Southeast College welcomes first group of USask nursing students

WEYBURN – A new era in healthcare education has begun in Southeast Saskatchewan as Southeast College officially launched the University of Saskatchewan Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Weyburn Campus. This fall, nine students arrived as the inaugural cohort of the future Class of 2028.

The program is the result of a partnership between Southeast College and the University of Saskatchewan, aimed at addressing the growing need for registered nurses in rural communities. By offering the BSN program locally,  students can now pursue a four-year nursing degree without leaving the region.

“There were a few factors,” said Southeast College President and CEO Jody Holzmiller. “One, recognizing the need for registered nurses in rural Saskatchewan and in the southeast corner. And two, I think it's safe to say that Southeast College is always open to partnering opportunities to provide more education to our residents.”

The Weyburn Campus was a natural choice for the program, already hosting a practical nursing program through a brokerage relationship with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, which consistently operates at full capacity.

While clinical placements and hospital partnerships are being coordinated by the University of Saskatchewan, Holzmiller said early meetings with local healthcare providers were met with enthusiasm.

“I think there is a level of excitement,” she said, adding that the U of S sent a team out who met with local providers.

“They spent some time in Estevan and St. Joseph. They spent time here at the General Hospital. And I know from that, those initial meetings, there was a great level of excitement. Folks in those facilities in both of our cities were very happy to hear that this programming is happening.”

For Holzmiller, the launch of the BSN program is a meaningful milestone.

“The more variety of education that we can provide, as well as those two- and four-year programs that we can provide, I think it's just a great notch in the college's belt, for lack of a better term.”

She said she appreciated being invited to participate in the student pinning ceremony held on Sept. 2, where she met the new students and university representatives.

“It was apparent that the level of excitement is mutual from both the U of S side and the college side,” said Holzmiller.

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