BCIT launches fast-track education course to support COVID-19 healthcare workers

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has created an online, self-directed fast-track education course to help frontline registered nurses and healthcare providers acquire the focused knowledge needed to provide critically-needed support to patients with COVID-19.

This open-learning course, “Focused Education Preparation Advancing Frontline Registered Nurses” (FEPA), is specifically designed for registered nurses in specialty nursing and healthcare providers caring for patients requiring high acuity care, specialty monitoring, and critical care – including mechanical ventilation.

“This is applied education in action for the benefit of our province and communities in combatting this pandemic,” said Kathy Kinloch, BCIT President. “My thanks to the Province and our industry partners in responding so quickly to this urgent need by supporting the rapid creation and launch of this critical program. Our profound thanks go to the many healthcare workers — many of whom are BCIT graduates — who continue to exemplify resilience, professionalism, and a deep commitment to their communities through their work.”

Since the program’s soft-launch last week, nearly 4000 healthcare workers have registered across Canada and the US. Designed by the Specialty Nursing program at BCIT, the five modules are accessible anytime online and can be repeated as often as required. Within each module, there are recommended levels highlighting pathways for healthcare providers to complete depending on their patient population. Each module includes a self-assessment, educational content including interactive activities, printable resources and quick guides, as well as COVID-19 specific information in each content area.

“As BCIT is a major provincial contributor of nurses and applied health professionals within the BC healthcare system, we know firsthand the hard work and dedication required from our healthcare workers each day,” said Lisa Chu, Dean of the BCIT School of Health Sciences. “We offer our deepest appreciation to our frontline healthcare workers for their remarkable commitment and compassion in serving our community during this challenging time.”

Healthcare workers interested in this course should contact their Health Authority employer. A certificate of completion will be given upon completion of a chosen pathway through the modules.