With about 1,000 students, the Centre for Nursing Studies (CNS) is the largest nursing school in Newfoundland and Labrador. Located on the Memorial University campus, CNS offers a four-year bachelor of science in nursing, a 16-month practical nursing diploma and continuing education courses that include advanced studies in gerontology, critical care and mental health. The bachelor of science in nursing program is a partnership between Memorial and two regional health authorities, and allows students to rotate through clinical placements.

The school’s international program works closely with nursing schools, community organizations and health ministries in other countries to bolster their health care systems. CNS has completed projects in Bolivia, Chile, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Jamaica, Malawi and Paraguay.

Outside of St. John’s, the College of the North Atlantic delivers the CNS practical nursing program in five communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador: Corner Brook, Carbonear, Happy Valley—Goose Bay, Grand Falls—Windsor and Clarenville. There are plans to expand delivery of the program to another four communities in 2022.