Investment in nursing program at University of Windsor will train 25 more nurses to connect people to care in Windsor–Essex

The Ontario government is protecting the province’s health-care system by investing $1,000,400 to expand enrolment in nursing programs at the University of Windsor training up to 25 additional nurses by 2029.

This investment will help build the pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in Windsor–Essex hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.

“A strong and sustainable health care system begins with the people who power it,” said Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh.

“That’s why our government remains committed to investing in the nursing program at the University of Windsor — and in institutions across the province — to ensure we’re training the next generation of highly skilled, compassionate nurses who will care for our communities today and into the future.”

In June of this year, Ontario committed $750,000 to support the inclusion of RN prescribing education into the nursing curriculum at the University of Windsor, Georgian College (Barrie) and Humber Polytechnic (Toronto) enabling nurses to play a greater role in patient care by prescribing medication. This investment makes Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to include RN prescribing in undergraduate programs.

“Nurses are an integral part of Ontario’s health care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

“Through this investment, our government is growing our critical health care workforce and protecting Ontario’s access to excellent care, close to home, now and into the future.” 

This funding is part of a larger $56.8 million investment to expand enrolment in nursing programs across the province, adding 2,200 nursing professionals to Ontario’s health care workforce by 2029 to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.

As part of this investment, Ontario is expanding registration in online nursing pathways. These programs will enable personal support workers and registered practical nurses to advance their education and continue serving their communities.