Partnership will help some UNB nursing students study closer to their home communities August 29, 2023 MONCTON/MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The provincial government is helping the University of New Brunswick (UNB) launch a new program that will allow some nursing students to complete their studies closer to their home communities. The new program, called Learn Where You Live, will allow licensed practical nurses who are working toward their nursing degree to study and work in Miramichi or Moncton for years three and four of their program. Previously, these students would have been required to attend classes in Fredericton. The university’s faculty of nursing is providing the program in partnership with Horizon Health Network and New Brunswick Community College. “We continue to do everything we can to encourage more people to choose a career in nursing,” said Miramichi MLA Michelle Conroy. “Flexibility while studying is important to many students so we are confident that by expanding local possibilities, more people will be able to make that choice. We are proud to partner with UNB on their latest program.” Conroy attended for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Arlene Dunn. The provincial government is providing up to $487,000 for the new program. “Over the past few years nursing education in New Brunswick has advanced significantly in terms of the options available for students,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch. “Improved variety, leading to increased enrollment in nursing programs, is key to alleviating our human resource challenges in nursing.” As part of the program, virtual reality headsets and accompanying hardware and software will be used by both students and faculty. These headsets will allow the program to incorporate simulated clinical learning in rural communities. “UNB’s faculty of nursing is making health-care education more accessible by using technology to meet the needs of students where they live and work,” said Paul Mazerolle, UNB president and vice-chancellor. “Our goal is to further expand this opportunity to more rural areas of the province to address the shortage of nurses in New Brunswick.” -30- Media contact: Judy Désalliers – Communications Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour judy.desalliers@gnb.ca.