The Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN) enthusiastically supports the passage of the regulation making a baccalaureate in nursing the entry to practice requirement for Registered Nurses (RNs) effective January 1, 2005. This regulation will ensure that the nurses of the future have the appropriate level of knowledge, skill and judgement to practice in this rapidly evolving health care environment.

“Ontario university schools of nursing look forward over the coming months to working closely with college schools of nursing and the government to ensure the continued development of collaborative college-university baccalaureate nursing programs. This is a positive move for the province and the public” said Chair of COUPN, Dr. Beth Horsburgh, Director, School of Nursing at the University of Windsor.

COUPN will be examining closely the funding guidelines released by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities to ensure there is sufficient financial support for baccalaureate nursing programs to enable nursing educators to continue to provide quality nursing education to meet the needs of the Ontario public. Currently, approximately 20% of RNs graduate with a baccalaureate in nursing and 80% with a nursing diploma. COUPN is an affiliate of the Council of Ontario Universities and the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing.

For further information:

Arnice Cadieux
Executive Director, Public Affairs
(416) 979-2165 ext. 224