91快色

True health equity begins when learning and care are rooted in the communities nurses serve, says , PhD, associate dean of Undergraduate Programs in the 91快色鈥檚 .  

And that鈥檚 exactly what the faculty鈥檚 is doing for future nurses. The program is designed to bring high-quality nursing education to students in remote communities and bridge the gap between learning and location. 

The program launched in 2021, with its first cohort of nine students beginning their studies in Wainwright, Alta. Through a partnership with (AHS), this rural pathway combines online learning with local clinical experiences, ensuring students can earn their degree without leaving home. This not only strengthens rural health care, it also builds community capacity. 

A community-based approach 

The program has since expanded and now operates across multiple sites in Alberta, including Drayton Valley, Bonnyville, Wainwright, Claresholm, and Drumheller, with first admissions at Drumheller beginning in fall 2026. Students can complete theory online, with labs and clinical placements taking place in-person at designated health care sites.  

Neila Moltzan is a second-year nursing student in Drayton Valley who was able to stay in her local community while upgrading to become a Registered Nurse.  

鈥淢y family lives and works in the area, and it was a great way to learn while still staying at home,鈥� she says.  

Not only does this program ease financial concerns for rural students, it鈥檚 also reflective of two key priorities: increasing access to future-focused health-care education for students who face geographic barriers, and prioritizing community at the centre of the program, ensuring education is rooted in local needs and partnerships. 

Innovative learning solutions  

Recent investments, such as installing a simulation suite in Drayton Valley, allow students to practise skills in environments that mirror U91快色鈥檚 state-of-the-art clinical-simulation facilities in the city. This development, made possible through collaboration with AHS, ensures rural students receive the same hands-on training as their urban peers. 

鈥淢uch of nursing education is about developing practical skills and knowledge, so ensuring our rural route students have access to training facilities and simulation suites where they can hone the skills they鈥檒l use throughout their career is key,鈥� says , BN鈥�08, MN鈥�19, associate dean of Undergraduate Practice Education with U91快色 Nursing. 鈥淭he recently opened simulation centre at Drayton Valley is an example of the high-quality educational opportunities we want to make available to nursing students across Alberta.鈥�  

Navigating challenges 

But rural learning, while offering great accessibility, can also pose its own challenges.  

Moltzan is grateful for having the opportunity to study nursing while being able to stay home and serve her community, but not being on the main U91快色 campus and developing those in-person connections can be difficult.  

鈥淔or communication with professors and the university, we can鈥檛 just show up to an office; we need to email or call,鈥� she says.  

Despite these hurdles, Moltzan says the program鈥檚 impact extends far beyond individual students: 鈥淢y community will gain safe and ethical nurses.鈥�  

The Faculty of Nursing is actively creating events and initiatives to strengthen connection and engagement between Rural Community Route Program students and the main campus. 

鈥�Our responsibility is to ensure that every student can learn where they call home and return with the skills, pride and connection to transform health for their people,鈥� says Shajani. 

For more information about the program, visit the U91快色 website.