Being part of "the change" is why nurse practitioner students said they joined the program at UPEI.

Ask and they'll tell you: that change means seeing the heavy demands on P.E.I.'s health-care system and wanting to be part of the solution to bring more primary care to Islanders.

And on Monday, they were celebrated — and 10 of the 11 graduates committed to staying and working in the province.

"It's extremely meaningful and I'm very proud to get to be part of the change that nurse practitioners are…