Nearly 30 students at the University of Saskatchewan will convocate from the College of Nursing this month, but they didn’t spend four years earning their nursing degree.

The Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program allows students who have a bachelor’s degree in a different major to become a registered nurse in just two additional years of schooling. The program took a hiatus during the Covid pandemic, and this is the first cohort of students to graduate since then.

Jarret Calvert is one of 28 students who are convocating from the program this month.

“It’s been super-fast-paced. It was really busy, and you don’t really have summers off or anything like that. You’re just on the go. I think it covers everything you need to know. I’ll see when I write the N-CLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for sure.”

Following his convocation, Calvert plans on finding a nursing job in rural Saskatchewan.

Jacob Mamer is another one of those students. He earned a degree in kinesiology but later decided that nursing was the career for him.

“I kind of knew all along that kinesiology was just going to be a doorway into something else, more of a profession that’s offered. Originally, I was thinking teacher and then I just realized that I liked working with people and helping them more on the medical and human side. I thought nursing would be a great option.”

He has already secured work placement at St. Paul’s Hospital following convocation.

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill says this program should help to address staffing challenges seen across the province.

“What we’re seeing here is 28 graduates that are going to be hopefully working in the Saskatchewan healthcare system. Great opportunity, I’ve already spoken to families of a couple graduates are we are already seeing some applicants to rural communities which is fantastic to see.”

The next cohort of students in the PDBSN program have already begun their two-year endeavor.