Northern Lights College seeks funding for three health programs

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Northern Lights College Fort St. John Campus — Northern Lights College’s Fort St. John campus is looking for provincial funding to support three new education programs for the 2026/27 academic year. (Northern Lights College, Facebook)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is supporting a funding application from Northern Lights College for three new healthcare education programs.

During the May 23rd regional board meeting of the Peace River Regional District, the directors reviewed a letter from Northern Lights College asking for support in an application to the province for funding.

In a letter addressed to the PRRD on May 5th, the college explained it is seeking funding from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to launch three health programs in the 2026/27 school year. It does not specify the amount it is seeking.

The programs – pharmacy technician diploma, medical lab assistant certificate and rehabilitation therapy assistant diploma – were determined to have the highest need and interest in the region after “extensive community engagement and consultation” conducted by the college.

“The proposal for these programs offers a feasible and cost-effective solution to the shortage of allied healthcare professionals in the rural, remote and Indigenous communities we serve,” the letter read.

As part of the proposal application, set to be submitted May 26th, the college requested a letter of support from the PRRD board of directors by May 23rd.

The directors unanimously voted in favour of supporting the application to facilitate the three new medical degrees.