Prince Edward Island is covering full tuition costs for students entering licensed practical nursing and paramedicine programs in exchange for a two-year work commitment in the province’s health system.
The Licensed Practical Nursing and Paramedic Support Program, launched in 2023, pays for eligible students enrolled in Holland College’s LPN and Paramedicine programs. Graduates must work in PEI’s health system for at least two years after completing their studies.
The program aims to address health workforce shortages by building a pipeline of trained professionals who remain in the province. It removes financial barriers for students while ensuring the health system gains committed workers.
Program supports career changers
Noah Costello studied history at UPEI before joining his local fire department and discovering paramedicine through medical call responses.
“I was going to go back to school either way, but learning about the tuition support here on PEI changed everything,” he said.
Costello now works full-time as a paramedic in Charlottetown and plans to return to Holland College to become an Advanced Care Paramedic.
“Every day is different. One day I’m helping someone experiencing cardiac arrest, the next I’m bringing someone to the cath lab. That variety is what makes this work so meaningful,” he said.
Single parent upgrades career with financial support
Holly Savoie worked seven years as a Resident Care Worker before enrolling in the LPN program. She upgraded her education with help from SkillsPEI and Career Development Services.
“It was hard, especially as a single mom, but so worth it,” she said.
The tuition coverage allowed Savoie to focus on her studies while supporting her family. “Being able to pursue this career without the weight of tuition made all the difference,” she said.
Savoie now works full-time at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as part of a collaborative care team. “We’re always learning from each other. That’s what makes nursing so rewarding,” she said.
The program is part of broader provincial government efforts to help residents build careers in health care, according to the province.
