Nursing students studying in Chatham will no longer have to travel down Highway 401 to complete their degree thanks to a revised agreement between St. Clair College and the University of Windsor.
Leadership from both institutions signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Thursday, ushering in a new era for nursing in Chatham-Kent.
"This MOU between the University and St. Clair College exemplifies our commitment to being a driving force for positive change in this region and putting student experience at the forefront of program delivery," said University of Windsor President Robert Gordon.
"By offering the complete Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at St. Clair College's Chatham campus, we are not only enhancing educational accessibility but also fortifying our role as a regional catalyst for progress. Together, we bring global perspectives, emerging knowledge, and leadership to the table as we address regional challenges."
The collaborative nursing program partnership began in 2001, with the first MOU being signed between St. Clair College and the University of Windsor in 2012.
Initially, students enrolled in the program completed their first two years at the college's Chatham campus, followed by the third year at the University of Windsor and culminating with fourth-year clinical placements.
However, with the signing of the new MOU, the entire four-year BScN program will now be available at the Chatham campus, eliminating the need for students to travel to Windsor for their third year.
"Historically, the vast majority of Chatham-based nursing students actually end up working in that community upon graduation," said St. Clair College President Patti France.
"To develop their familiarity with the various facets of the Chatham-Kent health-care system, it makes sense to keep them in that area throughout their educations - and especially in their clinical placements."
"We're grateful for the University of Windsor's cooperation in making that happen, and to clinical placement agencies for welcoming our students."
