Ontario expands quotas in nursing training programs

In another action, the Ontario government is addressing two issues at the same time. First, it is speeding up and simplifying people's access to primary health care, especially in northern and rural areas. And second, it helps with the enrollment and training of future health workers. Both goals are being achieved with another expansion of the new nurse practitioner training program.

This year, 121 additional training positions were added to the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program, helping to increase the nurse practitioner workforce for years to come.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones expressed undisguised optimism:

"Expanding training opportunities to become a nurse practitioner will grow this important profession, ensuring more Ontarians can connect to high-quality care, when and where they need it."

Practicing nurses are university-educated registered nurses who may provide primary care in clinics under the supervision of other health care providers, long-term care homes, hospitals, and other community settings. They provide a variety of health care services to people, including prescribing, ordering and interpreting tests, and diagnosing and treating illnesses.

Nurse practitioners can additionally be trained as nurse practitioners from September 2023:

• at University of Windsor (24 more seats);
• at University of Toronto (20 more seats);
• at Toronto Metropolitan University (17 more seats);
• at Western University (16 more seats);
• at Queen's University (15 more places);
• at York University (11 more places);
• at McMaster University (8 more seats);
• at Laurentian University of Sudbury (six more seats);
• at Lakehead University (four more seats).

Building Ontario's health care workforce is one way the province is ensuring residents have access to health care. Last year, more than 15,000 new nurses registered to work in the province, and another 30,000 nursing students are currently enrolled in Ontario's colleges and universities.