Loyalist College launches new Critical Care Nursing, Cyber Security Graduate Certificates

Belleville, ON, Sept. 25, 2026 – Loyalist College is expanding its graduate certificate offerings with two new programs designed to build specialized expertise in health care and cyber security. Beginning in Fall 2027, the Registered Nurse Critical Care Nursing and Cyber Security programs will create new pathways into roles that support the health, security and resilience of communities and organizations. 

Developed in response to evolving workforce needs, both programs combine specialized knowledge with applied learning to prepare graduates for complex professional environments.  

“Our programs need to reflect where our communities and industries are headed and give learners the skills and experience to move forward with them,” says Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “Whether caring for patients experiencing life-threatening illness or helping organizations respond to an increasingly complex cyber security landscape, graduates will be prepared to take on challenging and important work where specialized knowledge and sound judgment are essential.”

Registered Nurse Critical Care Nursing

Loyalist’s one-year Registered Nurse Critical Care Nursing Ontario College Graduate Certificate is designed for registered nurses looking to enter the critical care specialty or strengthen their practice in acute and complex care environments. Through advanced theory, simulation and experiential learning, students will develop competencies in assessing and managing critically ill patients, making rapid clinical decisions and providing holistic, patient- and family-centred care. A supervised clinical placement will allow students to apply their new skills in practice. 

“Upskilling allows registered nurses to broaden their knowledge, while also supporting our regional health care workforce and building capacity in our hospitals,” explains Dr. Amanda Baskwill, Senior Vice-President, Academic and Chief Learning Officer at Loyalist College. “Critical care nurses bring advanced clinical capabilities to some of the most urgent and complex areas of patient care, from intensive care and emergency departments to coronary care units and rapid response teams.”

Cyber Security

Loyalist’s one-year Cyber Security Ontario College Graduate Certificate will equip students with the technical and strategic skills to protect digital systems, enhance security measures and safeguard sensitive information. Through applied exercises, lab work and simulations, students will gain experience in network and cloud security, digital forensics, incident response and risk management. Students will also have opportunities to pursue industry certifications alongside their studies. 

“Cyber security expertise is essential for businesses and organizations across every sector, and that need will only grow as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies rapidly reshape the digital landscape,” adds Dr. Baskwill. “Graduates will be prepared to identify vulnerabilities, manage risk and respond effectively when security incidents occur, helping organizations protect the systems and information they rely on.” 

Expanded online program options

Loyalist is also expanding flexible learning options for Fall 2027, with its Business and Business Sales and Marketing diploma programs becoming available online. The new delivery options will give learners greater flexibility in how and where they complete their studies. Both programs provide practical, career-focused business education, with Business offering a broad foundation across key business functions and Business Sales and Marketing focusing more specifically on sales, marketing, customer relationships and business development. 

Applications for Registered Nurse Critical Care Nursing and Cyber Security, as well as online options for the Business and Business Sales and Marketing programs for Fall 2027 open through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) on Sept. 26. 

About Loyalist College  

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope and Tyendinaga, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.  

– 30 –

Contact:   
Hannah Brown               
Director of Marketing and Communications              
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com