The University of Montreal (UdeM) is expanding its educational reach by opening a new campus in the vibrant Laurentians region of Quebec. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for healthcare professionals in the area, with a focus on nurturing future medical and pharmacy students.
Set to enroll its inaugural batch of medical students in the fall of 2026 and pharmacy students in 2027, the Laurentian campus is poised to play a crucial role in bolstering recruitment efforts and retaining healthcare talent within the community. Known for its high population growth rate, the Laurentians are projected to see a 6.1 per cent increase in residents by 2026, surpassing the Quebec average of 4.2 per cent.
The University of Montreal asserts that students who study in the region are more likely to establish their careers there post-graduation, making the Laurentian campus a crucial asset for enhancing the healthcare landscape in the area. This groundbreaking move marks the first time in Canada that a pharmacy faculty has been relocated from a main campus, underscoring UdeM’s commitment to innovation and accessibility in healthcare education.
With a growing demand for pharmacy services, the university’s decision to expand its presence to the Laurentians comes at a pivotal time. A recent survey revealed that 74 per cent of pharmacy needs in the region’s emergency departments are currently unmet, highlighting the urgency of training more professionals in this field.
While the exact location of the new campus in Saint-Jérôme is yet to be revealed, it is slated to accommodate an initial cohort of 24 medical students and 30 pharmacy students. As the campus matures, both faculties plan to welcome larger groups of 50 students each, further enriching the healthcare workforce in the region.
