25 years after its inception, UNB’s nurse practitioner program is more vital than ever
Author: Kayla Cormier
Posted on Nov 19, 2024
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
In honour of UNB's nurse practitioner program's 25th Anniversary, we are sharing stories about the program's successes and the people who have made it what it is today. In the coming weeks, we'll share conversations with notable alumni and other key figures who have contributed to its legacy.
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is celebrating a significant milestone this year—the 25th anniversary of its nurse practitioner (NP) program. Since its inception in 1999, the program has been a leader in advanced nursing education, earning strong recognition and credibility within the community.
"Over the past 25 years, our NP program has evolved to meet the changing needs of healthcare. Graduates are leaders in their fields, providing essential primary care services across New Brunswick," said Dr. Lorna Butler, dean of the faculty of nursing on the Fredericton campus and Moncton site.
The NP program at UNB was established to address a growing need for advanced practice nurses capable of delivering comprehensive healthcare services.
With dedication and support from the university and the healthcare community, the program’s curriculum was built from the ground up and has continued to flourish by evolving to meet the changing needs of healthcare in New Brunswick.
Today, the program is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to clinical excellence.
The faculty of nursing boasts a dedicated group of educators and practitioners who are committed to its success, many of whom remain connected to the program and its students long after their own graduation.
NP students complete both theory and clinical courses that include 700 hours of clinical practicums to ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.
The program's success is evident in the achievements of its alumni, many of whom have received accolades for their contributions to healthcare.
Dr. Sue O'Donnell, associate dean of research and graduate studies in the faculty of nursing, highlighted the program's impact.
"Our nurse practitioner graduates are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. They are not only providing high-quality care but also engaging in activities including professional advocacy, education, and research that is shaping the future of nurse practitioner practice in New Brunswick and beyond."
The program is responding to the provinces need for generalist primary care providers via increased seats and numbers of nurse practitioner graduates who will contribute to alleviating pressure on the healthcare system by providing safe, quality care. Nurse practitioners are a vital solution to the healthcare challenges in New Brunswick.
As UNB celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to advancing nursing education and improving healthcare outcomes.
The university looks forward to many more years of excellence and innovation in its nurse practitioner program and commends the graduates who have and will go on to change the face of healthcare in New Brunswick.