On June 5, 2025 the Ontario government shared news that it will  expand nursing education programs and include RN prescribing in the curriculum at Georgian College (Barrie), Humber Polytechnic (Toronto) and the University of Windsor. Accelerated RN programs will also be introduced at Conestoga College (Kitchener), St. Lawrence College (Kingston), Western University (London), and York University (Toronto). This will enable students to enter the profession sooner – without compromising the rigour of  their education – and help address urgent staffing shortages. "RNAO applauds the Ontario government for strengthening nursing education,” RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun said in the government’s media release. “Alongside these important investments, government and employers must ensure we retain existing nursing talent – by securing safe staffing, competitive compensation across all sectors, and healthy work environments. Together, we are enabling nurses to build fulfilling careers in Ontario – so that Ontarians receive the best possible care." A new nursing program at Ottawa’s Carleton University was also announced in November 2024, where RN prescribing is being embedded into the curriculum. Read more in RNAO’s media release.