The Ontario government is continuing to build a stronger health care workforce by establishing a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Carleton University in Ottawa. This program will be the first new, university-based nursing program in Ontario in 20 years, graduating more than 200 new nurses each year, helping to maintain and expand the province's nursing workforce.
"I'm thrilled to be here at Carleton University as we announce Ontario's first new nursing program in 20 years," said Premier Doug Ford. "As we invest $50 billion in more than 50 new and upgraded hospital projects across the province, we're also investing in the health care workforce Ontario families are counting on. Today's announcement is part of that ongoing work, which includes the largest medical school expansion in over a decade, so we can continue connecting more people in Ontario to convenient care close to home."
Starting in September 2025, Carleton University will offer a new, direct entry, compressed three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The first class of up to 110 nursing students will be ready to practice as registered nurses by 2029. This new program will continue to grow to enroll more than 200 new nurses each year by 2030, building on the province's work to date to grow the health care workforce by adding 6,500 new spaces in Ontario's nursing programs over the last three years.
"Our government is taking action to expand Ontario's health care workforce, adding thousands of new nurses to deliver the high-quality care people need, close to home," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "Carleton University's new nursing program will provide more students with the opportunity to launch their career in nursing to connect more families to care, for generations to come."
In partnership with Queensway Carleton Hospital, nursing students enrolled in the Carleton University program will have the unique opportunity to receive hands-on training during their course of study, from their very first semester. Practical training in hospitals is crucial for nursing students to develop critical skills, enhance their confidence, and understand patient care dynamics in a real-world setting.
"Today's announcement provides another important option right here in Eastern Ontario for students looking to join our health care workforce," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "By giving universities like Carleton more freedom to innovate in how they educate our future nurses, students can enter this program right after high school, finish in three years, and start caring for families in Eastern Ontario and across the province even sooner."
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is supporting new and innovative programs to train future health care providers and ensure people across the province have access to the care they need, when they need it.
Quick Facts
- Since 2018, Ontario has seen a record-breaking number of new health care professionals join the workforce, adding 80,000 new nurses with another 30,000 nurses currently studying at Ontario colleges and universities.
- The Ontario government is strengthening our health care workforce by providing $128 million over the next three years to support enrolment increases of 2,000 registered nurses and 1,000 registered practical nurses at publicly assisted colleges and universities.
- Since expanding the role of registered nurses to prescribe medications, 284 registered nurses have been authorized to prescribe, after meeting specific requirements.
- The province continues to work with the College of Nurses of Ontario to break down barriers for internationally educated nurses. The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership provides internationally educated nurses the opportunity to demonstrate their current nursing knowledge, skill and language proficiency while working to meet the requirements to enter practice as a nurse. This program has funded more than 3,400 internationally educated nurses since it launched in January 2022.
- In 2020, Ontario introduced changes to nursing education to allow both publicly-assisted colleges and universities to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing to increase opportunities for students to access a high-quality education.
- Since it was first introduced in 2023, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has provided nearly 7,500 nursing, paramedic or medical laboratory technology students with full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other education costs, with a commitment to work in a local community after graduation.
- Ontario is investing $743 million over three years to continue to address immediate health care staffing needs, as well as to grow the workforce for years to come.
Quotes
"Carleton University's new nursing program is truly innovative and will equip graduates to work in today's hospitals and healthcare settings and help transform the healthcare system."
- Jerry Tomberlin, Carleton Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
"This program will make a difference for new nurses from day one and help hospitals better prepare for the future of healthcare. We're proud to have worked with Carleton University every step of the way - conceptualization, curriculum, and work placements."
- Dr. Andrew Falconer, President & CEO, Queensway Carleton Hospital
"This is a significant day for the nursing profession. We applaud the news that Carleton University is launching a BScN program given the high demand from applicants and the growing need in the health system. The three-year compressed program, nine semesters, will include year-round study covering all facets of clinical knowledge to ensure graduating RNs are well prepared to serve the public. What is most exciting is that Carleton University will also embed RN prescribing into its curriculum so that more Ontarians can benefit from faster access to care."
- Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)
Additional Resources
