BCIT launches frontline-focused online course for healthcare workers

In an effort to help frontline registered nurses and healthcare workers acquire the focused knowledge needed to provide critical support to patients with COVID-19, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has created an online, self-directed fast-track education course for those in the field.

BCIT said the open-learning course, “Focused Education Preparation Advancing Frontline Registered Nurses” (FEPA), is designed specifically 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 BCIT President Kathy Kinloch. “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, BCIT said nearly 4,000 healthcare workers have registered across Canada and the US.

Designed by the Specialty Nursing program at BCIT, the five modules are accessible online and can be repeated as often as required. Within each module, there are recommended 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.

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“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 will be given upon completion of a chosen pathway through the modules.