The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing has received a seven-year accreditation for all of its sites and programs from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) Accreditation Bureau, the highest accreditation possible for nursing schools in Canada.

The CASN accreditation reviewers visited the Trent/Fleming School to assess the educational programs at each of its three sites: Trent University and Fleming College in Peterborough, and George Brown College in Toronto. All three sites received the maximum seven-year accreditation, as did the four-year collaborative program, three-year compressed program, and post-bridge RPN to B.Sc.N pathway program.

“The members of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing are very proud of this achievement,” said Dr. Kirsten Woodend, dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. “Exceptional and engaged students, faculty and staff, as well as strong collaborations with our college partners and health care agencies, have contributed to the outstanding learning environment here at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing.”

The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing is the national accrediting body for nursing education in Canada. Accreditation promotes excellence and is recognized worldwide as an important, objective method to assess professional education programs. It also identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement that can guide decision making. The process provides administrators and faculty with information regarding areas that require development, modification and/or resources.

The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing offers three program options, in partnership with Fleming College and George Brown College: an integrated, collaborative four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.N.) Degree; a compressed three-year program for students with sufficient university credits to fast track through the program; and a post-bridge RPN to B.Sc.N pathway program. The Trent/Fleming program has been recognized provincially as a model for nursing education programs, and was named a Best Practices Spotlight Organization by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.

The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing is unique in the province in that its curriculum is fully integrated across all three institutions. The program curriculum has been developed by both Fleming College and Trent University and six full-time Fleming faculty members teach at Trent. In addition to being situated at Trent, the program affords students with access to a host of learning resources and other services located at Fleming College.

Theoretical courses provide the foundation for the study of concepts underlying the art and science of nursing. Opportunities for practical application of theoretical principles are also offered throughout the program. Students in the program are exposed to a variety of contexts within which nursing care is delivered in today's world. A holistic approach to care delivery is emphasized in practicum opportunities, recognizing that the nurse must assess the needs of the client and encourage, advocate for, and support the client's quality health care.

For more information about the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, please visit trentu.ca/nursing.