Strengthening Local Care: Algonquin College Launches New Nursing Degree Program

A new honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing is available at Algonquin's Ottawa and Pembroke campuses.

Algonquin College is proud and excited to open applications for its newly approved Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree program, available at both our Ottawa and Pembroke campuses.

The new program builds on our proven strengths in hands-on, high-quality nursing education. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as Registered Nurses (RNs) in Ontario and will be well prepared to serve in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health organizations, and home and community care providers across the region and beyond.

What the new program means for our communities

“For communities in Ottawa, Pembroke, and surrounding areas, the program represents a meaningful investment in accessible, locally delivered nursing education that will help address current labour shortages and support healthier communities for years to come,” said Julie Beauchamp, Algonquin College’s Senior Vice President, Academic.

“Our outstanding faculty and academic teams, together with the strength of our long-term health-care partnerships, form the foundation of our nursing programs. It’s this collaborative network that allows us to deliver world-class education and clinical training—directly supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Applications are also scheduled to open in Fall 2026 for an accelerated BScN (Honours) pathway, which would see the four-year Honours degree delivered across three years and four months. This innovative option enables learners to complete their degree more efficiently while maintaining full academic rigor, comprehensive clinical preparation, and a strong emphasis on mental-health supports.

The College’s partners are also pleased to see the new program’s approval:

“Algonquin College’s expanded nursing degree pathways will help ensure a strong pipeline of skilled, compassionate nurses for our region. The Ottawa Hospital is proud to support the hands-on learning and clinical training that prepare graduates to deliver exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve.” – Janet Graham, Chief Nursing Executive and Executive Director, Medical Care, The Ottawa Hospital.

“Without the College, we wouldn’t be able to staff many of our units. Having students and recent graduates at Pembroke Regional Hospital is a must as they come with the latest and greatest training and knowledge.” – Sabine Mersmann, CEO of the Pembroke Regional Hospital.

About the program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) program provides learners with a comprehensive foundation in nursing theory, clinical decision-making, and hands-on practice. Training occurs in modern classrooms, high-fidelity simulation environments, and applied nursing skills labs designed to replicate real-world health-care settings.

Learners are supported through a wide range of clinical placements and a final consolidation experience in diverse health-care environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care homes
• Home and community care
• Community health organizations

The curriculum integrates:

• Evidence-informed practice
• Indigenous Knowledge systems and multiple ways of knowing
• Cultural humility and person-centred care
• Intra- and interprofessional collaboration

Graduates are prepared to write both the NCLEX-RN and the CNO Jurisprudence Examination, enabling them to practice across Canada and internationally.

Learn more about Algonquin College's new Bachelor of Science in Nursing on the Algonquin website.