Learn Where You Live – USask BSN Expands to North Battleford
North West College and USask Nursing join forces to expand registered nursing education.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing and North West College in North Battleford are proud to announce a partnership to bring expanded educational opportunities to students of northwest Saskatchewan. This collaborative endeavour will create new pathways for aspiring registered nurses to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree without leaving their communities.
Recognizing the growing demand for health-care professionals and the importance of accessible education, this strategic partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing the region’s health care infrastructure. The joint initiative will not only strengthen health care services across the region, but boost the local economy as well.
“The University of Saskatchewan is committed to making quality nursing education accessible to all, regardless of geographical location,” said USask College of Nursing Dean Dr. Solina Richter.
“There is a global shortage of registered nurses and it’s felt here in Saskatchewan, especially in our rural and remote communities. This partnership with North West College is an important step forward in the Saskatchewan Health Human Resources Action Plan. We look forward to recruiting and educating the next generation of registered nurses in northwest Saskatchewan.”
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
Learn Where You Live: Under this partnership, USask College of Nursing and North West College will work hand-in-hand to deliver the BSN program directly in northwest Saskatchewan. This means students will have the opportunity to complete their undergraduate nursing degree without having to relocate to larger urban centres.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: North West College has recently renovated the new Cenovus Energy Simulation Learning Centre, which is a modern, state-of-the-art facility with enhanced technology, ensuring students receive a high-quality education that supports the achievement of the entry-level competencies for registered nurses.
Expert Faculty: Students will benefit from the teaching of experienced faculty members from both institutions dedicated to providing quality education and mentoring.
Meeting Health Care Demands: By expanding access to registered nursing education, the initiative aims to address the increasing health care needs of the region and contribute to the growth and stabilization of the nursing workforce.
Dr. Eli Ahlquist, president & CEO of North West College, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a significant step forward in our mission to provide educational opportunities that meet the unique needs of our community. It is a win-win situation for both students and the region’s health care sector.”
Responding to the needs of students and local industry for more than four decades, North West College delivers training and services to facilitate the growth of the communities it serves. The college offers programs in trades, health, and community services, academic upgrading and university transfer. It has campuses in North Battleford and Meadow Lake and provides programming for 30 communities, including 20 First Nations communities, spread over 44,000 sq. km.
For more information on this partnership, please contact Tanya Murphy, co-coordinator, marketing and communications with North West College or Kylie Kelso, senior marketing and communications specialist, USask College of Nursing.
For more information on applying to the Bachelor of Science of Nursing program in North Battleford, please visit USask admissions.
Together we will support and inspire students to succeed. We invite you to join by supporting current and future students' needs at USask.