The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing

about nursing

The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing embodies the perspective that health equity is nursing’s social mandate for the 21st century – a good fit with Western’s motto “Veritas et Utilitas” (Truth and Usefulness).

As nurses, we offer a unique vantage point into how the effects of exclusionary social conditions show up in the lives of those for whom we care. Thus, we have the responsibility to mobilize change for more compassionate, caring, and equitable social relations that are fundamental to the health and well-being of a society and its people.


Educating nurses since 1920, the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing has come a long way from its original public health roots at Victoria Hospital and is recognized as a world leader in innovative health professional education, research, practice and policy.

Offering programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Western's Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing seeks to support the education of current and future nurse leaders, by providing learners opportunities to become involved in research, innovation, and practice-based scholarship, and to develop new skills and knowledge to become global leaders in nursing.

Western was the first Canadian university to offer a nursing master’s program, established the first online peer-reviewed journal in nursing education - The International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship - and become the first international charter chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. With world-class researchers, modern facilities for both undergraduate and graduate education, and international collaborations with other healthcare organizations, the strength of the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing is its cohort of professors, lecturers, clinical partners, community leaders and preceptors. This group is integral to helping the school deliver a transformative learning experience to students.

Mission & Vision

Our Vision

The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing will continue to be a recognized leader in innovative health professional education, research, practice and policy.

Our Mission

The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing will educate nurses who are reflective practitioners and provide recognized leadership in nursing theory, research, practice, inter-professional health teaching and learning and policy advancement.

Programs Offered

Undergraduate Programs

Western's Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing offers two ways for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree. Find out which one is right for you.

Graduate Programs

Western's graduate programs in Nursing help advance students' ability to analyze and integrate theory and research in advancing significant health-related issues.