A new Master of Nursing (M.Sc.N.) in Professional Practice Leadership, offered jointly by Trent University and Ontario Tech University, is leading the way for the next generation of nursing leaders to drive, influence and navigate the demands of Canada’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

“As the face of health care changes, the way we educate nurses needs to change as well. Trent is proud to be offering a new master’s program that helps nurses—new or experienced—hone their skills as leaders in the profession, specifically, by focusing on emerging topics in the sector,” said Dr. Kirsten Woodend, dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. “Our aim is to produce highly knowledgeable graduates who are able to not only adapt to the shifting landscape of health care but also shape its future.”

The new Trent University-Ontario Tech M.Sc.N. is now accepting applications for May 2020 start. The degree will be delivered primarily online, providing flexibility for active professionals with high work demands. At the beginning of the program, students will participate in a one week, on-campus residency at either Trent University in Peterborough or Ontario Tech in Oshawa designed to establish relationships amongst students and facilitate project or thesis work.

Building on the foundation of strong undergraduate nursing programs offered at the two institutions, the new M.Sc.N. is aimed at registered nurses seeking to develop their leadership skills. The program is open to applicants with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.N.) degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution, as well as registered nurses who do not hold a degree but have 10 or more years of experience.

“With the growing complexity of the health-care environment, the development of future nurse leaders is increasingly important as they engage in roles beyond the bedside. The Ontario Tech-Trent M.Sc.N. program will empower students to effectively advocate for, and engage in, the design of an improved health-care system,” added Dr. Bernadette Murphy, dean (interim) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. “We look forward to building on the program and research strengths of both institutions as we welcome new students as well as those who have previously completed their nursing education at Ontario Tech or Trent.”

Graduates will play a critical role as the health-care landscape undergoes unprecedented change. Key priorities for practitioners include tightening collaboration between health-care providers and integrating new technologies into care services. As many nurses in senior leadership roles near retirement, the program addresses the need for new nursing leaders who have the technological and critical-thinking skills to make complex decisions. 

The new collaborative M.Sc.N. program will prepare nurses to take on these challenges by emphasizing leadership development and lessons on future-minded topics, such as health-care informatics and technology, and health and public policy. Nurses looking to elevate their role in the health-care sector will benefit from mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and experiential learning opportunities through the program.

Applications for admission are open until Friday, February 14. Learn more about the program and admission requirements.