Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, from clinical decision-support tools and documentation technologies to new ways of accessing and sharing information. Yet while AI is becoming increasingly integrated into healthcare settings, many nurses have had limited opportunities to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently use these technologies in practice.

To help address this growing need, The Michener Institute of Education at UHN is launching its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing Program this September.

Addressing a Growing Need for AI Education 

Developed under the leadership of Dr. Gillian Strudwick, Associate Chief, Innovation in Nursing Education at UHN and instructor for the program, the new offering was created to address a growing gap between the rapid adoption of AI technologies in healthcare and the practical education available to nurses.

“There’s an increase in the use of AI tools that is either already happening in practice or is coming very quickly,” says Strudwick. “At the same time, education pathways don’t really exist for practising nurses. We saw an opportunity to bring together the right expertise and create something that is practical, relevant and directly connected to nursing practice.”

While many existing AI learning opportunities focus on governance, policy or highly technical concepts, Strudwick says nurses need education that reflects the realities of frontline care.

“Nurses are going to be making decisions based on outputs from AI-supported clinical tools. They’ll be using documentation technologies supported by AI. They need practical knowledge they can apply in their day-to-day work.”

A Program Designed for Practising Nurses

Designed for practising nurses, the 12-week hybrid program combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing participants to engage with course content while balancing professional and personal commitments.

The program is designed for nurses who are practising today. Through a combination of foundational learning and hands-on exploration, participants will develop practical skills that can be applied immediately within their own clinical, educational, leadership and quality improvement settings. The program explores how AI can support nursing practice, education, leadership, scholarship and quality improvement activities.

“We really wanted to create something that answers the question: how can I use this in my clinical practice now?” says Strudwick.

What Participants Will Learn

Participants will examine how AI is already appearing in healthcare, from documentation technologies and clinical decision-support tools to patient interactions increasingly shaped by generative AI. They will also explore topics such as AI literacy, ethics, privacy, bias and responsible use, while gaining experience using AI tools to address real-world nursing challenges.

A focus on practical application is what sets the program apart.

Rather than treating AI as a future concept, learners will have the opportunity to experiment with AI tools, learn how to work effectively with generative AI and explore emerging AI-enabled approaches to developing solutions for real-world healthcare challenges.

Building Confidence with AI

The program also aims to demystify AI and help nurses build confidence in using emerging technologies in their practice.

“You don’t need to know how to code. You don’t need to have a technical background,” says Strudwick. “It’s really about your practice. It’s not about something ten years from now. It’s about what people can do and think about now in their practice.”

Looking Ahead

One area that particularly excites Strudwick is AI’s potential to support innovation within the profession.

“Nurses have always been innovators,” she says. “What’s exciting is that these tools make it more accessible for nurses to develop solutions, explore ideas and participate in conversations about the technologies that are shaping healthcare.”

As AI continues to evolve, so too will the program itself. Designed to reflect the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, course content will be updated regularly to ensure learners remain current with emerging technologies and best practices.

For Strudwick, the message is clear: nurses should not wait for AI education to find them.

“Every sector is investing in AI,” she says. “As healthcare professionals, we have responsibilities to understand these technologies and how they may impact our practice. This program is an opportunity to build that understanding and be prepared for what’s ahead.”

“If you’ve ever wondered why nurses should understand AI, or whether this technology will shape the future of nursing, I invite you to come see for yourself.”

Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing Program, with classes beginning in September 2026.