Rural Community Route
Residents of rural communities can earn a baccalaureate degree to become a registered nurse without leaving their home community
- Multiple program sites, currently in East-Central and Northeastern Alberta
(Program sites may be subject to change) - Program delivered using a blended model of online and in-person learning
Students must have a laptop computer for some in-person classes and activities
* Applicants must meet residency requirements for the program site they are applying to
Admission at the Wainwright site will be paused for Fall 2024
- 4 year degree program
- September admission only
- Labs in-person at Wainwright Health Centre
- Clinical placements within the Wainwright area
- Applicants must reside with 120 km of Wainwright and be Alberta residents
The next admission at Portage College will be for Fall 2025
- Labs in-person at a Portage College campus (campus location to be determined and may vary by admission intake)
- Clinical placements within the Portage College region
- Preference is given to Licenced Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Applicants must reside with the Portage College Service Region (see map) and be Alberta residents
Applications to Drayton Valley for Fall 2024 are now closed.
- 4 year degree program
- September admission only
- Clinical placements within the Drayton Valley area
- Applicants must reside with 120 km of Drayton Valley and be Alberta residents
First year of rural community nursing program begins in Drayton Valley
Nine students from the Drayton Valley area are set to commence their studies and gain hands-on training on their way to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree all without having to leave their home community.
Pilot program for LPNs launched with Portage College
In 2023, UCalgary Nursing, Portage College and AHS launched collaborative degree program for licensed practical nursing students
New rural nursing program in Wainwright allows mother of 12 to pursue career while living in home community
Gaeleen Ratté among first cohort in pilot program of UCalgary Nursing's Rural Community Route in Wainwright
Dr. Zahra Shajani speaks to CBC Edmonton AM about the nursing program in Wainwright. Listen now
Registered Nursing degree launches at Wainwright Health Centre
University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services offer new rural health-care program
Still have questions about applying? Contact the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs Office