Carleton University to Introduce New Nursing Program

Carleton University in Ottawa will introduce a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, starting in September 2025. This program marks the first new university-based nursing program in Ontario in 20 years. The initial cohort will include up to 110 students, with plans to expand enrollment to over 200 students annually by 2030.

The program is designed as a direct entry, compressed three-year degree, allowing students to become registered nurses by 2029. It is part of Ontario's broader efforts to increase the number of nursing professionals in the province. Over the past three years, Ontario has added 6,500 new spaces in nursing programs.

The program will be conducted in partnership with Queensway Carleton Hospital, providing students with practical training from their first semester. This hands-on experience is intended to enhance students' skills and confidence in real-world healthcare settings.

The Ontario government states that this initiative is part of a larger strategy to strengthen the healthcare workforce, which includes expanding medical school seats and investing in healthcare infrastructure across the province.