Algonquin College Expands Nursing Program to Meet Demand

Algonquin College is set to launch a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in September 2026, expanding its offerings in both Ottawa and Pembroke. This initiative adds to a growing trend in the region, as it follows the recent opening of a nursing school at Carleton University in September 2023. The new program will represent the second expansion in nursing education in Ottawa within the past year.

Previously, Algonquin operated a collaborative nursing program with the University of Ottawa, allowing students to earn a four-year honours degree. That partnership will conclude with the commencement of Algonquin’s new program, which will also feature an accelerated option designed to enable students to graduate in just three years.

Meeting Critical Healthcare Needs

The timing of this expansion is particularly significant, as it coincides with a pronounced demand for nursing professionals across Canada. Algonquin College is celebrating its 50th anniversary of nursing education, underscoring its long-standing commitment to health studies. The college aims to enroll approximately 160 students in the Ottawa program and another 66-70 students in Pembroke. In comparison, the previous honours program typically accommodated around 140 students.

Erin Stitt-Cavanagh, the dean of health studies at Algonquin, emphasized that the accelerated option will help address “critical needs” in the healthcare sector. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.

Julie Beauchamp, Algonquin’s senior vice-president of academic affairs, stated, “For communities in Ottawa, Pembroke, and surrounding areas, the program represents a meaningful investment in accessible, locally delivered nursing education that will help address current labour shortages and support healthier communities for years to come.”

Addressing Ontario’s Nursing Shortage

The urgency of this program is highlighted by recent findings from the Canadian Institute of Health Information, which reported that Ontario requires an additional 26,000 registered nurses to align its RN-to-population ratio with other provinces. The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario has noted that Ontario has the lowest RN-to-population ratio in the country, a gap that is only widening.

Sabine Mersmann, CEO of the Pembroke Regional Hospital, remarked on the importance of Algonquin’s program for staffing needs within the hospital. The college has already begun receiving applications for both the Ottawa and Pembroke programs, indicating strong interest among prospective students.

Stitt-Cavanagh affirmed, “There is tremendous demand” for nursing professionals in the region, making this new program a timely response to an escalating healthcare crisis. As Algonquin College prepares to launch its new nursing program, it aims to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in Ontario.