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 expand their nursing 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 Long-Term Care (LTC) and Home and Community Care (HCC).
Eligible students enrolled in an accredited PSW-RPN, RPN-RN, or PSW-RN program can access BEGIN grants to reimburse their tuition and mandatory ancillary fees[1]. Upon graduation, they’ll be making a difference in the 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 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 who demonstrate financial need may also qualify for additional funding of up to $5,000 per year.
What Happens After I Graduate?
Upon graduation, you’ll commit to one year of employment in the LTC or HCC sector in Ontario for every year you receive funding (up to three years) through a Return of Service Agreement. For example, if you receive two years of funding, you will be required to commit two years of employment in one of these two sectors. For years in which you receive funding for only a portion of that year, you’ll be required to complete one full year of employment post-graduation.
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 with career opportunities in LTC and HCC.
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
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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
