Great Plains College has announced that applications are now open for its new Practical Nursing program at the Kindersley campus, with the first intake of students set to begin in the fall of 2025. This full-time, two-year diploma program aims to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region.
Keleah Ostrander, vice president of programs and students at Great Plains College, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “When we first announced the addition of the Practical Nursing program, we received a lot of enthusiasm from the community and our partners. This program is a crucial step in helping address labour shortages in local healthcare facilities.”
The program will offer a mix of classroom instruction and clinical practicums in various settings, including pharmacology, acute care, obstetrics, and long-term care. Students will gain hands-on experience in Kindersley and throughout the surrounding areas. After completing the program, graduates will be eligible to write the exam to become licensed practical nurses in Saskatchewan.
In preparation for the program’s launch, the college will begin constructing a healthcare lab in January 2025. This lab will be used by both Practical Nursing and Continuing Care Assistant students to practice with equipment and simulate real-life healthcare scenarios.
“The healthcare lab will be an essential space for students to gain practical experience,” said Brad Mahon, president and CEO of Great Plains College. “We’re reaching out to the community for support, offering sponsorship opportunities to help fund the lab’s construction and equipment.”
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to apply for the Practical Nursing program, visit Great Plains College's website or contact Gloria Vielhauer, student adviser, at gloriav@greatplainscollege.ca or 306-463-6431.