In a landmark development for higher education in Canada, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has launched the province's largest nursing faculty through its newly unified Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences. This initiative, introduced in January 2026, merges programs across UNB's Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton campuses into a single, cohesive entity designed to scale up enrollment and address critical healthcare workforce needs in New Brunswick.
The unification represents UNB's first university-wide faculty, aligning with the broader 'One UNB' strategy that has driven a 15% overall enrollment increase to nearly 11,000 students from over 100 countries between 2020 and 2025. By creating scale and synergy, the faculty positions UNB as a leader in health sciences education, fostering innovation in teaching, research, and clinical partnerships to meet provincial demands.
🌟 Uniting Campuses for Greater Impact
Prior to the launch, UNB's nursing and health sciences programs operated somewhat independently across campuses. The Fredericton campus, with over 60 years of nursing education excellence, featured an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio in clinical settings and a rigorous 12-week final practicum. Saint John and Moncton offerings complemented this with community-focused training. The new structure eliminates silos, enabling seamless student mobility, shared resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This integration supports smoother progression through programs like the Bachelor of Nursing (BN), allowing students to transfer credits effortlessly and access specialized courses regardless of location. Efficiency gains in administration and research mean more focus on student outcomes, with unified accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) ensuring national standards.
The 'One UNB' vision emphasizes a single academic community, centralizing support services and expanding interdisciplinary opportunities. For instance, nursing students now collaborate more readily with peers in computer science and engineering, preparing them for technology-driven healthcare.
Enrollment Boom: Scaling to Province-Leading Numbers
The unified faculty has rapidly become New Brunswick's largest by student enrollment, surpassing competitors with approximately 750 nursing students as of Fall 2025, a figure expected to grow further in 2026. This scale stems from strategic expansions, including government-funded seats and innovative access programs like 'Learn Where You Live,' which brings nursing education to underserved communities.
Provincial investments, such as $500,000 over three years for extended reality (XR) nursing models, have boosted capacity. Historical funding agreements, like the 10-year deal to increase Bachelor of Nursing seats, have laid the groundwork, with recent additions targeting nurse practitioner programs from 10 to 20 seats. Overall UNB enrollment growth underscores the appeal, drawing diverse talent amid national healthcare education pushes.
- Pre-unification: ~500-750 students across campuses
- Post-launch projection: Continued 10-15% annual growth via new cohorts
- International draw: Partnerships enhancing global enrollment
Tackling New Brunswick's Acute Nursing Shortage
New Brunswick faces a dire nursing shortage, with 62 young nurses (under 35) leaving for every 100 who start, per a 2025 Montreal Economic Institute report. Projections indicate ongoing deficits, exacerbated by retirements and high turnover rates of 7.1% among nurses. The unified faculty directly responds by scaling graduates ready for local employment, prioritizing rural and remote areas.
UNB's approach emphasizes retention through clinical partnerships with Horizon Health Network and long-term care provider Shannex, enabling immediate recruitment. Ethical international strategies avoid depleting source countries' workforces. For context, Canada's broader shortage could reach 117,600 nurses by 2030, making provincial innovations vital.
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
Flagship Programs Driving Innovation
Core offerings include the accredited Bachelor of Nursing, blending theory, simulation, and practicum. A standout is the dual-degree BSc Nursing with India's Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), approved by the Indian Nursing Council. Students study in Manipal alongside New Brunswickers, earning a Canadian degree eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure in Canada and India.
The first cohort of 25 graduates in Fall 2025 highlights success, with plans to expand to 74 more over coming years. This model provides global perspectives while supporting New Brunswick's needs. Upcoming: PhD in Nursing launching Fall 2026, fostering advanced research.
Other expansions include Master of Nursing-Nurse Practitioner tracks and health sciences degrees, all unified for cross-campus access. For details on the dual-degree, see MAHE-UNB partnership announcement.
Simulation Leadership and Tech-Forward Training
UNB's faculty leads nationally in simulation-based education, earning two Simulation Canada awards in 2025. Over 500 students engage annually in 100+ virtual reality (VR) and XR scenarios, replicating high-risk situations without patient risk.
Recent simulation suite investments and provincial XR funding position UNB for international accreditation—the only Canadian postsecondary if achieved. This prepares graduates for modern practice, integrating AI and telehealth.
- VR for complex procedures
- Extended reality for team-based scenarios
- Interdisciplinary sims with engineering students
Explore more in UNB's simulation awards coverage.
Key Partnerships Amplifying Reach
Collaborations define the faculty's impact. The Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre with Horizon Health Network serves as a flagship for integrated primary care. Shannex partnership aids long-term care recruitment. The MAHE alliance exemplifies ethical global mobility.
These ties enhance clinical placements, research, and job pipelines, addressing retention challenges. Students gain real-world exposure, boosting employability in a province with 750+ RN vacancies.
Visionary Leadership from Dean Lorna Butler
Dr. Lorna Butler, Dean of the Faculty, champions a unified mission: "We exist to serve New Brunswick and the public good. Across the province and through one voice and shared mission, we are working together toward supporting better healthcare for all New Brunswickers." Her focus on innovation, equity, and resilience drives the faculty's transformative agenda.
Under her guidance, the faculty pursues research in newcomer health, mental health training, and system design, aligning with national priorities.
Photo by Huichao Ji on Unsplash
Looking Ahead: PhD Launch and Expansions
Fall 2026 brings a PhD in Nursing, elevating research capacity. Plans include scaling simulation accreditation, deepening interdisciplinary ties, and growing international cohorts. Amid Canada's nursing trends, UNB models scalable solutions.
View the full vision in UNB's reshaping healthcare feature.
Broader Implications for Canadian Higher Education
UNB's model offers a blueprint for other provinces facing shortages. Unified faculties enable resource optimization, vital as postsecondary attainment hits 64% nationally. It highlights higher ed's role in workforce development, blending local needs with global opportunities.
Stakeholders praise the approach for balancing innovation with accessibility, positioning Canadian universities as healthcare anchors. For nursing educators and students, it underscores adaptive structures' value.
