Ontario announces policy change for nursing degrees

On Feb. 11, the Ontario government made an announcement adapting a policy enabling both colleges and universities the option to provide Bachelor of Nursing (BScN) degrees autonomously. 

Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities made an announcement regarding the policy change at Georgian College, offering prospective nursing students a wider range of access to an exceptional education in registered nursing. Romano explained that this move will work toward bolstering the province’s economy by “ensuring our post secondary institutions are training students for the jobs of today and the future.”  

As of 2000 the province has required all colleges providing BScN degrees to work in joint fashion with a university program.  

In a news release made on the same day, St. Clair College President Patti France said that the move “will help to achieve the government’s ultimate goal: namely, to train more nurses for the health-care system which is calling out for them.”  

The college said that research suggests nursing programs working in association with universities bear needless costs and bureaucratic complications for students, including relocation to different communities.  

France also mentioned that the college has “enjoyed a collaborative partnership with the University of Windsor and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our existing students in the St. Clair College/University of Windsor Collaborative Nursing program.”