The BEGIN Program
The Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program assists PSWs and RPNs in investing in their futures. BEGIN provides tuition grants to students enrolled in PSW-RPN, RPN-RN, and PSW-RN programs, eliminating the financial barriers for them to grow their careers.
About BEGIN
In partnership with the Government of Ontario, WeRPN’s BEGIN program builds bridges for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) to explore new professional pathways in Hospitals, Primary Care, Long-Term Care (LTC) and Home and Community Care (HCC).
Eligible Ontario PSWs and RPNS studying to become RPNs and RNs can access BEGIN education grants to reimburse their tuition and mandatory ancillary fees[1]. Upon graduation, they’ll be making a difference in Hospitals, Primary Care, LTC or HCC sectors in Ontario.
[1] Up to a maximum amount
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident/landed
immigrant and a resident of Ontario. - Enrolled in or have been accepted into an accredited PSW-RPN, RPN-RN, or PSW-RN program.
- Willing to work in Hospitals, Primary Care, Long-Term Care and/or Home and Community Care sectors in Ontario for a period following graduation.
Are you a PSW or RPN interested in bridging but not currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program? Click here to learn more about how you can BEGIN.
How Much Tuition Will I Get Back?
Eligible PSW-RPN students can receive a tuition and mandatory ancillary fee reimbursement of up to $6,000 per year (maximum of $15,000).
Eligible RPN-RN/PSW-RN students can receive a tuition and mandatory ancillary fee reimbursement of up to $10,000 per year (maximum of $30,000).
BEGIN participants may also qualify for an additional $5,000 per year based on financial need.
Please note that BEGIN is a reimbursement program – you must pay for tuition and submit receipts to be reimbursed. Funding is allocated on an annual basis.
The term of the funding year is April 1 to March 31. We’re currently processing applications which school term and tuition is paid between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
What Happens After I Complete My Nursing Program?
After program completion (last semester of your program), participants agree to commit to work full-time or 1500 hours for part-time employment in one of these four priority sectors for every academic year or portion of a year for which BEGIN funding was received.
To aid with your job search, you’ll have access to a new grad workshop that includes resume writing and interviewing skills, as well as a dedicated job board.
Still have questions?
What's it Like Working in LTC and HCC?
Long-Term Care
Jeanico and Maria tell us how a career in Long-Term Care lets them develop a wide range of skills while creating long-lasting relationships with residents.
Home and Community Care
Samantha tells us how working in Home and Community Care gave her the flexibility to build her own schedule and provide clients with personalized care in their homes.
Still have questions?
How to Apply
Step 1
Verify your eligibility (above).
Eligible? Great, proceed to Step 2
Not eligible but interested in learning more about enrolling in a bridging program and receiving tuition grants? Click here
Step 2
Gather your required documents and references (found below).
Step 4
Log in to the BEGIN portal to complete your application. Ensure you have all your documents ready. If you need help you can email info@begin.werpn.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Documents
-
Tuition Fees:
A detailed breakdown and/or invoice of your paid fees for the current year -
Transcript:
A transcript of the program you’re currently enrolled in -
Proof of Enrollment:
A document from your College or University
References
-
Academic:
A current or previous professor and their academic email -
Employer:
A current or previous direct supervisor/manager
All documents must include your full legal name and be submitted in PDF form.
Screenshots will not be accepted. Save copies of your submitted documents and obtain permission from your references before submitting their names.
The BEGIN program is accepting applications for the current school year
I’m eligible, let’s BEGIN
Not eligible yet, but interested
