Over 400 US-Trained Healthcare Professionals Recruited to British Columbia
TL/DR –
A successful targeted campaign has recruited more than 400 US-trained healthcare professionals to British Columbia, particularly from Washington and Oregon. This $5 million campaign has tripled the number of healthcare professionals in British Columbia in just over a year, with the offers being accepted by a variety of professionals including 89 doctors, 260 nurses, 42 nurse practitioners, and 23 allied health professionals. The province also reported a growing interest in licensing with more than 1,300 US-trained professionals registering to practice, including a 145% increase in US-trained and certified doctors due to a new pathway making registration easier.
US-trained Health Pros Boost British Columbia’s Healthcare System
A campaign aimed at recruiting US-trained healthcare professionals has attracted over 400 professionals to British Columbia’s public health-care system, with many recruits from Oregon and Washington.
The $5 million recruitment initiative, which began last year, primarily targeted healthcare workers from Washington and Oregon, as well as few cities in California. The campaign aimed to attract American healthcare professionals to work in various communities across British Columbia, including rural and remote areas.
As of January this year, over 400 US-trained healthcare professionals have accepted job offers, tripling the number reported in September 2025. “British Columbia provides a perfect blend of a fulfilling career and a great lifestyle. We’re eager to welcome more US-trained healthcare professionals to our province,” said Premier David Eby.
The campaign kicked off in March 2025 with advertising efforts beginning in June 2025. From March 2025 to January 2026, the province received over 2,750 job applications from US healthcare professionals, with more than 400 accepting job offers. These professionals include 89 doctors, 260 nurses, 42 nurse practitioners, and 23 allied health professionals.
“In less than a year, we’ve successfully recruited hundreds of US healthcare professionals who are already contributing to BC’s public health-care system,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne. “US health professionals are enthusiastic about the chance to work in BC, and we will continue to connect them with opportunities throughout the province.”
Increased Interest in Licensing from US-trained Pros
The province has also witnessed an increased interest from US-trained professionals seeking licensing in BC. Over 1,300 US-trained doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners have registered to practice in the province. In fact, since the BC College of Nurses and Midwives simplified the credential-recognition process for US-trained nurses in April 2025, the number of registered US-trained nurses and nurse practitioners has shot up to 1,038, a significant increase from previous years.
Moreover, more than 210 US-trained doctors registered in BC from March 2025 to January 2026, a 145% increase from the same period in the previous year. This surge can be partially attributed to a new pathway implemented by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC in July 2025, which streamlined the registration process for US-trained doctors.
The province’s recruitment drive has been welcomed by various communities. “This program has significantly aided healthcare recruitment in the North, bringing us six American doctors and nurses,” said Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas. “We appreciate the government’s efforts in streamlining the process and look forward to supporting the Province with this recruitment program.”
British Columbia has marketed its publicly funded health-care system, excellent quality of life, and access to services like education and child care as major draws for US workers. For instance, Dr. Ianto West, a US psychologist who moved to Vancouver in July 2025, described his transition as smooth and appreciated the welcoming community experience.
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