College Boreal will be offering its practical nursing program in Kapuskasing and Hearst starting in the fall of 2022. Campus Director Michelle Lebel says it’s an opportunity to help the health care partners in the region similar to the PSW program already underway.
“The hospital and long term care homes have mentioned to us in the past quite often that they were in need of RPNs either some are retiring or there is just a need in our community so it’s a really good time to make that decision and make this happen,” Lebel said.
She adds that those students wishing to apply can get a head start.
“And also we have nice programs starting in September for people who might not have all of the admission or the courses they need to start the program in 2022,” she said. “They could do a year with us prior to and get ready.”
Some classes for the nursing program will be offered through video conferencing while the practical courses, labs and work-placements will take place at health care facilities in the area.
“The challenges we have faced in the past year have put the spotlight on the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers,” said Daniel Giroux, President of College Boreal. “One of our roles at Collège Boréal is to adapt quickly to evolving healthcare needs. The experience we gained using diversified delivery models during the pandemic made us realize that it was possible to provide this program on every one of our campuses. We are looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of Practical Nursing students in Hearst, Kapuskasing, Nipissing and Windsor in September 2022.”
“Extending our Practical Nursing program is consistent with Collège Boréal’s vision of benefiting our communities by offering quality training that meets the needs and priorities of our partners and clients,” added Kim Morris Dean, school of Health Sciences of College Boreal. “Our move forward is made possible thanks to our partners in these communities and their commitment to the program’s success. We will continue to count on these partnerships to develop new programs, such as a Bachelor of Nursing degree, over the coming months.”
