Great Plains College campus had a few important guests on Friday as they announced a new practical nursing program. The hope is to allow those looking to work in health care within their community, the chance to study at home as well.  Brad Mahon, President and CEO of Great Plains College was host to a wide variety of excited guests who wanted to discuss the coming program and the impact it will have to for the west central region.

 

Keleah Ostrander, Vice President and head of programs and students, gave an overview of the program. 

“I'm pleased to share with you that we will be building on the success of our part time and full-time continuing care assistance offerings at Kindersley campus. As well as our practical nursing programs at our Bigger and Swift Current campuses to introduce a new practical nursing offering at our Kindersley campus in fall 2025. 

This diploma program will allow students to study and work within the West Central Region. Clinical placements will happen throughout the region in partnership with SHA facilities. The two-year program will be scholarship eligible and admissions to this program are anticipated to begin this fall. ... “ 

Ostrander also announced investment in developing a new health care laboratory to be developed on the Kindersley Campus. 

 

Saskatchewan Health Minister and MLA for Swift Current Everett Hindley took the podium as well. Hindley explained the provinces part in and hope for the program as well. 

“We all know that Saskatchewan is a great place to work, live and raise a family and to also be able to take your training and I think and nowhere is that a better opportunity than when it comes to healthcare.  

Our healthcare system truly is a provincial healthcare system. We need the support, we need a robust healthcare system in rural Saskatchewan because if we don't have people then have to travel elsewhere to Regina to saskatoon, regional sites like Swift Current and Yorkton for healthcare. And we know that just isn't sustainable.  

So having an investment in a program like this, being able to offer training opportunities in the Community like Kindersley. That helps so much, I believe towards a long-term recruitment and retention of healthcare staff in the rural communities right across this province. ... “ 

Hindley also touched on the many grants and scholarships that are available to those looking to start into health care in rural or isolated areas. 

 

With this being a big step for the west central area in terms of schooling and nursing within the area MLA of Kindersley Ken Francis, Kindersley Mayor Rod Perkins and Clinical Services Manager at the Kindersley Intergrated Health Facility Anika Becker, spoke on the excitement on the township side of things. 

They expect this to help grow the community and incentivize those who want to work close to family and home to help stay within the area.  

This would bring more students and hopefully long-term residents to the area as well, growing the population and in turn bolstering the economy.  

The Great Plains College full release is available here.