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Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• B.S.N. Four-year
• B.S.N. Post Degree Option (can be competed in condensed period of time)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) is a four-year non direct entry program. The program offers a pre-professional year (Year 1) of prerequisite university-level courses followed by three years (Year 2, 3 and 4) of concentrated nursing education classes and clinical practice opportunities.

Pre-professional Year

Students can apply to the College of Arts and Science for Year 1 of the degree program.

View the required pre-professional courses for Year 1.
Courses must be completed by April 30 of the application year for entrance into the College of Nursing.

The pre-professional year can also be completed through a variety of institutions including the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada and Regional Colleges. Contact these institutions directly to apply.

Years 2, 3, 4

Students apply to the College of Nursing to enter Year 2 of the degree program. Admission to Year 2 is competitive, and students must attain a minimum weighted average of 60% in the 30 credit units of the pre-professional courses. Students may complete their B.S.N. in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert or in Northern Saskatchewan.

In October, students can apply directly to the College of Nursing for Year 2.

B.S.N. Seats

• Saskatoon: 125
• Regina: 115
• Prince Albert: 40
• Northern Saskatchewan: 15

High School Requirements
The following Grade 12 level subjects are required to complete the pre-professional courses:

• English
• biology
• chemistry
• mathematics

Nursing English proficiency requirements

The Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an undergraduate degree option at the College of Nursing that recognizes previous university achievements of qualified students and provides the opportunity to receive a B.S.N. in a condensed period of time. It is available to students who have completed a baccalaureate degree, or have made significant progress toward a degree in another field.

This option provides an opportunity for full-time intensive study (six consecutive terms) with program completion in less than two calendar years.

Students who complete this program receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with eligibility to apply for licensure with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA).

Visit the College of Nursing's website for detailed admissions information.

Admission Qualifications:

Minimum weighted average of 60% on 30-credit unit pre-professional year with the following required courses:

• English 3 credit units
• Indigenous/ Native Studies 3 credit units*
• Chemistry 3 credit units
• Biology 3 credit units
• Statistics 3 credit units*
• Nutrition 3 credit units*
• Psychology 3 credit units
• Social Science Elective 3 credit units
• Elective 3 credit units
• Elective 3 credit units

* A deficiency is allowed in one of these three areas. 50% is used in place of the deficiency in the average calculation. Applicants must provide proof of completion of the deficient pre-requisite by January 15 of the application year.

Proficiency in English

Selection Criteria:

Academic Record –100% weighting

• Admission is competitive; applicants are ranked according to average and the top candidates are selected.
• Average is calculated on the 30 credit unit pre-professional year. However, if a student takes a higher level course for which the pre-professional course is its pre-requisite, then the course with the higher average will be used in the admission average calculation.

Other credentials to be submitted after admission

• Heart Saver CPR Level C with AED must be submitted by October 15 following admission.
• A Standard First Aid Certificate must be obtained no later than October 15.
• Criminal Record Check must be submitted October 15, and must not be dated more than 6 months prior to submission.
• Immunizations are due by October 15.
• Respiratory Protection Fit Testing is due by October 15.

Categories of Applicants

Regular Applicants

• Applicants are admitted on the basis of the required post-secondary course work.
• Applications are accepted from residents of all Canadian provinces and international countries. Canadian or international residency status is not considered in the application process.
• Applicants select the site in which they prefer to study at the time of application. Students who select to study in Northern Saskatchewan must be residents of that area according to provincial geographical definition.

Aboriginal Equity Access Program

• There is a separate category in which 16% of the total number of first year seats are reserved for persons of Aboriginal ancestry.
• Applicants must provide proof of Aboriginal Ancestry.

Transfer Students

• Like regular applicants, transfer applicants are admitted on the basis of post-secondary work and must meet the same admission average.
• Any transfer credit given for prior Nursing courses will be determined by the College of Nursing.

Visit the College of Nursing's website for detailed admissions information.

Admission Qualifications:

A completed baccalaureate degree OR 90-credit units with at least 36 credit units at the senior level, with a minimum weighted average of at least 70% on the last 60 credit units of coursework. 90 credit units of recognized post-secondary study must be completed by April 30th of the year of expected entrance to the program.

Pre-requisite courses:

• Statistics 3 credit units
• Nutrition 3 credit units
• Anatomy & Physiology 6 credit units
• Humanities 3 credit units
• Social Sciences 9 credit units
• Deficiencies are permitted in the following areas (proof of completion is required by January 15 of the application year):
  • Social Science 3 credit units
  • Statistics 3 credit units
  • Nutrition 3 credit units
• Proficiency in English

Selection Criteria:

Academic Record –100% weighting

• Average is calculated on the most recent 60 credit units of course work.
• All courses within each academic year must be included.

Other credentials to be submitted after admission

• Heart Saver CPR Level C with AED must be submitted May 31 following admission.
• A Standard First Aid Certificate must be obtained no later than May 31 following admission.
• Criminal Record Check must be submitted by April 25.
• Immunizations are due by June 28.
• Respiratory Protection Fit Testing (due date to be determined).

