Loyalist College says demand to apply for nursing programs is up this year.
The school says, normally, the college averages about 469 active applications for nursing programs each year.
This year, as of the end of August 2022, there are 541 active applications.
This includes applicants for the new four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Loyalist says this highlights significant demand for high-quality, local health education opportunities.
Across the province, the Council of Ontario Universities says more than 13,000 people applied to a university nursing program in 2022, up 8% compared to 2021 and 25% compared to 2018 and 2019.
Colleges received a record number of applicants to nursing diploma programs this year.
According to the council, more than 12,000 people applied to these programs in 2022, a 14% increase over 2021, and a 25% increase compared to 2018.
The demand comes as Ontario deals with a nursing shortage, leading to some emergency departments being temporarily closed.
