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Kim & the CELBAN: Celebrating 15 Years of Empowering Health Professionals
Did you know that since 2009, Kim Kara's goal has been to guide the process of empowering Internationally Educated Health Professionals focusing on career development and English communication skills in a medical context.
From humble beginnings in 2009 with the launch of CELBANPrep, it has grown and evolved in ways only Kim Kara M.Ed. could have imagined.
The expansion began with Kim's first eBooks in 2011, through CELBANPrep Publishing, which provided essential resources for Internationally Educated Nurses preparing for the CELBAN. From the beginning, they were sold internationally, through Amazon, as part of Kim's Compassionate Pricing Policy. She now has over 15 titles: ebooks, guides, workbooks, and even a medical collocation dictionary series.
That same year, Kim started her blog, Dear Kim, posting emails she received and lengthy answers she wrote in response.
By 2012, Kim was building a dedicated coaching team to support our growing community, ensuring personalized guidance for every step of the way.
Over time, Kim faced her share of challenges, from the disruption caused by the CELBAN's unavailability in 2014 to navigating the global pandemic. But with each obstacle, she rose stronger, innovating to meet the needs of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) and Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) alike.
What is her latest achievement?
The creation of an app-based virtual campus, fondly called CELBANPrep Univeristy, which provides IENs and IEHPs with the flexibility and tools needed to succeed, no matter where you are.
Kim is proud of how far she has come and even more excited about what’s ahead. Our journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to empowering health professionals like you.
Discover more about this inspiring journey with this special feature:
Milestones of Impact and CELBANPrep's 15 Yr Anniversary
Empowering Internationally Educated Health Professionals
Since 2009, Kim Kara M.Ed. has been dedicated to empowering Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs), helping them navigate the complexities of career development and English communication within a medical context.
Her journey began with a passion for education, culminating in a master's degree, and has evolved into a mission to support those who aspire to work in Canada's healthcare system.
The launch of CELBANPrep marked a significant milestone, focusing on the unique needs of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) preparing for the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment (CELBAN).
Over the years, Kim's commitment has driven her to innovate and adapt, from introducing affordable e-books to developing an app-based virtual campus, ensuring that every professional has the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
Imagine a future where every IEHP is equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in their careers, supported by a community that understands their journey. Singlehandedly, Kim has turned that vision a reality. These are her milestones of impact.
Length: 12 min.
Milestones
Establish a Strong Foundation (2005-2008)
Graduation with a master's in education.
Begin guiding Internationally Educated Health Professionals in pursuing licensure in Canada.
Launch of CELBAN Prep (2009)
Focus on supporting Internationally-Educated Nurses for the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment, the CELBAN.
Provide discipline-specific preparation for entering the healthcare field in Canada.
Introduction of E-Books (2011)
Launch the CELBANPrep Compassionate Pricing Policy for affordable and accessible resources.
Design books to aid in self-study and peer collaboration.
Expansion of Support System (2012)
Hire CELBANPrep graduates as writing coaches and speaking mentors.
Provide personalized guidance to a larger number of learners.
Adaptation to Changes (2014)
Navigate through a period when CELBAN was not offered due to administrative changes.
Provide support and training to maintain momentum for professionals.
[External Changes] Creation of NNAS (2014)
Streamline documentation process for nursing licensure in Canada.
Simplify the process for Internationally Educated Nurses across provinces.
[External Changes] Transition to Online Exams (2020)
Develop computer-based test for accessibility during the pandemic.
This increase the availability of exam versions and reduce waiting times for candidates.
Kim was concerned that there would be an increase in scam artists world wide, pretending to be able to prepare IENs for the CELBAN, resulting in a wasted time and money, while also decreasing levels of confidence and motivation in IENs.
Launch of App-Based Campus (2021)
Kim collaborate with app companies to create an app-based virtual campus with information, resource, and learning center.
Enhance accessibility and learning experience for students in different time zones.
Future Expansion (2024 and beyond)
Open courses to all health professionals beyond nurses.
Modify content to cater to a wider range of occupations while maintaining focus on essential skills.
Reflecting on the milestones achieved since 2009, it's clear that Kim Kara's unwavering dedication to empowering Internationally Educated Health Professionals has had a profound impact. From the initial launch of CELBANPrep to the expansion into a comprehensive support system that includes personalized coaching, accessible resources, and an app-based virtual campus, Kim has consistently innovated to meet the evolving needs of professionals worldwide. Her commitment to accessibility, quality, and personalized support has not only guided countless IEHPs toward successful careers but has also laid the foundation for future growth.
As we look forward to expanding these services to a broader range of health professionals, Kim hold fast to the values that have guided her—integrity, compassion, and a relentless drive to empower others.
Imagine a future where every health professional, regardless of their background, has the tools and support they need to succeed. That is what brought Kim to this place in time, the 15th Anniversary of CELBANPrep and beyond.
Building a brighter future for healthcare professionals across the globe.
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