Categories of Applicants

Regular Applicants

• Applicants are admitted on the basis of post-secondary course work.
• Applications are accepted from residents of all Canadian provinces and international countries. Canadian or international residency status is not considered in the application process.

Aboriginal Equity Access Program

• There is a separate category in which 16% of the total number of first year seats are reserved for persons of Aboriginal ancestry.
• Applicants must provide proof of Aboriginal Ancestry.

2012-2013 Nursing Entry Admission Statistics

Does not include Post-degree B.S.N. students.

Quota: 295
125: Saskatoon
115: Regina
40: Prince Albert
15: La Ronge and Ile a la Crosse

Total Applicants: 439

Admission Averages
75%

Gender Admitted
Females: 90%
Males: 10%

Years of University
Minimum 1 year

Interprofessional Education

Study within a post-secondary institution offering human, animal and plant sciences, where you will benefit from an interprofessional nursing education connecting you with some of Canada’s leading experts in teaching, scholarship and research. Interact with students and faculty from a wide variety of disciplines to expand your horizons, think differently and make an impact on your community and ultimately the world.

Graduate Studies

The quality of a University of Saskatchewan education will open doors for you, including opportunities to continue studies at the graduate level in our Masters of Nursing, Post Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs.

Clinical Experience

Nursing requires clinical experience. Our program includes access to clinical practice opportunities in hospitals and community agencies across the province and internationally. You will work with exceptional nurses in our health regions, committed to quality patient care. Clinical practice gives you experience, empowering you to make a difference in the future of health care.

Local Opportunities

Students can take advantage of opportunities that bring nursing education into smaller communities in the province. Find more information on local opporutunities.

Nursing Learning Community

The College of Nursing Learning Community is a way for you, in your pre-professional year, to connect with your future college, classmates, professors and colleagues. Our learning community will help you cultivate the academic skills you need as a nursing student and give you an opportunity to collaborate with other pre-professional year students. Through these learning communities you will hear from nursing professionals and senior nursing students and expand your understanding of the professional culture of nursing. To learn more about the College of Nursing Learning Community, please visit usask.ca/nursing/lc.

Student Awards

There are many scholarships and bursaries available for our nursing students. Undergraduate and graduate students are recognized with more than 90 scholarships and awards at our annual awards ceremony.

Native Access Program to Nursing

The Native Access Program to Nursing (NAPN) recruits and supports Aboriginal students interested in or enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Aboriginal nursing advisors in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert work with students to build community through gatherings and peer networks, provide academic and personal advisement and facilitate tutoring, mentorship and referrals to culturally appropriate supports as requested. NAPN advisors are also available to provide information and referrals for child care, housing, funding and other concerns.

Nursing students have many opportunities to become involved in campus life. The College of Nursing campuses in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon have student organizations that pull together a wide range of social, athletic and professional events.

Each student group is also involved with the Canadian Nursing Student Association, the national nursing student organization that meets annually to discuss common concerns and is the voice of nursing students in Canada.

• NURS 220: Concepts of Patient and Family Centered Care
• Students will further explore clinical competencies necessary for developing and planning care of patients with acute and chronic needs. Opportunities will be provided to demonstrate critical thinking in the performance of nursing interventions in simulated clinical situations.
• NURS 330: Maternal Child and Adolescent Family Centered Nursing
  Using evidenced-based theories, and practice, explores health concepts and health challenges of the infant, child, adolescent and child bearing family within the context of family centred care across a continuum of nursing care experiences. Incorporates the concepts of health promotion, wellness, self-determination, individualized, and safe care within an interprofessional and legally prudent environment.
• NURS 452: Transition to Professional Practice
  Students will use the experiences they have had in NURS 450 and NURS 431 to examine clinical issues, organizational challenges, and policy limitations. Opportunities will be provided to interact with each other, nurse leaders, and policy makers. Leadership, safety, interprofessional and evidence based practice will be emphasized.

Nursing is the largest health care profession in the world. Nursing is both an art and a science. Today’s nurses work with their minds, hands and hearts and use advanced technology to provide health care services to individuals, families, groups and communities across Canada and the world.

Our program offers access to clinical practice opportunities in hospitals and community agencies across the province and internationally. You will work with exceptional nurses in our health regions, committed to quality patient care. Clinical practice will provide you with experience, empowering you to make a difference in the future of health care.

Nursing is the only health care profession offering a diverse spectrum of career opportunities within the interprofessional health care field:

• Clinical Practice
  
  • Hospitals – medical, surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics
  • Community – public health, schools, addiction, shelter agencies
  • Long-term care – secure environments, care homes, rehabilitation residences
  • Education
  • Administration
  • Non-profit sector
  • Occupational health
  • Rural and remote communities
  • Northern nursing
  • International settings

• Military Service
  • Nursing officers
• Government
  • Including development of health care policy
• International Health Agencies