Rural Community Route

Rural Community Route

Residents of rural communities can earn a Bachelor of Nursing 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

* Applicants must meet residency requirements for the program site they are applying to

CASN Accrediation UCalgary Medicine Hat

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
  • 28-month program for those with prior post-secondary education
  • January admission only
  • Labs in-person at a Portage College campus (campus location to be determined and may vary by admission intake) 
    • Labs for students admitted in Winter 2024 will be held at the St. Paul Campus
  • Clinical placements within the Portage College region
  • Along with admission requirements, students must present the following foundational course work: 6 units of approved Anatomy & Physiology, 6 units of Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences, 3 units of Statistics, and a minimum of 15 units of additional coursework. Students who are missing required foundational coursework must complete this within the first year of the program, if admitted. 
  • Preference is given to Licenced Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Applicants must reside with the Portage College Service Region (see map) and be Alberta residents

Admission to the Drayton Valley site for Fall 2024 will open on October 1, 2023

More information coming soon! 

Gaeleen Ratté, right, with daughter Chantal, who's also in the second group of Wainwright 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

Read more

Dr. Zahra Shajani speaks to CBC Edmonton AM about the nursing program in Wainwright. Listen now

Wainwright Rural Nursing

Registered Nursing degree launches at Wainwright Health Centre

University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services offer new rural health-care program

Read more

Still have questions about applying? Contact the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs Office