Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Ottawa’s Carleton University on Nov. 5, 2024. It has been two decades since a new university-based nursing program has been created in Ontario. This program is also the first in the world to integrate RN prescribing into its curriculum, heeding the call from RNAO since 2012. In a media release, RNAO President NP Lhamo Dolkar said: “Expanding the number of nursing seats in the province helps address demand across all health sectors and is key to alleviating the nursing shortage.” RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun said: “It is imperative to integrate RN prescribing into all BScN programs. We’re delighted that the university and the government see the opportunity that we do. This first-in-the-world expanded program opens the door to enhance the RN role, making the profession more attractive and most importantly, removing a barrier to care at a time we need to do everything we can to deliver faster access for Ontarians.”