Master of Nursing plans in development

The details of Parkland College's planned Master of Nursing degree program are still being determined.

The new program, which will offer a University of Saskatchewan master's degree at the Yorkton Parkland College campus, was announced last week.

"We're not exactly sure how it's going to work yet," says Gwen Machnee, Parkland College's University Program Coordinator.

An information session at the Yorkton campus is planned for March 15. In addition to providing details on the program, the session will gauge local interest to determine what form the Master of Nursing program will take.

If the college can acquire 25 students, says Machnee, all of the program's courses will be held face-to-face in Yorkton. Otherwise, a combination of face-to-face classes and online or videoconferencing options will be offered.

The college is "moderately optimistic" that it can find the 25 students required for a fully in-person program, says Machnee. The coordinator expects to draw

students from a wide area including western Manitoba and much of eastern Saskatchewan.

"Because there's been nothing like this offered in the area, we think there's a good chance that we can find enough students," says Machnee.

The program will likely be scheduled as a series of two-day weekend seminars to reduce interference with participants' regular work and personal lives. The first 2.5-year cohort will begin in January 2013 and end in June 2015. Anyone with a Bachelor of Nursing degree is eligible to enroll.

A Master of Nursing degree opens up opportunities in teaching, research, and management. It is one of several professional development paths available to nurses seeking to advance their careers.

"Having a master's degree shows that you can work at a higher level: that you have the ability to do the research and the concept work and policy work that you would need to have if you were looking for those higher-level jobs," says Machnee.

The Master of Nursing will be the second graduate-level degree offered at Parkland College. University of Saskatchewan Master of Education degrees have been offered through Parkland for the past several years.

Future graduate programs being considered by the college include a Master of Social Work and a Master of Business Administration.