New graduate-level nursing programs empower future leaders in health care

May 6-12 is National Nursing Week, and this year’s theme is Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow. The theme recognizes the tremendous impact that nurses have on individuals, communities, and the future of health care. The U of R’s very own Faculty of Nursing has introduced three new graduate-level programs for already practicing nurses who are looking to take the next step in their nursing careers and further influence the future of health care.

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership, and Master of Nursing course-based program are open to Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)/Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). In addition, all participants must hold a four-year (or equivalent) baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution.

“There is a growing need for nurses with advanced degrees to educate and lead in the healthcare system,” says Dr. Cheryl Pollard, Dean, Faculty of Nursing. “Completing an advanced degree program will empower Saskatchewan’s future nursing leaders to meet the demands of an ever-changing health-care system.”

Our new graduate-level programs are going to shape our future nursing leaders, educators, and advocates, addressing the pressing and evolving needs of our health-care system. — Cheryl Pollard, Dean, Faculty of Nursing

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

This three-course certificate prepares nurses with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to teach in various academic and clinical settings. Students will explore theories of learning and the implications of effective educational endeavours in various health-care contexts. There is an emphasis on adult learning principles, learning program development, and various teaching and evaluation approaches.

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education can be a completed as a stand-alone program or can serve as a platform for further academic pursuits, including Master’s studies.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership

This three-course certificate prepares nurses to lead in various health-care environments. The curriculum will also enhance students’ leadership skills, while focusing on ethical and cultural awareness when working with vulnerable or marginalized populations. Using an evidenced based approach, students will explore, define, and develop traits that nurses need to improve health-care quality and safety; manage the finances and operations of health-care organizations; and lead health-care innovations.   

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership can also be a completed as a stand-alone program or can serve as a platform for further academic pursuits, including Master’s studies.

Master of Nursing course-based

The Master of Nursing course-based program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, combining four core nursing courses with six elective options for a well-rounded education. This program prepares nurses for advanced practice in focused areas, including clinical nursing practice, skills to improve health-care delivery and patient outcomes, and strengthened leadership capacity to expand and evaluate nursing practice.

The Master of Nursing course-based program will provide solid foundation for students who are interested in progressing to doctoral studies in future.

Apply now!

All three programs begin in the Fall 2024 semester, with a rolling application process. Therefore, applicants can complete their applications at any time throughout the year, and begin their program in the term following their acceptance. The programs are available both in person and online.

“Our new graduate-level programs are going to shape our future nursing leaders, educators, and advocates, addressing the pressing and evolving needs of our health-care system,” says Pollard.

Just a few of the highlights of the benefits of the new programs include: the opportunity to work with nursing faculty members who have received national and international recognition, employment opportunities in graduate research and teaching assistant roles, and the ability to complete your program online from where you currently live.

Interested in taking your nursing career to the next level? Find out more about the U of R’s new graduate nursing programs and how to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the year!

Banner Photo: The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership, and Master of Nursing course-based program are open to RNs, RPNs, and LPNs/RPNs. Photo courtesy U of R Photography