The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect the province's health-care system by investing $56.8 million to train 2,200 additional nurses. By expanding the number of nursing training and education seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province, the government is building Ontario's pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
"Nurses are an integral part of Ontario's health-care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Our government continues to expand nursing enrollment in our colleges and universities to ensure we are building the health-care workforce we need to protect Ontario health care and ensure people can continue to access excellent care, close to home."
Ontario is also expanding registration in innovative, flexible online nursing training to help personal support workers and registered practical nurses seeking to advance their education. Through these online pathways, personal support workers can pursue a Practical Nursing diploma at colleges and registered practical nurses can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Ontario's colleges or universities.
Students or jobseekers interested in nursing careers can visit My Career Journey to learn more about becoming a registered nurse or a registered practical nurse.
"Our government is continuing to take bold action to protect Ontario's health-care system," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "By ensuring more people can become nurses in Ontario, we are building on our progress to strengthen the province's world-class nursing workforce for years to come."
In addition to expanding nursing enrollment, the province is providing a one-time investment of $7.5 million to help universities purchase nursing clinical supplies and laboratory equipment. This funding will equip nursing students with cutting-edge tools for hands-on training to the skills they need to thrive in their career.
"Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers," said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. "As a registered nurse, I know how impactful these investments will be to ensure we have the staff to deliver high quality care to Ontario's long-term care residents."
This expansion, announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, is the latest step in connecting every person in Ontario to connected, convenient care by addressing health human resource needs and supporting the growing demand for health-care professionals, including in long-term care homes.
Quick Facts
- Since 2018, Ontario has supported a record-breaking number of new health-care professionals in joining the workforce, adding nearly 100,000 new nurses to the workforce, with another 30,000 students currently studying at Ontario colleges and universities to become nurses.
- Through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, the government is increasing the number of nurses, paramedics and medical laboratory technologists in communities of greatest need across the province.
- Since its launch in 2023-24, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has provided over $96 million in support to more than 8,200 students.
- Through this investment, 15,000 users will be able to register in the online nursing pathway programs.
- In June, Ontario announced it is expanding its nursing workforce with a $4.2 million investment to accelerate nursing programs and add seats in rural and northern programs.
Quotes
"Expanding our nursing programs strengthens Sheridan's role in building a resilient, locally trained health-care workforce equipped with the skills, capacities and compassion needed for long-term success. This investment helps to ensure that Brampton, surrounding communities and the province of Ontario have the care systems they need for a healthy future."
- Rajan Sandhu, Interim President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College
"This investment is an important step in expanding Ontario's nursing workforce and improving access to high-quality care. Funding for clinical and lab equipment will help our students receive the hands-on, high-tech training they need. Ontario's universities remain committed to preparing future-ready, highly skilled nurses and nurse practitioners who are equipped to deliver exceptional care and support the health and well-being of Ontarians."
- Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities
"Ontario's colleges train the nurses and personal support workers who are the backbone of our health-care system. With more than 14,000 nursing students enrolled and most health job vacancies requiring a college credential, this investment will strengthen our workforce and ensure Ontarians continue to receive high-quality care close to home today and in the future."
- Maureen Adamson, Interim President and CEO, Colleges Ontario
"Expanding nursing education is a critical step toward improving access to care. With more nurse practitioners (NPs) in the system, and with NPs integrated and working to their full scope of practice, more patients can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home. We applaud this investment in Ontario's health workforce."
- Dr. NP Michelle Acorn, CEO, Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario (NPAO)
"Today's announcement from the Ontario government is a strong commitment to strengthening our province's nursing pipeline, and a vital step forward for the health and well-being of all Ontarians. This significant investment in the expanded enrollment in nursing programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities will directly support dedicated registered practical nurses, and ensure that more individuals are working together to bolster access to excellent care closer to home, ultimately benefitting patients and communities across Ontario."
- Dianne Martin, CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)
"RNAO applauds the Ontario government for strengthening nursing education by adding 2,200 new seats to help address staffing shortages. Alongside this important investment, the government and employers must also prioritize retaining existing nursing talent - by ensuring safe staffing, competitive compensation across all sectors, and healthy work environments. Together, we can and must power nurses to build fulfilling careers in Ontario, so that Ontarians receive the highest quality care."
- Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)
Additional Resources
