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Thank you for your interest in the Bridging Educational Grant In Nursing or BEGIN Program.

The Program is part of the government’s commitment to recruit nurses to the Long-term Care (LTC) and Home & Community Care (HCC) sectors by supporting PSWs and RPNs to career ladder to RPN and RN roles respectively. BEGIN is expected to:

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FAQs

What does the BEGIN Program offer?

The BEGIN Program offers grant amounts as follows:

For Eligible RPNs – A guaranteed up to $10,000 per nurse/per academic year for full time studies up to a maximum of $30,000 per nurse in tuition reimbursement over the course of the program.

For Eligible PSWs – A guaranteed $6,000 per PSW/per academic year for full time studies up to maximum of $15,000 in tuition reimbursement over the course of a 3-year Bridging to Practical Nursing program, or $12,000 for a two-year Practical Nursing program.

In addition both RPNs and PSWs would have the option to apply for additional needs-based funding for supports of up to $5000/year such as course materials, tutoring, child care, and travel. This wraparound funding support would be available for up to 25% of participants in the program.

What am I required to do in return for the funding?

Applicants to the BEGIN Program would be required to sign a Return of Service (ROS) Agreement committing to working in the LTC or HCC sectors following graduation.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for BEGIN, as an Registered Practical Nurses (RPN), you will need to be:

• Registered with the Ontario College of Nurses;
• Currently enrolled in a bridging/BScN program at an Ontario College or University;
• Enrolled in a minimum 40% course load; and
• Willing to commit to a minimum Return to Service (ROS) following graduation in either LTC or HCC sectors.
  Students in all years of the program would be eligible.

To be eligible for BEGIN, as a Personal Support Workers (PSWs) you will need to be:

• Personal Support Worker in Ontario (graduates of a certified program);
• Currently enrolled in a bridging/practical nursing program at an Ontario College;
• To be eligible, student would be required to enroll in a minimum 40% course load; and
• Willing to commit to a minimum Return to Service (ROS) following graduation in either LTC or HCC sectors.
  Students in all years of the program would be eligible.

When can I apply?

We anticipate the application process will open in mid-to- late February 2022.

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