially fund some of the 40 programs.
Mohawk graduate Adrianna Ramirez is profiled in a Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration video showcasing the success of bridging programs. Adriana immigrated from Columbia in 2004 where she had graduated with a university degree in nursing and worked as an emergency and medical surgical head nurse. Adriana completed Mohawk's BIEN program and passed her registered nursing exams in October 2007 and currently works at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.
To learn more about the province's investment in job programs for newcomers and watch a video featuring Adriana, click here:
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/news/2008/n20080512.shtml For more on Mohawk's BIEN program, click here:
http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/CE/health/bien.html