Bachelor's Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

4-year Degree Program

Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

This collaborative partnership program was jointly developed between various educational institutions in British Columbia and Northwest Territories. Students entering the program will receive a Vancouver Island University degree.

The Program

The Nursing curriculum was developed as a result of the recognized need for increased education for nurses, the changing directions in health care, and the recommendation made by the Canadian Nurses Association and the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) that the minimum requirement to enter the profession be a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

The curriculum includes eight academic semesters, and four consolidated practice experiences. Each successive practice experience involves increased nursing responsibility in order to prepare students for their professional autonomous roles. During practice experiences, students could be working with local, provincial or international health care agencies.

The curriculum is based on the concepts of caring and health promotion, and has been developed in consultation with various government ministries and nursing theorists, practitioners and professional associations. Clinical experience is emphasized, as well as the need for thoughtful, reflective action as defined by the concept of praxis. The curriculum has some flexibility to address community needs, while maintaining transferability from one collaborative partner site to another.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Vancouver Island University is part of a consortium of eight post-secondary institutions in British Columbia and one post-secondary institution in the Northwest Territories that offer the same nursing curriculum. It is possible to transfer between institutions; however, students should be aware of institutional residency requirements. Space availability at other institutions varies.

The curriculum provides two options:

Option A involves completion of the program in its entirety in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. On successful completion of 8 academic semesters and 4 consolidated practice experiences, and institutional English requirements, students will graduate with a degree. Students will write registration examinations after completion of the program.
Option B (“bridge-in”) is designed to allow Registered Nurses (RNs) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 4 academic semesters. Nurses with limited practice experience may be required to complete 2 consolidated practice experiences. Note: Students with a minimum “B+” in ENGL 115 are not required to complete additional English credits.
Note: Option B is not currently offered.

A free information session for prospective students is usually held in February. Check with the Advising Centre for more details, 250-740-6410, or visit viu.ca/infosessions.

Option A Admission Requirements

General admission requirements apply.
Min. C+ in Chemistry 11, Principles of Math 11, Biology 12 and English 12, or equivalents.
Submission of a satisfactory BSc Nursing Personal Profile form.
Admission rankings are determined by a combination of GPA and Personal Profile scores.

Option B Admission Requirements

Note: Option B is not currently offered.

Transcript from Diploma School of Nursing and from other educational institutions attended.
Verification of nursing registration status from CRNBC.
Two references (forms available upon request).

Notes on Admission - Options A and B

Note:

The following documents are required for the first day of classes.

Completed Immunization Requirements Form
Proof of C.P.R. level “C” training.
Proof of W.H.M.I.S. Training (effective January 2007)
This program is not currently available to international students.

Prior Learning Assessment credit may be available for courses in this program. Contact the Chair, Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, 250-740-6260.

Note on Progression, Options A and B

Students are required to maintain a 65% average in all courses with no grade lower than 60%.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Option A: The program starts in September of each year, and applications will be accepted from November 15 to February 28.

Options B: The Option B program is not currently offered.

For detailed information about admission and selection criteria, please contact the Advising Centre 250-740-6410.

Program Outline