Confederation College Announces Commencement of Inaugural Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Program
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Thunder Bay, ON, September 28, 2023 – Confederation College is pleased to announce the launch of the first classes of its standalone Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. Building on the college's successful Practical Nursing program and former collaborative nursing program with Lakehead University, the new BScN program aims to address nursing shortages in the region.
The four-year honours bachelor program has attracted a full class of 50 students, who will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom learning with experiential training. Students will have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs featuring high and low fidelity manikins, and health industry standard equipment, ensuring they develop the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care.
"The new BScN program represents a significant milestone for Confederation College, Thunder Bay, and Northwestern Ontario." says Shane Strickland, Dean of the School of Health, Negahneewin, & Community Services. "By offering this priority program eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, we are providing students with an exceptional education, supporting the region's workforce needs and helping to address the shortage of nurses in our region."
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) program places a strong emphasis on health promotion, illness prevention, and wellness, with a focus on caring and compassion. Students will engage in nursing care simulation and scenarios, preparing them for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. Beginning in year one, students will have the opportunity to explore various nursing roles through clinical placements and access to innovative facilities.
Upon graduation, students will be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a requirement for licensing. Graduates will also have the option to specialize in an area of nursing practice to further enhance their career prospects.
One of this year’s students shared her excitement with taking on the challenge of the new program.
"Having studied two separate courses at Confederation College as an international student, I am grateful for the opportunities the college has provided me," stated Vaishnavi Vasudevan. "In 2019, I completed the International Business Management program, followed by the Personal Support Worker program in 2020. After three fulfilling years of working as a PSW and obtaining my Permanent Residency, I decided to pursue a career in nursing. Discovering that Confederation College had the BScN program was exciting as I share a deep bond with the school. Thunder Bay is now my home."
With the increasing shortage of registered nurses, graduates of the program will have a wide range of employment opportunities in healthcare settings, including family, community, institution, and individual healthcare environments. The program is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario, making graduates eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse in Ontario.
Information about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program can be found at confederationcollege.ca/program/bachelor-science-nursing-honours.
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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has seven regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake, as well as a growing Distance Education division.
Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of 7,000 combined full- and part-time students per year and currently has a total of 600 full- and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $707.3 million annually.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Hobbs, Communications Consultant
Office: (807) 475-6295| Cell: (807) 621-5265