Rural and remote areas in Canada, and beyond are underserved. There is a clear need for qualified nurses in these areas, particularly nurses who have additional education and insight into the complexities of rural and remote practice.
The Rural and Remote Nursing specialization will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the contexts, experiences, and barriers associated with both the provision of healthcare and healthcare access.
The Rural and Remote Nursing specialization is comprised of four online courses with a focus on preparing nurses for advanced practice in rural and remote areas while offering University-level credentialling or lead to a graduate degree in nursing. The online approach focuses on learning within the context of practice and is flexible to meet student learning needs.
Graduate Certificate Connect Dates
UCalgary Nursing offers all Graduate Certificate courses online.
All courses in this program require students to attend instructor-led Connect Days, which are delivered online at scheduled dates and times (as listed in course outline). Students who do not attend Connect Days will normally be withdrawn from the associated course, as per the Graduate Calendar.
Student Connect days are scheduled in a virtual format.
Jan. 14, 2025
WINTER 2025
NURS 694
January 14
May 6, 2025
SPRING 2025
NURS 696
May 6
June 24, 2025
SUMMER 2025
NURS 698
June 24
NURS 692 - Fall 2024
Fundamentals of Rural and Remote Nursing
An examination of the relevant elements related to healthcare in rural and remote areas. Students will learn about the state of rural and remote nursing including facilitators and challenges to rural and remote nursing practice.
NURS 694 - Winter 2025
Special Issues in Accessing Healthcare in Rural and Remote Areas
An exploration and examination of the contextual issues faced by persons residing in rural and remote areas who are seeking health care. Current approaches to mitigating challenges and potential future solutions will be examined.
*Prerequisite(s): NURS 692
NURS 696 - Spring 2025
Special Issues in Provision of Healthcare in Rural and Remote Areas
An exploration and examination of the contextual and workforce issues faced in the healthcare system and by healthcare providers in rural and remote areas. Current approaches to mitigating challenges and potential future solutions will be examined.
*Prerequisite(s): NURS 694
NURS 698 - Summer 2025
Rural and Remote Nursing Practice Project
In groups of up to 4, students will apply and synthesize learning from previous courses to systematically address a selected topic (clinical or administrative) in rural and remote healthcare. Healthcare leaders and practitioners may be consulted as needed.
*Prerequisite(s): NURS 696