Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning has received approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to launch a new standalone, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree program that will welcome its first cohort in September 2024.
Conestoga has received approval to launch a new standalone, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree program that will welcome its first cohort in September 2024.
The degree will be offered at the college’s Kitchener - Doon campus and will prepare graduates to provide care that is relevant, connected and responsive to the evolving needs of the people they care for.
“We are very pleased the ministry has provided the School of Health & Life Sciences with this approval,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “There is a critical demand for healthcare workers and developing a local workforce that can respond to the unique needs of our region and beyond is vital to ensuring the well-being of our community now and in the future.”
The new program was developed following the Ontario government’s decision in 2020 to allow both public colleges and universities to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing to increase opportunities for students to access high-quality education. Until now, Conestoga delivered a BScN degree in partnership with McMaster University.
Conestoga’s new BScN program will take a contemporary approach to nursing education delivery, with courses and learning designed to address the most pressing issues in healthcare today. Extensive hands-on clinical learning opportunities will provide students with strong foundations in nursing practice across a variety of settings and client ages.
The degree will value and emphasize the scientific basis of nursing practice, while also stressing the importance of relationships. Relational practice is a hallmark of nursing at Conestoga.
The program also features small class sizes with direct access to professors and expert nurses, local clinical placements, and two precepted learning experiences in the fourth year of the program working directly with experienced registered nurses as part of a healthcare team.
“We are thrilled the province recognizes the value of Conestoga’s nursing programs, its faculty and the simulation-based technology we have available for students to develop their skills and knowledge. Granting our own nursing degree allows us to build on decades of leadership in the delivery of healthcare programming at a time when need for a highly skilled nursing workforce is high,” said Heather Cross, Dean of Nursing and Associated Programs.
Multiple pathways for degree completion are available, and the program is designed so registered practical nurses or those who have completed university studies can enter the program directly with advanced standing. Part-time options are also available for registered practical nurses.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is one of more than 20 degree programs currently offered at Conestoga. All degree programs are career-focused and taught by highly qualified industry experts with real-world work experience in their field.
To learn more about Conestoga’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree program, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/bachelor-of-science-nursing-honours.
Conestoga’s School of Health & Life Sciences offers a range of credentials to assist individuals achieve their goal of becoming a healthcare professional. From pre-health programs, through to certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates and degrees, the School of Health & Life Sciences delivers the most up-to-date training provided by expert faculty and staff in state-of-the-art facilities.