As students return to campus and begin a new academic year, Algonquin College is celebrating a $325,000 investment from the Government of Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care that will expand the successful Living Classroom model and create more opportunities for future nurses to gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce.
The investment supports one of Algonquin College's most distinctive approaches to healthcare education, combining classroom learning with real-world experience in a long-term care setting. By giving students the opportunity to learn where care is delivered, the Living Classroom model helps prepare graduates with the skills, confidence and practical experience needed to meet the growing healthcare needs of Ontario's aging population.
"This investment recognizes the strength of the partnership between Algonquin College and Perley Health and our shared commitment to preparing skilled and compassionate healthcare practitioners," said Erin Stitt-Cavanagh, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Algonquin College. "The Living Classroom model immerses students in real-world care environments from day one, connecting classroom learning with meaningful practice. Through this partnership, we are preparing graduates who are confident, practice-ready and equipped to provide exceptional care while helping address critical workforce needs across the sector."
The Practical Nursing Living Classroom welcomed its latest cohort of 24 learners in May 2026. Located within Perley Health, the program integrates academic study with hands-on experience, allowing students to learn alongside residents, families and interdisciplinary healthcare teams while developing the skills, confidence and compassion required to succeed in long-term care.
As students begin their studies, they benefit from a learning model that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. The Living Classroom allows learners to apply theory in real time, building job-ready skills and professional experience while still completing their education. This approach reflects Algonquin College's commitment to experiential learning and preparing graduates for success in an evolving healthcare sector.
"Perley Health is proud to partner with Algonquin College to create innovative learning opportunities that benefit students, residents and the broader healthcare system," said Rachel de Kemp, Vice President, Nursing, Perley Health. "The Living Classroom demonstrates how education and care can come together to create an exceptional learning experience. It also creates a valuable talent pipeline, helping students discover rewarding careers in long-term care while ensuring our sector has access to skilled healthcare professionals for years to come."
Since 2018, the Living Classroom model has become an important pathway for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in long-term care. By learning within the care environment, students develop stronger connections to residents and care teams while gaining practical experience that often leads directly to employment opportunities upon graduation.
The model has also demonstrated how immersive learning experiences can help students transition more confidently from the classroom to the workplace, strengthening the talent pipeline for Ontario's healthcare system.
"The Living Classroom model, funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), in partnership with CESBA (The Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators), has demonstrated provincewide success in creating a culture of shared learning for educators, care teams and students alike. Algonquin College and Perley Health represent a Living Classroom partnership at its finest," said Michelle Pickett, Manager, Programs at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA). "Having established a thriving Personal Support Worker program, they are once again leading the way by piloting the experience for Practical Nursing students. This immersive approach equips students with workforce-ready confidence and clinical capability, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and quality of life for long-term care residents."
In addition to supporting student success, the Practical Nursing pilot promotes interprofessional education by bringing Personal Support Worker and Practical Nursing learners together in a shared learning environment. This collaborative approach reflects the increasingly team-based nature of healthcare delivery and helps graduates enter the workforce with a deeper understanding of integrated care.
As a new academic year begins, the expansion of the Living Classroom model reflects a shared vision between Algonquin College, Perley Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care to invest in education, innovation and community partnerships that create lasting impact. Through hands-on learning opportunities and immersive experiences in real healthcare environments, Algonquin College continues to equip future nurses with the practical skills, confidence and person-centred approach employers are looking for. As demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, initiatives like the Practical Nursing Living Classroom are helping ensure graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact in the workforce while providing high-quality care to Ontario's aging population.
This story is part of Algonquin College's Back-to-School 2026 series highlighting innovative programs, partnerships and supports that help learners succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
For more information
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