Nipissing-UniversityThere’s a new program starting this fall at Nipissing University.

The Bachelor of Social Work is a 4 year program.

Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Professional Studies Dr Rick Vanderlee says they’ve been trying for several years to get provincial approval and had to prove there was a need for social workers in the area.

He says the first two years of the program are classroom based but there’s real world learning too, at places like HANDS, Children’s Aid Society, Crisis Centre and Near North Palliative Care.

Dr. Vanderlee says there are many placement opportunities in aboriginal communities.