An opportunity for college students in rural communities to gain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree has arisen, thanks to a collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan and North West College.

North West College President and CEO Eli Ahlquist says the two institutes will be partnering to combat the travel, accessibility and financial barriers that many students face. Nursing students will be able to obtain their degree without relocating to a larger centre.
“Looking at the current climate and inflation and travel costs, this is really critical,” Alquist stated.

North West College has campuses in North Battleford and Meadow Lake, however the school also serves students from the 26 first nations communities in its region.

These include Battleford Tribal Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Little Pine First Nation, and Thunderchild First Nation.

Ahlquist says this year, North West College has seen a dramatic growth in enrollment, and this new opportunity will only continue to bolster that. He adds that this collaboration also works to meet the provinces labour force needs, and he hopes future nurses will consider working in a rural location once they’ve graduated.

“We have proof that students tend to stay in their community if they can learn close to their place of origin,” says Dean of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan Solina Richter.