Georgian College will begin offering a new nursing program next year.
The new stand-alone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will be offered at the Owen Sound and Barrie campuses. The program is in line with provincial changes to let publicly-assisted colleges and universities to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing to increase opportunities for students in that field. Georgian College will welcome the first group of students to the newly offered program in September of 2022.
The provincial government recently announced a 35 million dollar investment to increase enrolment at nursing programs across the province. As part of that investment, Georgian College will get just over $564,000 to help increase enrolment in nursing programs at their campuses. This investment will help train 62 new practical nursing students.
“This is terrific news for Georgian College, students in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and across the province and for our local health care providers,” says Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker. “I’m absolutely thrilled that Georgian College’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is giving our local students a chance to pursue their dreams closer to home, which ultimately will result in more care to people of our community.”
“Ontario’s nurses go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to patients and we are grateful for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic,” adds Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Georgian College’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will provide students with more choices for nursing education, further strengthening our health care workforce as more Ontarians pursue this important career.”
“Educating home-grown nurses will directly support our local hospitals and other health care services and we understand just how vital that is,” says Grey County Warden, Selwyn Hicks. “As an operator of three long term care homes, Grey County can see first-hand the significant challenges in recruiting and retaining nursing staff. Training staff locally, with opportunities for local placements will go some way toward alleviating the tremendous need for nurses in the community.”