Media releases

• Brock launches Canada’s first accelerated concurrent Nursing program

  Tuesday, February 08, 2022 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 8 February 2022 – R0014

  Applications are now open for Brock University’s new concurrent Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing (BN/MN) program — the first of its kind in Canada.

  The concurrent BN/MN degree in Nursing is an innovative, course-based program designed to provide students with a high-quality alternative entry to practice that includes a hands-on and theoretical approach.

  Accepting applications until Sunday, March 13, the 20-month expedited program offers students opportunities to gain experience in five areas, including knowledge-based practice and self-regulation. The innovative approach to the program structure provides students with a balance of clinical and theoretical experience.

  The program combines an undergraduate and graduate degree in Nursing, providing students with an opportunity to become nursing leaders upon graduation. Graduates of the program are also eligible to write the NCLEX-RN registration exam.

  The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved this one-of-a-kind program on Jan. 28, allowing for a quick turnaround start in May.

  “We are very excited to finally see this program come to life,” says Dawn Prentice, Graduate Program Director and Professor. “It’s been many years in the making and a journey that began with the program’s proposal in 2017 with Dr. Joyce Engel, former Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing.”

  This was not Prentice’s first time pioneering a program. In 2005, she was part of the team that launched the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Brock.

  “It is amazing to relive the excitement of receiving approval from the Ministry. There are a lot of stakeholder approvals needed to launch a program, not including the interruptions we encountered during the pandemic,” she says. “I’ve been able to watch the BScN program grow, and I am looking forward to seeing the same with the BN/MN concurrent degree.”

  With the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences eagerly recruiting qualified students to fill the new program’s 32 spaces, Dean Peter Tiidus acknowledges the hard work that has gone into delivering this timely program.

  “Our staff and faculty have been working very hard to bring this program to life,” says Tiidus. “This program encapsulates Brock’s excellence in transformative learning for students inside and outside the classroom while addressing the ongoing nurse shortage. Our graduates are health-care leaders, and I can’t wait to congratulate our first nurses of the program in 2024.”

  The BN/MN program welcomes students with a four-year bachelor’s degree to apply by Sunday, March 13. All requirements can be found on the program’s website.

  Prospective students can also register for an information session taking place Tuesday, March 1 at noon to learn more about the program’s details, structure and application process.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected] or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock business incubation program now accepting new applicants

  Tuesday, February 08, 2022 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 7 February 2022 – R0013

  The Brock LINC has opened applications for the next cohort of the University’s business incubation program, the LINCubator.

  After the successful launch of the LINCubator’s first cohort in November and the positive feedback received from incubator members and mentors, a second cohort has been added ahead of schedule.

  “We originally intended to run the program once per year,” says Cassie Price, Program Manager for the Brock LINC. “But with the feedback we’ve received and interest from entrepreneurs, we will be running two cohorts each year, one starting in May and the other in November.”

  The eight-month LINCubator program supports a small group of early-stage businesses as they work to reach their next stage of venture development. Businesses selected for the program will go through a series of educational workshops as well as one-on-one mentorship sessions, coaching sessions and opportunities to meet and network with different funders and startup support organizations such as Innovate Niagara, Haltech and the Niagara Angel Network.

  “There are dozens of facets of starting a business, and I believe having access to such a wide variety of expertise and opportunities that the LINCubator offers is invaluable to early-stage entrepreneurs,” says LINCubator mentor Sharon Reeds, Co-Founder/CEO of Intuitive Shipping. “A major struggle in the early stages is that you don’t know what you don’t know. Brock has done a fantastic job of gathering a diverse group of mentors with varying skill sets and providing access to learning opportunities.”

  Selected entrepreneurs will have access to resources at Brock, such as co-op services, research collaborations, support from Goodman School of Business students, and access to the Brock Makerspace and Digital Scholarship Lab.

  They’ll also have access to desk space, meeting rooms, business services and a collaborative community at the Brock LINC. There is no cost for businesses to participate and Brock LINC does not take equity or share in the intellectual property of participating businesses.

  The program is open to students, staff, faculty and anyone in the broader Niagara community. Startups from all industries are encouraged to apply. The current cohort includes tech businesses using artificial intelligence and facial recognition, product-based businesses and a social enterprise.

  “The LINCubator connected us with highly qualified mentors, coaches and exemplary training,” says LINCubator resident Vishal Badiani, CEO of Millo.ai. “In addition, our monthly touchpoints helped customize the type of help that was needed. The Brock LINC team is always willing to connect with you, and this has really accelerated our growth. I would highly recommend the program.”

  Applications are open until Sunday, March 13 and can be submitted to brocku.ca/linc/lincubator

  All applications will be reviewed after the deadline and the interview and selection process will be completed by mid-April to prepare for the start to the program in May.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected] or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases