The Ontario government has unveiled plans to establish a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Carleton University in Ottawa, marking the first new nursing program in the province in two decades.
Premier Doug Ford and Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones made the announcement on Tuesday in Ottawa, signaling a significant step in expanding nursing education in Ontario.
New Nursing Program to Begin in 2025
Starting in September 2025, Carleton University will offer a direct-entry, compressed three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The first cohort of up to 110 students will be prepared to practice as registered nurses by 2029, with plans to expand the program to accommodate more than 200 students annually by 2030.
“The new nursing program at Carleton University will provide more opportunities for students to begin their nursing careers, ensuring more families have access to the care they need,” said Minister Sylvia Jones.
Hands-On Training with Local Hospitals
Students in the program will benefit from hands-on training through a partnership with Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH), starting in their very first semester.
Dr. Andrew Falconer, president and CEO of QCH, emphasized the importance of the program: “This initiative will prepare new nurses to make an impact from day one, ensuring hospitals are better equipped for the future of healthcare.”
Alberta’s Top 10 Growing Career Opportunities Through 2033
Top 10 Universities in Canada 2025: New List of Leading Institutions
Top 6 Canadian Universities for Computer Science Programs: Fees, Locations, and Scholarships
8 Canadian Colleges Offering High Scholarships: Financial Support for a Successful Academic Journey
Expanding Nursing Education Options in Ottawa
The launch of the BScN program at Carleton University adds to the growing list of nursing education opportunities in Ottawa. The University of Ottawa’s School of Nursing already offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in nursing. Additionally, Algonquin College provides a collaborative BScN program with uOttawa, alongside a two-year Practical Nursing Diploma.
This new program reflects the Ontario government’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare capacity and support the province’s growing demand for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the government continues to break down barriers for internationally educated nurses and expand funding initiatives such as the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which has supported over 7,500 students in healthcare-related programs since 2023.
The Carleton University nursing program will provide a critical boost to nursing education in Ontario, preparing the next generation of healthcare workers for the future.
Leave a Reply