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Ontario Launches New Nursing Program to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce
Ontario is taking a significant step towards addressing its healthcare workforce shortage with the launch of a new nursing program at Carleton University. Premier Doug Ford announced this initiative on November 5, 2024, aiming to respond to the increasing demand for skilled nurses across the province. Set to begin in September 2025, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program is a critical part of Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare services and support the growing healthcare needs of its population.
With the goal of graduating over 200 nurses annually by 2030, the program offers an accelerated, hands-on learning experience for students. Here’s how Ontario’s new nursing initiative promises to shape the future of healthcare in the province.
Carleton University’s Nursing Program
Ontario’s healthcare system faces a rising demand due to a growing population and increasingly complex patient needs. The introduction of this new nursing program addresses these challenges head-on by focusing on:
Producing highly skilled professionals ready to enter Ontario’s healthcare workforce. By 2029, the first cohort of graduates will begin working, with more than 200 new nurses joining the workforce each year thereafter.
Allowing students to gain practical experience sooner and begin serving Ontario’s communities without delay
In collaboration with Queensway Carleton Hospital, the program offers hands-on training from day one. Students will gain invaluable clinical experience in a hospital setting, preparing them to deliver effective and compassionate care to patients.
Why Ontario Needs More Nurses?
The need for qualified nurses in Ontario has never been more urgent, with several factors driving the demand for healthcare professionals:
1. As the baby boomer generation ages, there is an increasing demand for healthcare services, particularly long-term care, which calls for more skilled healthcare providers.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented strain on healthcare systems, underscoring the need for a larger, more resilient workforce. More nurses are crucial to ensuring Ontario’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
3. With ongoing nursing shortages, existing healthcare workers have been experiencing burnout. Expanding the workforce through programs like Carleton’s will help ease the pressure on healthcare staff, improve job satisfaction, and enhance patient care.
How Carleton University’s Nursing Program Works
Carleton’s BScN program is designed to prioritize both efficiency and practical experience. Students have the opportunity to enter the program directly after high school and complete their degree in just three years, enabling them to launch their healthcare careers quickly. The program also benefits from strong partnerships with healthcare facilities like Queensway Carleton Hospital, offering students valuable, real-world exposure to clinical environments from the outset.
This hands-on experience enhances their practical skills and prepares them for professional practice. Initially enrolling 110 students, the program is set to expand gradually, with plans to enroll over 200 students annually by 2030, helping to address Ontario’s increasing demand for skilled nurses.
| Feature | Details |
| Program Duration | Three years |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
| Initial Enrollment | 110 students (increasing to 200+ by 2030) |
| Training Partner | Queensway Carleton Hospital |
| Expected Graduation | First class graduates in 2029 |
| Annual Program Cost | Funded through Ontario’s $50 billion healthcare strategy |
Ontario’s Broader $50 Billion Healthcare Investment Strategy
The launch of Carleton’s nursing program is just one aspect of Ontario’s larger $50 billion healthcare investment. The province is focused on strengthening its healthcare infrastructure and expanding the workforce. Some key components of this strategy include:
Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion: Ontario is investing in over 50 new hospital projects, aiming to modernize facilities and increase capacity for patient care.
Support for Internationally Trained Nurses: Ontario is working with the College of Nurses to streamline certification for internationally trained nurses, offering programs like the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) to help them gain Canadian experience.
Ontario Learn and Stay Grant: This financial aid program supports nursing students who commit to working in local communities after graduation, addressing both student debt and healthcare workforce shortages.
Ontario’s Commitment to Expanding Healthcare Capacity
Ontario’s new nursing program at Carleton University represents a forward-thinking solution to the province’s healthcare workforce challenges. By providing an accelerated, practical education to future nurses, Ontario is investing in the future of its healthcare system.
As more nurses graduate and enter the workforce, the province is taking important steps toward better care, stronger support for healthcare professionals, and improved patient outcomes. Ready to become part of Ontario’s growing healthcare team? Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new nursing program at Carleton University!
