Media Release - June 13, 2006
PEMBROKE - There has never been a better time to enroll in a post-secondary nursing program than now. With the demand for nurses increasing each year, the Ontario government issued an unprecedented guarantee recently when Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced that beginning in 2007, up to 4,000 Ontario Nursing graduates will be offered a full-time job opportunity in the province’s health care sector.  

The Nursing guarantee announcement also includes an investment of $1 million to support tuition costs for nursing students interested in practicing in rural, remote or underserviced communities, a welcome announcement at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley.

Algonquin’s Chair of Health and Community Studies, Debra Balasevicius, says this announcement will help support the College in its recruitment of nursing students. “Nursing is a challenging and rewarding career, but applicants need to hear about the job opportunities available upon graduation. The Nursing job guarantee sends a loud and clear message that nurses are desperately needed in Ontario and when they graduate, the jobs will be waiting for them,” adds Balasevicius.

The news is even better for applicants pursuing a seat in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program this fall at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. Every student who studies in the Pembroke-based  B.Sc.N. program will receive a $1,000 bursary made available by health care organizations throughout Renfrew County. In addition, students may also qualify for additional bursaries or scholarships through the University of Ottawa.

Algonquin College is a highly-respected nursing school. Last month it was deemed the hub for operating room nursing education by the Ontario Government, an announcement that recognizes the exceptional training that is taking place at Algonquin’s Woodroffe and Pembroke Campuses.

The Pembroke Campus has been training nurses for more than 30 years. Three years ago, the College collaborated with the University of Ottawa to deliver the four year B.Sc.N. program following the provincial decision to phase out the former three-year Diploma Nursing program.

Applications for the B.Sc.N. program continue to be received at www.ouac.on.ca. The primary admission requirements for the program are Grade 12 University preparation Biology, Chemistry and Math.

To learn more about the admission requirements, look at the University of Ottawa program of study or contact the College’s Admissions Department at 613-735-4700, ext. 2708.  PLEASE NOTE:  The University of Ottawa has made changes to the BScN curriculum for fall 2007. 

For more information, contact:

 Jamie Bramburger

Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley

(613) 735-4700, ext. 2756

email:  brambuj@algonquincollege.com