Acadia to erect a new nursing building
Acadia University has big plans.
The university is building a new nursing facility, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to establish an independent program.
Recently announced, the government of Nova Scotia is investing $13.9 million to support the expansion of nursing education at Acadia, addressing the pressing need for well-trained health-care professionals in the Annapolis Valley and beyond.
Announcing the funding initiative on behalf of the province was Barbara Adams, minister of Seniors and LongTerm Care.
“Universities are critical to our long-term plan to train more nurses and the healthcare professionals we need, especially for rural parts of the province,” said Adams in a story that was shared with SaltWire.
“We are proud to invest in a new training facility in the Annapolis Valley region so future nurses can train and learn in the communities they want to live and work in.”
Building on the successful launch of the Acadia campus satellite location for Cape Breton’s School of Nursing, this facility development helps Acadia University obtain full accreditation and approval of a permanent stand-alone program from the Nova Scotia College of Registered Nurses.
The current satellite program is set to graduate 42 nurses in 2026 and eventually reach an annual graduation of 63 nurses. Notably, 50 per cent of nursing seats are dedicated to Mi’kmaq, Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students.
Funding will contribute to the construction of a modern facility that meets infrastructure requirements with dry lab clinic teaching spaces and simulation rooms, positioning Acadia as a destination for nursing education excellence.
Dr. Jeff Hennessy, president and vice-chancellor of Acadia University, expressed gratitude for the province’s support, emphasizing the new facility is a significant milestone for nursing education at Acadia.
“Beyond benefiting nursing students, it has the opportunity to enhance the campuswide learning experience by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This support not only prepares students for the workforce but also empowers Acadia students to make a meaningful impact on healthcare in our region and throughout the province,” he said in the shared story.
The School of Nursing expansion aligns with the province’s Action for Health plan, aimed at enhancing and transforming health care in Nova Scotia through the investment of education and training opportunities to ensure the health needs of communities are met.
As the new nursing facility takes shape, Acadia University looks forward to contributing significantly to the development of a robust and skilled health-care system, fostering positive health outcomes and enhancing the overall wellbeing of the Acadia campus, the Annapolis Valley community and beyond.