By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Local health care has received a significant boost thanks to a historic agreement that allows a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to be completed entirely in Chatham-Kent.
On Oct. 5, officials from St. Clair College and the University of Windsor signed a memorandum of understanding at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance sealing the agreement between the schools.
Previously, students in Chatham would have to travel to Windsor for their third year of study. The new agreement means they can continue their academic studies in Chatham, as well as exposing them to the myriad of health-care opportunities in Chatham-Kent in their fourth year of clinical studies.
St. Clair College president Patti France said the collaboration, three-years in the making, “epitomizes the value of a hybrid education.
“It’s the best of both academic worlds,” France said, noting the change relieves the burden of commuting or moving to Windsor, thereby making it easier for students.
“We know that students often stayed there (Windsor) and didn’t come back (to C-K) to work,” France said, adding the new approach will benefit the community, Chatham-Kent health-care facilities and the hospital.
“It’s good for everyone,” France said.
A total of 200 students are enrolled in the program each year, 60 of which are from St. Clair College’s Chatham campus.
CKHA president and CEO Lori Marshall said the change will help the hospital fill nursing vacancies.
“We know that people tend to choose where they end up practicing, based on where they went to school, and so what better way for us to retain all of that smart talent we’ve got in our community,” Marshall said.
University of Windsor president Robert Gordon said the agreement “exemplifies our commitment to being a driving force for positive change in this region” by putting student experience at the forefront of program delivery.
The collaborative nursing program partnership between the schools began in 2001, with the first memorandum of understanding signed in 2012.
