As part of the Ontario government’s long-term care staffing plan, they have released the details of the BEGIN program to support PSWs bridging to RPN and RPNs bridging to RNs. This is a generous program that provides tuition reimbursement for individuals enrolled in a recognized PSW-RPN or RPN-RN bridging program during application windows in 2022-2025. The details and application can be found here: Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing BEGIN Program Details. Some of the program highlights: Eligible RPNs bridging to RN can receive tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per year for up to 3 years and a maximum of $30,000. Eligible PSWs bridging to RPN can receive tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per year for up to 3 years and a maximum of $15,000. Some BEGIN participants (based on demonstrated need) may also be eligible to receive additional financial support of up to $5,000 per year. This support is intended to assist with costs such as care for dependents, tutoring, and travel incurred while completing their educational program. To be eligible you must be enrolled in an accredited PSW-RPN or RPN-RN bridging program and are eligible regardless of how close to your graduation you are. For the Spring 2022 application window, all completed applications must be submitted before March 31, 2022. All participants will be required to provide one year of service in either HCC or LTC for each year, or portion of a year, they receive funding from the BEGIN program. If you are interested and want to learn more, the BEGIN details can be found here: Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing BEGIN Program Details. All of the current Ontario government supports for rewarding careers in long-term care, as part of the long-term care staffing plan, can be found here: Careers in long-term care, this includes more information on where bridging programs are being offered. Please share with friends, family and community to support strengthening staffing in senior living. Thank you for all you do every day!