Province of Nova Scotia Expands CBU’s Nursing School with 28 Additional Seats

On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, the Nova Scotia Government, under the leadership of Premier Tim Houston, announced the addition of 28 Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) seats at Cape Breton University as part of the 2022-23 provincial budget. This follows on the heels of an incredible investment of $54 million in funding to improve infrastructure, foster research and enhance healthcare training at CBU. These continued investments in education for health-care professionals will ensure Nova Scotians get the care and access they need and deserve.

The Province of Nova Scotia truly understands the need for skilled healthcare workers, and is taking great action with the addition of these 28 Bachelor of Science, Nursing seats,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “The addition of these seats will further strengthen the healthcare system and bolster the overall health of Cape Breton Island.”

The provincial government is investing $3.2 million to add 200 nursing seats in total between Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, St. Francis Xavier University and NSCC. There are now 161 first-year BScN program seats at CBU, which ensures a steady intake of nursing students to continue to address staffing shortages across the province.

“We are thrilled that 28 additional seats will be added to our Bachelor of Science, Nursing, program at CBU,” says Willena Nemeth, Director of Nursing and Associate Professor of Nursing. “While this has been a difficult year for those in the health-care workforce, we have seen their determination, dedication and strength persevere. Health programming is critical to our community, and we are proud to provide quality, high-calibre health programming here at CBU.”

Nursing graduates from CBU are continuously offered employment prior to graduation, with 84.6 per cent of graduates beginning their careers within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and another two per cent across the rest of the Island. These future Registered Nurses experience a holistic academic and experiential learning journey taking classes such as Indigenous Perspectives of Health, Mental Health and Addictions, Palliative Care Nursing and more while completing practice placements in various healthcare environments.

The diverse learning environment at CBU ensures our nursing graduates enter the field feeling confident, knowledgeable and ready to make a difference in their community. CBU has 20 designated seats per application period. 10 for Indigenous students and 10 seats for African Nova Scotian students.

To learn more, visit cbu.ca/nursing