Press Release
Lakehead University president Dr. Fred Gilbert and Confederation College resident Patricia Lang have announced plans to explore the offering of a second collaborative community-based BScN nursing program this fall.
The first one was offered back in 2005 in Fort Frances, Dryden, Kenora, and Sioux Lookout—and met with great success.
The proposed second program offering will be delivered at four regional campuses, and is contingent upon a minimum enrolment of 32 students.
“We are really looking forward to being able to offer the community-based Bachelor of Nursing program in four of our regional campuses,” said Lang.
“We are very proud of our past graduates and the program’s success,” she added.
“The combined resources of both of our educational institutions have proven to be a successful model in the delivery of quality post-secondary education within the vast region of Northwestern Ontario,” noted Dr. Gilbert.
“While Lakehead has responsibility for program content and quality, as well as the awarding of degrees for this nursing program, the college ensures that the program is delivered in a manner that fulfills quality assurance requirements.
“It is a good partnership,” he enthused.
“I am very pleased that Confederation College and Lakehead University are once again looking at the possibility of offering the Bachelor of Science of Nursing program on four local campuses in the Kenora-Rainy River District,” said Darlene Furlong, senior vice-president, Patient Care Services/Program Development, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.
“I know that I speak on behalf of all of the chief nursing officers in our district who have worked very hard to put forward a case to address the looming nursing shortage for the next four years and beyond,” Furlong added.
“If this second program comes to fruition, it would represent a tremendous opportunity for many individuals who could only dream of becoming a nurse prior to the educational institutions piloting the first-ever in Canada community-based BScN program!”
In the last intake in 2005, 20 students graduated from the program.
In anticipation of this second offering, an information session via videoconference will be offered at each of Confederation College’s regional western campuses, as well as Red Lake and Atikokan, on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. (CST).
Potential candidates who currently hold the required prerequisites, and/or are in the process of qualifying, are encouraged to attend.
For more information, visit mycoursecalendar.lakeheadu.ca/pg248.html or admissions.lakeheadu.ca
Those interested also can call Carine Gallagher at Confederation College at 1-807-473-3818 or Karen Poole at Lakehead University at 1-807-343-8439.
The deadline for applications is March 19.
