Local Graduates Receive Nursing Degrees

It was also an historic night for five students at Confederation College's Convocation Ceremonies in Fort Frances.

They were among twenty across northwestern Ontario to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Lakehead University through a community-based nursing program delivered at the College's regional campus.

Director at LU's School of Nursing Karen Poole says four-year pilot program was a huge success.

"What we've been able to do is bring the education to the students so they can stay, live in their own communities," says Poole, "practice nursing in their own communities. Now that they've finished the four years, they have jobs and we hope they can stay in the communities and contribute to the health of northwestern Ontario in that way. We are very pleased to have reached this point."

Students who enrolled in the program at the Rainy River district campus say the program has already helped them land jobs locally.

Both Lakehead University and Confederation College plan to evaluate the program with the hope of offering it again in 2010.