UVic's new Faculty of Health will address greater demands for health care professionals and specialized research.
The complexities of health care in Canada are growing, and with them come greater demands for health care professionals and specialized research. The University of Victoria's new Faculty of Health will help address these challenges by bringing together expertise across campus through expanded research, academic programs and new and expanded partnership opportunities that will have far-reaching impacts. Future students can now apply to the new faculty, with the first cohort of students starting in May 2025.
Health care is one of the top concerns of our time. We have a critical need for more nurses and a wide range of health and wellness practitioners, now and for the future. Understanding these needs, and the focus required to meet them, means that Health education is different here our unique programs support the needs of our communities locally, while improving health outcomes globally. As a top-ranked Canadian comprehensive university for producing career-ready graduates, and with over 4,000 practicums and co-ops each year, UVic is leading the way to create a healthier and more resilient future for everyone."
Kevin Hall, UVic's president and vice-chancellor
Six schools and their existing undergraduate and graduate programs will become part of the Faculty of Health on May 1, 2025. They are: Medical Sciences; Nursing; Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education; Public Health and Social Policy; Social Work; and Health Information Science. UVic's counselling psychology and clinical psychology graduate programs are also included in the new faculty.
With more than 200 faculty members working in health and wellness on campus, the new faculty builds on UVic's existing strengths in health and wellness education, training and research. It will bring together a diverse and talented community of students, faculty and partners including the University of British Columbia and Island Health to deliver the Island Medical Program, address systemic barriers to health care and create healthier communities.
This transformative change for UVic embodies our vision for a healthier, more equitable future. Through the Faculty of Health, UVic will be better positioned to recruit, train and support students and scholars and empower the next generation of health practitioners, researchers and leaders. The Faculty of Health will advance new approaches to health and wellness, addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our diverse communities across the province and country."
Elizabeth Croft, vice-president academic and provost
