The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing is now offering its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Lloydminster, Alta., in partnership with university transfer.

Lakeland College leadership and students hold a sign that says 'A growing partnership' in celebration of a new agreement with University of Saskatchewan.Prior to the partnership, students located in the Lloydminster-area relocated to a USask campus after completing their first pre-professional year in the university transfer program at Lakeland College. Now, following their first year of university transfer at Lakeland, students can complete the remaining three years of the nursing program through USask while staying in Lloydminster.

“We are excited to enter this partnership with Lakeland College, as it enables us to deliver high quality nursing education in another community,” said USask College of Nursing Dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur, RN). “Students in Lloydminster who may not have considered nursing education in the past will now have access to learn where they live, as a result of this collaboration.”

Students working towards their BSN degree in Lloydminster will participate in classroom learning at Lakeland College, while connected virtually with nursing professors and other USask nursing students across Saskatchewan. Local nurse educators from Lloydminster and the surrounding area will teach in-person labs in modern Musgrave Agencies Nursing Labs provided by Lakeland College. The majority of clinical placements will occur at a variety of local agencies.

“The collaboration between Lakeland and USask is welcome news for our students and our region as the need for registered nurses continues to grow,” said Lakeland College University Transfer Dean Jackie Bender. “New degree completion pathways that allow our students to stay in the community while receiving a robust educational and campus life experience is a priority for Lakeland. We're thrilled to see our students and community benefit from this partnership.”

“It is anticipated the number of registered nurses available to practice in the Lloydminster-area will increase starting in 2025, as Lloydminster BSN students complete their degree and licensing requirements,” Richter added.

Photo (L to R): Tina Shaw (College of Nursing, Provincial Lab Manager), Colleen Young (MLA, Lloydminster), Maddex Neufeld (second-year nursing student), Jackie Bender (Lakeland College, Dean of University Transfer and Foundational Learning), Mark Tomtene (College of Nursing, Director of Operations and Strategic Planning), Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart (Lakeland College, President and CEO), Dr. Solina Richter (College of Nursing, Dean), Louisa Burry (second-year nursing student), Dr. Lynn Jansen (College of  Nursing, Associate Professor), and Dr. Mary Ellen Labrecque (College of  Nursing, Associate Dean Academic).