August 4, 2005 for immediate release

AsUNBC adds a master’s degree program in Family Nurse Practitioner and expandsseats in its undergraduate Nursing program, information sessions are beingplanned at hospitals and health clinics around the region.

TheFamily Nurse Practitioner master’s program is a practice oriented, theory-baseddegree that will prepare graduates to be independent practitioners, leaders,role models and educators in primary health care. Coursework will be completedover two years (full-time) or four years (part-time). Upon graduation, theseadvanced practice nurses will care for people of all age groups from a generalfamily practice perspective. They will be involved in diagnosing, prescribing,ordering diagnostic tests, and managing diseases, disorders and conditions.

Thebachelor’s degree program in Nursing has also been expanded recently, and isnow being offered in Terrace, Quesnel, and Prince Georgein collaboration with Northwest Community College, the College of New Caledonia,and Northern Health. Since 2000, the program has more than doubled in size andcurrently accepts 140 students per year.

Studentsinterested in beginning either program this fall should contact the Universityat 960-6306.

The following times arebeing set aside for meetings with the local media:

Terrace,Monday, August 8, 12:30pm, Mills Memorial Hospital

Kitimat,Monday, August 8, 4:30pm, Kitimat General Hospital

Hazelton,Tuesday, August 9, 2:00pm, Wrinch Memorial Hospital

Smithers,Tuesday, August 9, 4:30pm, Bulkley Valley District Hospital

Burns Lake,Wednesday, August 10, 4:30pm, Burns Lake Hospital

Fraser Lake,Thursday, August 11, 10:30am, Fraser Lake Community HealthCentre

FortSt. James, Thursday, August 11, 2:00pm, Stuart Lake Hospital

Vanderhoof,Thursday, August 11, 4:30pm, St. John Hospital