Ontario has recently taken a bold step to address its growing demand for healthcare professionals by launching a new nursing program at Carleton University. This is Ontario’s first new university-based nursing program in 20 years and marks a significant investment in the province’s healthcare workforce. Premier Doug Ford announced the initiative on November 5, 2024, and it’s set to begin in September 2025. The new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program aims to graduate over 200 nurses each year by 2030, equipping future healthcare professionals to meet Ontario’s needs.
This development is part of Ontario’s wider healthcare strategy, designed to strengthen services, improve patient care, and support the healthcare workforce. Here’s what this new program means for Ontario and how it can positively impact the province’s healthcare system.
Carleton University’s Nursing Program: A Timely Addition
Ontario’s healthcare system has faced immense challenges over recent years, with a growing population and the increasing complexity of patient needs. The new nursing program at Carleton University is a response to these demands, targeting specific goals:
Graduating Skilled Nurses: By 2029, Carleton University will have its first group of nursing graduates ready to enter Ontario’s healthcare workforce. Each year, over 200 new nurses will help bridge the current gap in skilled healthcare providers.
Three-Year Accelerated Program: Unlike traditional four-year nursing programs, Carleton’s BScN is a direct-entry, three-year degree. This approach allows students to complete their education faster, get practical experience sooner, and start serving the community without delay.
Hands-On Training with Healthcare Partners: Carleton University has partnered with Queensway Carleton Hospital to provide real-world training from the start. Nursing students will gain hands-on experience, enhancing their skills and understanding of patient care dynamics.
Why Ontario Needs More Nurses: Addressing the Growing Demand
Ontario’s population is expanding rapidly, and so is the demand for healthcare services. This new nursing program is part of a larger, multi-billion-dollar investment to address pressing challenges within Ontario’s healthcare system, including:
Aging Population
As the baby boomer generation ages, healthcare needs in Ontario are rising. Older adults often require ongoing medical support, which increases the demand for trained healthcare professionals.
Post-Pandemic Recovery
COVID-19 placed unprecedented pressure on healthcare staff and systems, highlighting the need for a larger and more resilient workforce. More nurses are essential to help Ontario prepare for any future health emergencies.
Addressing Burnout in the Healthcare Workforce
Nursing shortages have been a source of strain and burnout for current healthcare staff. By expanding the workforce, Ontario aims to reduce the burden on existing staff, improving job satisfaction and patient care.
How the New Nursing Program at Carleton University Works
Carleton’s BScN program stands out for its unique approach to training and preparing students. Here are some highlights:
Accelerated Three-Year Program
Students can enter directly after high school and graduate in three years. This not only saves time for students but also means they enter the workforce faster.
Practical Experience from Day One
Students will train at Queensway Carleton Hospital, allowing them to gain real-world skills alongside their studies. This early exposure to hospital settings helps students build confidence and apply their learning in practical environments.
Enrollment Growth Over Time
The program will start with 110 students, expanding annually to enroll over 200 by 2030. This gradual increase allows for steady growth in Ontario’s nursing workforce.
| Feature | Details |
| Program Duration | Three years |
| Enrollment Start Date | September 2025 |
| Initial Enrollment | 110 students, increasing to over 200 by 2030 |
| Hands-On Training Partner | Queensway Carleton Hospital |
| Expected Graduation Timeline | First class graduates in 2029 |
| Annual Program Cost | Funded through Ontario’s $50 billion healthcare investment strategy |
Ontario’s Broader Healthcare Investment Strategy
The new nursing program at Carleton University is only one piece of Ontario’s $50 billion investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce expansion. Here’s how the province is building a robust healthcare system:
Healthcare Infrastructure
Ontario is investing in more than 50 new hospital projects across the province to expand and upgrade facilities, ensuring that hospitals can serve more patients and operate with modern technology.
Support for Internationally Trained Nurses
Ontario is working with the College of Nurses to streamline the process for internationally trained nurses to practice in the province. Programs like the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) offer internationally trained nurses hands-on experience while they work toward meeting Canadian certification requirements.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
This grant provides financial support for nursing students who commit to working in their local communities after graduation. By reducing the financial burden on students, Ontario is making healthcare education more accessible and increasing the likelihood that students will stay and serve their communities.
How Ontario’s New Nursing Program Benefits Future Students and Patients
For students interested in healthcare careers, this program offers a fast-tracked, quality education that balances theory with real-world application. Here are a few reasons why this program is a game-changer:
Faster Entry into the Workforce: With a compressed timeline, students can complete their education and start working sooner.
Quality Training and Experience: Working with hospital partners from the start allows students to develop essential nursing skills and gain confidence.
Support for Local Communities: Graduates are more likely to work in local hospitals, clinics, and care facilities, helping to meet community-specific healthcare needs.
Ontario’s healthcare patients will benefit, too, as the additional nurses will help reduce wait times, increase access to healthcare services, and improve overall patient care quality.
The launch of Carleton University’s new nursing program is a major step forward in Ontario’s commitment to building a stronger healthcare workforce. By 2029, the first cohort of graduates will be ready to serve, and by 2030, the program will be enrolling more than 200 students annually—making a meaningful impact on Ontario’s healthcare capacity.
This program offers a unique opportunity for students interested in nursing to receive hands-on training and complete their education faster. For Ontario, it represents a commitment to providing better care and expanding the healthcare system to meet the demands of an evolving population.
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