SIAST President and CEO Dr. Robert (Bob) G. McCulloch and University of Regina President Dr. Vianne Timmons today signed an affiliation agreement that formalizes the relationship of their two institutions around their new collaborative nursing program: the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN), to be offered for the first time in the fall of 2011.

The signing of this agreement follows the recent announcement by the provincial government to increase the total number of seats for Saskatchewan baccalaureate nursing programs by 170.

"The University of Regina is excited to offer the SCBScN program in collaboration with SIAST," said University of Regina President, Dr. Timmons. "We view this as a wonderful opportunity to increase our academic offerings to our students, to build on our expertise in health-related research, and to contribute to quality health-care for the citizens of Saskatchewan.  Formalizing our affiliation agreement solidifies our commitment to our students and builds on our existing relationships with SIAST through a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership."

"Under the guidance of academic leaders at SIAST and the University of Regina, faculty and staff from both our institutions have developed an enduring partnership and a nursing degree program informed by contemporary health care needs," said SIAST President and CEO Dr. McCulloch. "Today's formalities are a celebration of our shared commitment to serving a new generation of nursing students and to helping Saskatchewan meet its health care needs well into the future."

The collaborative nursing program will provide 350 training seats and will be offered to meet the future health care system needs of people in Saskatchewan. Students will benefit from the combined resources and expertise of both institutions. SIAST has the most extensive portfolio of nursing programs in the province, with a team of 220 expert faculty and staff delivering 15 innovative programs to more than 3,000 students annually. SIAST educates registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, registered nurse/nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses with a reputation that is recognized provincially, nationally and internationally. The University of Regina has a national reputation as a leader in health-related research in many areas, including aging and pain management, population health, cancer research, rehabilitation and risk reduction and rural and northern health.

The SCBScN program will be delivered in Regina at the University of Regina and SIAST Wascana Campus, and in Saskatoon at SIAST Kelsey Campus. The University of Regina and SIAST will share student education and support responsibilities during the entire four years of the program.

Graduates of the SCBScN program will be prepared to become licensed as registered nurses.

For more information visit: www.sasknursingdegree.ca.

Contact:

Tess Hodgins
SIAST Communications
Phone: (306) 659-4041
Cell: (306) 281-2896
Email: hodginste@siast.sk.ca