What happens if a BEGIN participant doesn’t complete their post-graduation employment commitment?
If they are unable to complete their Return of Service in an Ontario Hospital, Primary Care, Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care employer, the individual will be required to repay the tuition grant plus any interest accrued to WeRPN.
I manage a facility that’s not a Hospital, Primary Care, LTC or HCC. Can a BEGIN participant work in another sector as part of their post-graduation employment commitment?
No. The BEGIN program is specifically aimed at supporting recruitment and retention in these four sectors. As part of this program, students must commit to working in these sectors to obtain their tuition reimbursement.
Which colleges and universities qualify for BEGIN?
Accredited Ontario College and University Nursing Programs. Please use this link for a list of approved Practical Nursing Programs in Ontario and this link for approved Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.
My students have questions about BEGIN. What can I share with them?
Please refer anyone interested in the BEGIN program to begin.werpn.com. They can also email info@begin.werpn.com for more information.
A BEGIN applicant asked me to complete a reference. What is required of me?
The educator reference is a quick and easy online reference sent via email to a former or current educator of a BEGIN applicant. The reference should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
I know a student who’s interested in BEGIN but they aren’t currently enrolled. What information can I provide them?
While applicants must have been accepted into an accredited nursing program when they apply to BEGIN to be eligible, the program is open until March 31. WeRPN can offer guidance to those who are interested in returning to school but are unsure of where to start. Please encourage anyone who is looking for more information […]
What is the program completion employment commitment? What are the conditions?
Also known as a Return-of-Service, it’s an agreement that you will be asked to sign indicating that you commit to working full-time or part-time employment in your new designation in either Hospital, Primary Care, Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care sectors in Ontario for every academic year you received the BEGIN funding. Keep in […]
Will I be paid during the post-graduation employment commitment?
Yes, the pay process is no different from any other job.
What additional assistance is available?
BEGIN participants who demonstrate financial need may also qualify for wraparound support of up to $5,000 per year while enrolled. This support is intended to assist with costs such as care for dependents, tutoring, and travel incurred while completing your educational program. Please note that funding is not guaranteed.
Who is eligible to apply?
The BEGIN Program is open to Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who are currently enrolled in accredited and approved Ontario Colleges and Universities (PSW-RPN, RPN-RN, or PSW-RN). Applicants must have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident/landed immigrant status, reside in Ontario, and be willing to work in Hospitals, Primary Care, Long-Term Care […]