The practical nursing program set to begin at the Lakes District campus of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) in January 2018 has been postponed until September.
According to CNC, the college is taking the necessary steps required to ensure the quality of the program meets provincial educational standards.
“This delay will ensure that the quality of programming in Burns Lake is the same for students at all CNC campuses,” explained Glenda Vardy Dell, Dean of the CNC School of Health Sciences.
According to Corrine George, Regional Principal of the Lakes District campus, this delay presents an opportunity for prospective practical nursing students in Burns Lake.
Although the Lakes District campus had two students who achieved the prerequisites needed to enter the program as of Nov. 20, there are seven prospective students working their way through upgrading to achieve these prerequisites.
“The postponement of the practical nursing program in Burns Lake offers our prospective students the opportunity to enter with a larger cohort, which enhances their learning experience together,” said George. “CNC is committed to our students’ drive to complete the prerequisites.”
The College of New Caledonia is betting on its digital delivery instruction (DDI) strategy to expand educational opportunities at all CNC campuses.
George believes DDI will help the college meet class minimums over the entire CNC region, resulting in fewer course cancellations. She also believes opportunities will arise for instructors, as they will have the capability of teaching through DDI to other campuses.
CNC president Henry Reiser has recently welcomed visitors in Burns Lake while using the new DDI technology.
“DDI is opening more educational opportunities at each of CNC’s campuses by providing a larger selection of classes for students and allowing them to learn where they live,” he said. “Technological advancements have always stood at the forefront of higher education.”
For the first time this year, intersession DDI classes were introduced at the Lakes District Campus. It now joins Prince George and Quesnel, which continue to send and receive DDI courses during intersession.
CNC student Nikki Chapdelaine spoke about her experience with DDI at the Lakes District campus. In the interactive classroom setting, she was able to take biology 130 as a prerequisite for practical nursing.
“DDI opens the door to families that can’t move to take education,” she said. “It offers immediate response from your teacher and allows group discussion in real time.”
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