The provincial government is aiming to have an additional 2,200 new nurses working in the healthcare system by 2029.
It is providing colleges and universities with $56.7 million to expand their training programs.
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn, says it will address the need for more highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
“Nurses are an integral part of Ontario’s health-care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most,” says Quinn.
“Our government continues to expand nursing enrollment in our colleges and universities to ensure we are building the health-care workforce we need to protect Ontario health care and ensure people can continue to access excellent care, close to home.”
The province is allowing some of the money to be used on flexible programming options to help personal support workers and registered practical nurses seeking to advance their education.
“These bridging programs will support personal support workers looking to advance to a practical nursing diploma and registered practical nurses looking to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree,” says Quinn.
“These flexible options mean more nurses can upgrade their skills without leaving the workforce, meaning they can continue to care for patients in their community while advancing their education.”
The announcement comes on the heels of one made in June that provided $4.2 million to accelerate nursing programs and add more spaces to programs at post-secondary institutions in northern Ontario.
