New Health Programs

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 Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills 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)