Milestones from 50-plus years of nursing at Mount Royal

Exemplifying passion, dedication and strength to care

For more than half a century, Mount Royal’s nursing program has played a significant role in supporting and maintaining the health and vitality of Albertans, Canadians and citizens around the world. Since 1967, Mount Royal has been educating and training thousands of highly skilled professionals, setting a continued standard of excellence demonstrated by the incredible sacrifices being made by our graduates today.

In celebration of National Nursing Week, here are just a few of the highlights from the last 53 years.

  • 1967

    The two-year nursing diploma program begins, the first diploma-based nursing program in Alberta.

  • 1969

    The first graduates of Mount Royal Junior College’s two-year nursing diploma finish their program.

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  • 1978

    Post Basic Mental Health Certificate provided for 35 years.
    (1978 - 2013)

  • 1988

    Studies in Aging (Gerontology) Certificate offered.
    (1988 - 2013)

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  • 1991

    Calgary Conjoint Bachelor of Nursing program with the University of Calgary starts up.

  • 1995

    • Last Mount Royal College nursing diploma class graduates.

    • Foothills School of Nursing closes. Many instructors relocate to Mount Royal.

    • Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing transfers from the Foothills School of Nursing.

    • Neonatal Intensive Care Certificate and Advanced Studies in Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing Certificate (now offered through Continuing Education) transfer from the Foothills School of Nursing.

  • 2001

    • Athabasca University at Mount Royal College Bachelor of Nursing program begins. Last class graduates in 2012.

    • Forensic Studies Certificate is offered to students.

  • 2004

    Last graduating class of the Calgary Conjoint Nursing Program.

  • 2006

    • Bridge to Canadian Nursing program begins.

    • Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Assessment Centre operates on campus. (2006 - 2013)

  • 2007

    Bachelor of Nursing degree is granted, the first independent baccalaureate for Mount Royal.

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  • 2009

    Government of Alberta grants Mount Royal College the right to be a university.

  • 2010

    Mount Royal’s first Bachelor of Nursing class graduates.

  • 2011

    Simulation Learning Centre opens.

  • 2013

    Nursing program receives accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.

  • 2015

    Mount Royal honours 25 years of Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing.

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  • 2016

    The College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta celebrates 100 years of providing registered nursing services in Alberta.

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  • 2017

    Mount Royal celebrates 50 years of nursing education.

  • 2020

May 11, 2020

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Homepage image: Last graduating class of Mount Royal College's Nursing Diploma Program, 1995. MRU Archives and Special Collections, School of Nursing and Midwifery Fonds, 0108-01.