In consultation with Prairie Mountain Health, Assiniboine Community College will offer a rural rotating site for its Practical Nursing diploma in Virden.

The program will start in September 2022 with capacity for 25 students.

The Province of Manitoba announced in late 2021 an investment to increase capacity in nursing programs throughout Manitoba. This includes additional funding to Assiniboine for three new rural rotating sites and the expansion of the college’s Portage la Prairie nursing site to welcome 35 students each year.

“We’re looking forward to bringing our training to the Virden community, and appreciate the opportunity to partner with Prairie Mountain Health and the Town of Virden to make this happen. Our rural rotating offerings are an important part of our work to ensure we’re training nurses where they’re needed,” said Mark Frison, President at Assiniboine.

The Town of Virden has contributed $70,000 to the site, which will be used toward necessary renovations of the space. “Training nurses close to home allows them to learn in a familiar environment and have the opportunity to learn about and apply for jobs in their community upon graduation,” said Brian Schoonbaert CEO of Prairie Mountain Health.

“It also helps meet the high demand for nurses in Prairie Mountain Health Regional Health Authority. We are pleased to work with Assiniboine to offer learners in our health region this opportunity.”

Applications to the Virden site are open until May 23. Priority will be given to those living in a rural community within 100 km of Virden.