College approves new certificate programs in nephrology, children’s mental health

Sault College nursing graduates who want to add an extra certification to their list of credentials may want to check out a new, online post grad certificate program approved by the Sault College board of governors at their Thursday meeting.

The board approved a program in Nephrology Nursing, a medical specialty focused on kidney function, disease and care.

“Nephrology nursing is the sixth most popular nursing specialty in Ontario, 21 nursing specialties in total,” said Rachel Hill, Sault College E-Learning program manager, speaking to the board.

“Chronic kidney disease is on the rise in Canada because of our aging population and increased prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, so there’s a growing need for nurses with a nephrology certification. There are approximately 22,000 Ontarians who require some form of kidney care, whether it’s pre-dialysis, dialysis or transplant care, and nurses are playing a critical role in that care.”

“It certainly complements our existing nursing programs, and we feel there is a growing interest by nurses who want to obtain an extra certification to differentiate themselves in the healthcare field,” Hill said.   

The board also approved an online certificate Children’s Mental Health program.

“According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately one in five children are impacted or affected by a mental illness and there’s a growing recognition of the important role mental health plays in overall health...this complements a number of our existing programs from nursing to child and youth care, early childhood education, social service worker and a number of other programs,” Hill told the board.

“We feel both program areas are in demand and we anticipate between five and 10 students would likely register in at least one course in each of the three intakes,” Hill said.

Beginning in April, students may register in either program for the first intake in May, which will be followed by two other intakes in September and January.

Nephrology Nursing is a certificate program consisting of seven courses, a post graduate certificate for those with a college diploma and/or university degree in nursing.

The program’s curriculum is designed and taught by faculty from Conestoga, Mohawk and Durham Colleges in collaboration with the Canadian Nurses Association.

Children’s Mental Health is a certificate program consisting of six courses, open to anyone with a Grade 12, developed by Sir Sandford Fleming and Conestoga College faculty.

Students have five years to complete the nephrology program, seven years for children’s mental health.

Any of Ontario’s community colleges may offer approved online courses and programs within the E-Learning system.

Online certificate programs are taught by college faculty on behalf of a host college (that is, the college which designs a specific program).

Sault College has a variety of programs within the E-Learning consortium, Sault College benefitting from I.T. support and instruction fees, explained Lori Crosson, Sault College E-Learning and Continuing Education director.

Students may register for an online program by calling 705-759-6700 and choose option 3, beginning in April for the May start in Nephrology Nursing or Children’s Mental Health.   

An online Mental Health and Addictions certificate program may soon follow the latest two program offerings, said Marilyn King, Sault College Dean of Health, Community Services, Interdisciplinary Studies and Early Learning Centre, speaking to the board Thursday.