British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S.

British Columbia is taking decisive action to recruit healthcare professionals from the U. S. by expediting the credential recognition process for doctors and nurses. In 2024, the province connected a record number of nearly 250,000 residents to primary care providers, indicating a growing demand for healthcare services. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC will facilitate U.

S. -trained doctors in obtaining full licensure without additional assessments, addressing previous barriers. Concurrently, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives will streamline the application process for U. S. nurses, allowing them to apply directly for licensure.

A targeted recruitment campaign is set to launch in spring 2025, focusing on states like Washington, Oregon, and California, where healthcare worker shortages are prevalent. This initiative complements previous marketing efforts aimed at attracting professionals from the U. K. and Ireland. As the province addresses the increasing demand for healthcare services driven by a growing and aging population, these measures are essential for strengthening public health care.

Minister of Health Josie Osborne emphasizes the importance of welcoming skilled workers to enhance community health services.