外流影片

Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Nursing

A smiling female nurse adjusts a hospital bracelet on a patient's arm.

Nursing is a distinctive health profession, both an art and a science that focuses on health promotion, maintenance and restoration, illness prevention and palliative care. We believe that nurses are key to the overall health of society.

The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) is a program that prepares nurses to practice in a variety of health care settings. The curriculum is a blend of biological, social sciences, humanities and nursing courses, combining academic and professional theory with nursing practice.

In 2016, the CBU nursing program adopted a model of concept-based learning to keep pace with the evolving nature of nursing education. A concept-based curriculum aids in assisting students to develop the high level of clinical reasoning and nursing judgment needed to respond to the complexity of today鈥檚 health care system. Concept-based learning is student-centered and student-directed. Students are encouraged to be active learners; to delve into course content, and to learn how to access information independently.

In 2023, CBU generously agreed to offer the BScN program on-site at 外流影片. This initiative allows the CBU curriculum to be delivered while 外流影片 works towards offering a standalone BScN program. Together, we hope to increase the number of quality nursing graduates entering the healthcare workforce.

Points of Interest

  • Our modern learning environments ensure the most up-to-date instruction.
  • Students have access to a wide variety of nursing practice placements (hospitals, community, long-term care) within Nova Scotia Health as well as private community partners.
  • High demand for Registered Nurses in Nova Scotia.

Program Pathways

There are three points of entry into the Bachelor of Science Nursing
(BScN) program:

  • Direct Entry (3-year, 8-semester): This route of entry is for applicants who are coming directly from high school, or for mature students who do not qualify for admission into the Advanced Standing Program. Intake for this program is in September of each year.
  • Advanced Standing (2-year, 6-semester): This route of entry is for applicants who have previous university experience. Intake for this program is in September of each year.
  • LPN to BScN Pathway (completion time may vary; typically 2 years): This route of entry is for applicants who are currently licensed as an LPN in Nova Scotia with a total of 1800 hours work experience as a licensed practical nurse within the last two years. Intake for this program is in September of each year.

The application deadline for all points of entry is February 28 of each year for Fall (September) intakes.

Program Format

For students starting in Fall 2026:

  • You will take Nursing courses in your first year, with both on-campus clinical practice and an off-campus clinical placement included in the program.
  • The first-year clinical course will take place in May, after Winter exams, and will be 3 weeks long. You will take Summer break after this clinical course.
  • Year 2 and 3 will be three-semester academic years, finishing at the end of July each year. You will graduate after Year 3.

Nursing - Direct Entry

Nursing - Advanced Standing

 

Sample Courses

  • BIOL 2203
    Human Anatomy
  • NRSG 2501
    Pathophysiology in Diverse Populations
  • NRSG 3501
    Nursing Research Methods
  • NRSG 4107
    Indigenous Perspective: Health & Healing
  • NRSG 4101
    Professional Formation of Nursing III

The Full Program Curriculum Sequence can be found in .

Future Careers

Nursing is a rewarding career that provides the opportunity to impact lives. Registered nurses who graduate from our program are highly competent and caring in their nursing practice. Our graduates are also well prepared to pursue future studies. Many graduates become Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Researchers and Nurse Educators, to name a few.

Frequently asked questions

This information pertains to the current Nursing program offering that is in partnership with Cape Breton University. Some aspects of this FAQ may be subject to change once 外流影片 initiates its standalone Nursing program. Please monitor this website for updates. (Important Information on Program Moving to Acadia)

How many seats are hosted at Acadia?

The Nursing program has 42 direct entry seats and 21 combined LPN Bridge/Advanced Standing seats.

Does the program allow for non-Nova Scotia applicants?

Preference is given to Nova Scotia residents, and approximately 50% of seats are designated for African Nova Scotian students or L鈥檔u Indigenous students.  Out of province applications will be available after all eligible Nova Scotia residents have been offered a spot in the program.

What is the definition of a Nova Scotia resident?

An applicant is considered to be a resident of Nova Scotia if...

  • the principal residence of the applicant鈥檚 parent(s) or guardian is located in Nova Scotia; or
  • if the applicant is independent of their parent(s) or guardian, they must have lived and worked on a full-time basis in Nova Scotia (not attending school on a full-time basis) for a minimum of one full year; or
  • the applicant or their parent(s), guardian or spouse does not meet the preceding requirements as the direct result of a recent employment transfer either in or out of Nova Scotia.

Will I be notified if I am on the waitlist?

If you have been added to the waitlist, you will see this information added to your admission checklist in your portal.  If you are offered a spot from the waitlist, you will receive both a status update email and an offer letter in the mail.  Being on the waitlist does not guarantee a spot in the program.

We are not able to provide applicants with information regarding their ranked spot on the waitlist.  

Can extensions be made to the admission response deadline?

The program has a lengthy waitlist, so deadlines are firm.

Can I take the Nursing Program on a Part-Time basis?

No, the Nursing program is only available for study on a full-time basis.

What is the BSCN Progression Policy?

Progression in the program requires a minimum 60% in each non-nursing course and minimum 65% or Pass (P) in each nursing course (and designated by NRSG). Progression in the program requires a GPA of 65% or greater (semester to semester) for all years of the program. F and INC are failing grades. W/S and W are considered neutral.

What are the 外流影片 Requirements?

Please refer to .

What is "direct entry"?

This stream is intended for applicants directly from high school or those with some post-secondary education that do not meet the advanced standing stream.

I was offered a seat in the Direct Entry Stream of CBU鈥檚 Nursing program on the Cape Breton campus for September 2023鈥 can I transfer my admission to Acadia?

Yes, as long as there are available spots. You must fill out the 外流影片 application form and indicate that you were admitted to the CBU program in the additional comment section available.

I withdrew from my previous Nursing program. Can I reapply to finish the program at Acadia?

Yes, you can.

Will Acadia be accepting transfer students from other nursing programs?

Yes, students are welcome to transfer.

Will the LPN to BScN pathway be offered at Acadia?

Yes, beginning in September 2024.

I鈥檓 an International student, can I apply?

CBU鈥檚 BScN program has limited seating; therefore, this program is open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only. International applicants must have to apply. Preference is given to Nova Scotia residents. Applications are received and then ranked by academics.

What are the local practicum placements available to me? Will students be able to complete placements in other regions? Is there flexibility?

What are the local practicum placements available to me?

Placements are located within 120kms of the 外流影片 campus, with priority given to sites located in the Western Zone of NSH. Typical sites can include Valley Regional Hospital, Soldiers Memorial Hospital and South Shore Regional Hospital.

Will students be able to complete placements in other regions?

In later terms (7 & 8) there is possibility for locations in other zones and/or out of province (subject to availability).

Is there flexibility?

Placements are determined by site availability, size of cohort and competition with other Post Secondary Institutions. Flexibility/preference is limited and students should be prepared to attend any location within our radius.

Are there scholarships available to me?

When you apply to Acadia, you'll be automatically considered for grade-based entrance scholarships.

Is there housing available?

Acadia guarantees first-year students a room in residence. If you are planning to live in residence, and have been offered admission to Acadia, you鈥檒l need to apply for residence.

Is the program available online?

No, the program is delivered in-person on the Acadia campus.

 

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