Georgian College is announcing the launch of its new stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for its Owen Sound and Barrie campuses.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker was joined by Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop, President and CEO of Georgian College Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks, and Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy for the announcement.
Walker identified in a release, this new four-year- program was made possible after the Ontario government made changes, to allow for both publicly-assisted colleges and universities to provide a baccalaureate degree in nursing, so to increase the available opportunities for students to access a high-quality education.
“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 in our community,” says Walker.
This follows after the provincial government recently announced it was going to invest $35 million to increase the enrolment in nursing education programs in publicly-assisted colleges and universities across Ontario. An additional over $564,000 is also be provided by the province to assist in increasing the enrolment for nursing programs at Georgian College, impacting the training of 62 practical nursing students.
West-Moynes says this move by the Ontario government will provide students the opportunity to complete a highly sough-after degree, here in the community.
“Georgian is well-positioned to offer all four years of a truly exceptional Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree program with some of the latest in high-fidelity nursing simulation lab technology and highly skilled faculty,” says West-Moynes.
Hicks adds educating home-grown nurses will directly support local hospitals and other health care services.
“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 placement will go some way towards alleviating the tremendous need for nurses in the community,” says Hicks.
The college will be welcoming its first cohort of new nursing students in September 2022.