Laurentian University’s nursing programs advance education and enhance health care excellence in Sudbury, northeastern Ontario and beyond.

The School of Nursing at Laurentian University offers its students exceptional training with distinct nursing programs dedicated to their English and French speaking students. The School has offered undergraduate nursing education for over 50 years and graduate education for over 20 years and reflects Laurentian’s commitment to training health professionals deeply connected to their communities.

Dr. Christina McMillan Boyles, Director of the School of Nursing/School of Nursing, says: “Laurentian offers undergraduate and graduate programs in English and French, providing the opportunity for French-speaking students to receive an education that fully embraces their language and culture. while ensuring access to health services in French.

Undergraduate programs

Through interactive collaboration between students and faculty, laboratory technologists and clinical instructors, Laurentian University’s undergraduate English and French baccalaureate programs integrate stimulating theoretical classroom learning with dynamic learning in laboratory, in acute and non-acute settings.

McMillan Boyles says: “The French undergraduate program goes a step further by offering registered nurses the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree online. This flexibility allows busy professionals to advance their careers while continuing to work in healthcare.

McMillan Boyles says, “Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses is designed for college or CEGEP graduates who are registered nurses and are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Laurentian also offers a French-language program that allows licensed practical nurses to graduate to become a registered nurse. McMillan Boyles shares, “Our Licensed Practical Nurse Bridge Program provides a pathway for LPNs licensed to practice nursing in Ontario who wish to become registered nurses.

Pathways to graduate degrees

Laurentian’s Master of Science in Nursing program is the same program of study in English and French and is designed for working professionals who wish to advance their level of education. McMillan Boyles adds, “At the graduate level, our school also offers a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program in collaboration with eight other Ontario universities.

The School offers something unique: the opportunity for undergraduate nursing students in English and French, as well as students enrolled in the French-language online post-RN program, to take elective courses master’s level. McMillan Boyles says, “These options give students a taste of higher education before earning their undergraduate degree. »

In response to community demand, the School of Nursing also offers a Master of Health Administration program in French and English, a collaboration between the Faculty of Education and Health and the Faculty of Nursing Management. Laurentian University. McMillan Boyles says, “This program is for those who are interested in higher education and want to pursue leadership positions in healthcare organizations. This is the second year that we offer the program in English and the first year that we offer the program in French.

There are different pathways that students can pursue in their nursing education. The MScN program includes thesis, advanced practice, coursework, and nurse practitioner sections. McMillan Boyles says, “Laurentian offers a wide range of programs designed to build the capacity of registered nurses and healthcare leaders in the North and beyond.

Reach across the province and beyond

Since the early 2000s, the reach of Laurentian’s nursing program has expanded throughout the province. McMillan Boyles says, “Through our multiple collaborations over the years, we have been able to offer a Laurentian University degree to students not only from Sudbury and northeastern Ontario, but also from Timmins, Sault Ste. . Marie, Kingston, Cornwall and Brockville. We are proud of our history of working with institutions across the province to provide nursing education.

Laurentian has responded to changes to various requirements to ensure its graduates meet the entry-to-practice requirements as set out by the College of Nurses of Ontario and are eligible to write the national exam. authorization to exercise. McMillan Boyles adds, “The online French Post-RN program has over 700 nurses from across Ontario and Quebec working towards their Bachelor of Science in Nursing because it is offered in French and being completely online, it is accessible.

Laurentian has been training educated and qualified nurses in its undergraduate programs in English and French for over half a century. Their qualifications will broaden their career paths and benefit their patients and communities.

Closing the health care gap

Laurentian graduates immediately begin working in settings such as Health Science North, public health and community clinics. Nurses trained in Sudbury are more likely to continue working in Northern Ontario. Their French Nurse Practitioner program in particular has shown amazing results. McMillan Boyles says: “Being able to communicate in your native language can make a world of difference, as it reduces anxiety, promotes safety and ensures nothing is lost in translation. Laurentian nurses play a crucial role in closing health care gaps in Northern Ontario.

Laurentian’s undergraduate programs are accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing and have received approval from the College of Nurses of Ontario. As such, their students have the opportunity to take the national driving license exam. Christina McMillan Boyles adds: “Our programs are also subject to IQAP, the institutional quality assurance process as outlined by the Ontario Universities Quality Assurance Council. Each program is of high quality, which we can be proud of.

Make a difference

Laurentian University nursing graduates are shaping the future of Northern Ontario in ways that really matter, and nursing programs provide a pipeline for healthcare professionals who are making a positive difference in their communities.

Graduates of Laurentian’s nursing programs not only possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to competently practice the discipline of nursing, but they are also connected to their community through language and culture.

Health care professionals who understand the needs of those they provide care lead to better care and trust in Ontario’s health care system.

Discover the training opportunities and career possibilities in the programs of the School of Nursing at Laurentian University.