Canada's First Nursing Academy
UHN, in partnership with York University, is home to the country's first nursing academy. Launched in May 2009, the York-UHN Nursing Academy at Toronto General Hospital represents a convergence of research, education, and practice that creates opportunities for nurses to meet the challenges of providing high-quality, compassionate, patient-centred care.
The Academy offers a "Bridge Program" that enables nurses with a diploma to enter directly into a Master's program with preparation for a PhD. This program is the only one of its kind in Canada and will substantially increase the number of nurses who can pursue advanced education. An on-line program is also being developed, which will make courses and training programs more accessible.
Academy Research Activities
Research projects conducted through the Academy explore patient care issues such as living with diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and acquired brain injuries.
Plans and Projections
The Academy is developing a web-based version of its RN to Master's degree "bridging" program that will enable nurses at UHN and beyond to pursue higher levels of learning. The web-based curriculum will provide opportunities for approximately 20 nurses from UHN to enter the RN to Master's Degree Program each year.
The Academy has more than 10 research and education projects in development that will help nurses acquire new skills and contribute to advances in patient care.
