How Algonquin College shaped Julie Sawyer’s nursing career

Posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2026

When Julie Sawyer began her nursing degree at Algonquin College, she had no idea just how much that experience would shape her life andJulie Sawyer career. Now, years later, she’s leading a busy cardiovascular rehabilitation team in Ottawa and still credits her time at Algonquin for helping her get where she is today.

“I absolutely loved it at Algonquin,” Sawyer said. “The classes were smaller and the teachers really got to know you. I’m a hands-on learner, so having the simulation labs and those smaller clinical groups was perfect for me.”

Sawyer graduated in 2008 and now works as the Care Facilitator for a cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. She leads a team of nurses, works closely with physiotherapists, dietitians and other health professionals and develops new programs to improve access to cardiac care, including projects that support patients living in Nunavut.

Her work requires a combination of leadership, collaboration and strong clinical skills. These are qualities she says she developed at Algonquin College.

“Algonquin prepared me to step into the hospital setting with confidence,” said Sawyer. “I knew how to talk to patients, how to work as part of a team and how to think critically in real situations.”

She appreciated how approachable and invested the faculty were. “You never felt like just a number,” she said. “The instructors knew your name and wanted you to succeed. You could go to them after class for help and they always made time for you. That kind of support really sets Algonquin apart.”

That sense of connection extended to her classmates as well. “I met my best friends at Algonquin,” she said. “We still get together regularly. We recently went to Mexico this year to celebrate 20 years of friendship. Those relationships started in first-year nursing and have lasted my whole career.”

As someone who now mentors and supervises new nurses, Sawyer often sees the difference that Algonquin’s approach makes. “The Algonquin students always stand out,” she said. “They’re more confident, better prepared and more comfortable providing hands-on care. They’re ready to apply what they’ve learned as soon as they walk onto the unit.”

Sawyer believes that the College’s emphasis on small group learning, teamwork and real-world practice helps students transition smoothly from the classroom to the workplace.

“Nursing is about collaboration,” she said. “You’re constantly working with a team to care for patients and Algonquin really fosters that environment. You learn early on that everyone has a role and you’re all working toward the same goal.”

For Sawyer, the combination of small classes, skilled faculty and practical training made all the difference. “Algonquin really set me up for success,” she said. “The hands-on learning, the support from the instructors and the sense of community all helped me become the nurse I am today. I would recommend the program to anyone who wants a strong start in their nursing career.”

Algonquin College’s School of Nursing is celebrating 50 years of nursing excellence. Learn more about program offerings by visiting their website.


Comments

Comments are closed.