Recognizing an increased need for Registered Nurses at the graduate level, the University of Lethbridge, through the Faculty of Health Sciences, is introducing a Master of Nursing program to complement its already robust health sciences programming options.
Ready to begin accepting students for the fall 2015 semester, a total of eight to 12 students will be admitted to the first year of the program.
“We are ecstatic that the new MN program has been approved and will be delivered next year,” says Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Chris Hosgood. “A number of faculty members and resource personnel have worked very hard to develop the proposal for the program. Nurses in southern Alberta and throughout the province stand to benefit from its delivery.”
Registered Nurses prepared at the graduate level contribute significantly to the health and wellness of individuals, families, communities and populations. As leaders, scholars, influencers, advocates and educators, RNs advance nursing practice, nursing education and scholarship.
“This program will have us prepare our graduates for advancement in professional roles in multiple areas of health care,” says Hosgood. “Our graduates will be equipped with the capability to take on leading roles in nursing practice, education and research and will be well prepared to move on to PhD studies as well.”
The program will be delivered through an online format with face-to-face sessions at set times throughout the semester to allow for discussion with fellow students and faculty members. Students will also be able to complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Hosgood says the MN program will have a distinct community focus and promote education that is dynamic and responsive to emerging local, regional and global realities.
“Our students will work collaboratively with the community to explore current and relevant matters of significance to health and professional nursing practice,” says Hosgood. “We will encourage our students to explore areas of study that are pertinent to their professional practice, giving them the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise and further develop their potential as nursing leaders.”
The addition of a Master of Nursing program is reflective of the continued growth and maturation of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
“We have been progressing toward this for a number of years and are now at the point, given the strength and diversity of our faculty, to add this program as a complement to our bachelor of nursing program and related programs in addictions counseling, public health and Aboriginal health,” says Hosgood. “All these programs produce graduates who make direct and meaningful contributions to our health-care system.”
Students interested in the Master of Nursing program can contact masternursing@uleth.ca or call 403-329-2699.