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More nursing seats at Dalhousie University's Yarmouth Campus

Posted by Media release: Department of Health and Wellness, NS Government on July 2, 2021 in News
There are now 33 first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program seats in Yarmouth.
There are now 33 first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program seats in Yarmouth.

The Rankin government announced today, July 2, it is investing $49,400 annually in the permanent addition of eight first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing seats at Dalhousie University’s Yarmouth campus.

These seats had been temporary but are now permanent, continuing the government’s investments in education for health-care professionals to ensure Nova Scotians get the care and access they need.

"We need more nurses, which is why we are significantly increasing the number of first-year nursing seats at Dalhousie University’s Yarmouth campus and Cape Breton University," said Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill. “This means more people can complete their education here at home, and we will have well-trained nurses to provide the care we need in the future.”

These eight seats are in addition to 62 first-year seats added at Cape Breton University, which have also been made permanent. These 70 seats will be permanently funded at $3.2 million annually.

This is the first increase in undergraduate nursing seats in 12 years, and the largest ever. There are now 33 first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program seats in Yarmouth and 133 at Cape Breton University.

The increase ensures a steady supply of new nurses as current nurses retire.

“Nurses play a critical role in the health-care system. I’m delighted that the Nova Scotia government has made the eight new first-year nursing seats at Dalhousie’s Yarmouth campus permanent. This investment will give more students from outside of Halifax the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing close to home and bolster the ranks of nurses across the province," said Ruth Martin-Misener, Director of the School of Nursing.

Full media release.

Media Contact:

Kristen Lipscombe
Cell: 902-424-3310
Email: kristen.lipscombe@novascotia.ca