New Health Programs

Public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that plan to add or make substantial changes to health education programs are required to complete a formal review process to ensure they will:

• Provide students with credible knowledge and skills training
• Address provincial labour market needs

The review process applies to all health education programs:

• Regardless of offering or funding type (e.g. domestic or international, continuing education or professional studies, target funded, cost recovery, funded by base operating grants)
• Includes any program in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 51 – Health Professionals and Related Programs.

Step 1 – Institution review: Proposal is reviewed by institution Education Council (or equivalent).

Step 2 – Ministry review: Institution submits a formal proposal that includes:

• A detailed program description
• Evidence of institution capacity, student demand and clinical placement capacity
• A summary of how the program will help meet labour market demand

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training works closely with sector partners and the Ministry of Health to review the health program proposal to ensure it will meet necessary criteria.

Step 3 – Peer review: Once the Ministry review is complete, the institution completes a peer review (for new degree and non-degree programs only).

Check out the peer review criteria and guidelines:

• New degree programs