Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Applicants should review the Canadian Application Deadlines and International Application Deadlines for the latest information on application open and close dates. Please note that application deadlines may close early if enrolment targets are met prior to the posted application close date. 

Bring Global Nursing Skills Anywhere You Go

Nurses are at the forefront of our health care system. CBU’s Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) program prepares students to be eligible to practice as registered nurses in a variety of health care settings. At CBU, you arrive inspired and leave prepared with the skills you need to thrive and with lifelong knowledge to guide you along the way.

Please note: Admission to this program is based on applicant qualifications; preference is given to Nova Scotia residents, with 10 seats designated for African Nova Scotian students (ANS) and 10 seats designated for L’nu Indigenous students.

Ready to Apply?

The nursing curriculum is an intentional blend of courses from many disciplines, integrating theory and practice to facilitate self-growth, critical inquiry and a commitment to lifelong learning. Teachers and students engage in continuous professional development. From perfecting evidence-informed practice to respond to changing patient needs, to learning modern technologies, our faculty and students work together in a supportive and dynamic learning environment. CBU’s BScN strives for excellence in preparing our future registered nurses to be knowledgeable, compassionate and ethical professionals.

CBU’s New Satellite BScN Program at Acadia University

CBU is pleased to announce a partnership with Acadia University to offer additional Bachelor of Science Nursing – Direct Entry seats. The new nursing program at Acadia University will be a satellite site of Cape Breton University’s Bachelor of Science, Nursing program. The program will start in September 2023, and eventually transition to a standalone program at Acadia.

Applications will open at Acadia University beginning May 29, 2023 for the September 2023 intake. For further application information please contact Acadia University directly at admissions@acadiau.ca or 902-585-1016.

Equal Opportunity for Underrepresented Groups 

Cape Breton University and the School of Nursing understand African Nova Scotian and L’nu Indigenous students have unique needs that often go unmet and are not candidly discussed. In an effort to close these gaps and relieve any barriers these students may face, 10 nursing seats for African Nova Scotian students (ANS) and 10 seats for L’nu Indigenous students have been designated to help enhance the diversity of our healthcare workforce. 

Note: Students must meet all program requirements to gain admission into the nursing program. 

Approval of ongoing funding to support CBU to improve the recruitment and retention of African Nova Scotian and L’nu Indigenous students into the BScN program, and more broadly into the sciences is a targeted action to help address the historic underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian and L’nu Indigenous students in nursing programs and enhance diversity in the nursing workforce. 

For more information about the admissions process for African Nova Scotian and L’nu Indigenous students including supports and resources available, please contact:

• Dionne Romard, Student Development Officer, African Nova Scotian Students, dionne_romard@cbu.ca

• Reann Arsenault, Student Development Officer, Program Coordinator Working with Nova Scotia Youth, reann_arsenault@cbu.ca

• Indigenous Student Support, unamaki@cbu.ca

Accreditation

Cape Breton University’s Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) received its seven year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, as well as accreditation from Nova Scotia College of Nurses.

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Accreditation involves the objective assessment of professional education programs against national standards of excellence, and Cape Breton University’s BScN program has met these rigorous national standards, a testimony to the public of the quality of CBU’s BScN program.

What is the tuition for this program?

These numbers are an estimate for planning purposes only. These numbers do not include lab, health plan, accommodation or additional nursing related fees. Please review the Student Finance Hub for more information.

Program Structure

Note: Both 2-year program planners list “Semester 3” as the starting point. This aligns with the 3-year direct entry students, who begin earlier and complete two extra semesters. For 2-year students, “Semester 3” is the first semester.

Why study at CBU?

The nursing program at CBU uses a concept-based curriculum, so it’s easy to find the resources you need to gain the skills you need. Our concept-based learning is an approach to education that is more student-centered and student-directed. This means you’re fully immersed in real-world studies through engaging, hands-on learning.

CBU students have access to a wide variety of nursing practice placements (hospitals, community, long-term care) within the Nova Scotia Health Authority as well as private community partners that provide the experiential learning nursing students need to bridge theory to practice.

You also have an opportunity to take part in a two-week International Experience designed to help you learn about health and nursing in another culture and engage in service-learning. Our students have travelled to Quito, Bali, and Argentina. Students have the opportunity to study for a Specialty Nursing Certificate in oncology, acute and critical care, mental health, public health or Indigenous health nursing, along with others. Additionally, qualified students can enhance their research knowledge and skills by completing an advanced major in an area of interest.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Knowledge of nursing theories, research and evaluation
• Acquire practice-based learning
• Learn to promote, maintain and restore health
• Skills to prevent illness or injury
• Qualify to write the NCLEX-RN exam

Possible Career Paths

• Psychiatric Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Flight Nurse
• Forensic Nurse

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Nursing practice (experiential learning placements on and off-campus)
• A two-week international experience designed to learn about health and nursing in another culture and to provide service
• Those not taking part in the international learning experience have an opportunity to partake in a service-learning experience at home

Visiting Student – Nursing Elective Process

Step 1 – The student must ensure the course(s) are being offered at their intended institution. Please visit here for course availability.
Step 2 – Application. After availability has been confirmed, the student must submit an official application to CBU and apply as a Visiting Student. Applications are due at Cape Breton University normally 30 days prior to course start and by the registration deadline.
Step 3 – Required documents. After you have submitted your application as a Visiting Student you must upload your home university completed LOP (Letter of Permission) to your CBU application or have it emailed to admissions@cbu.ca. Letter of Permission forms can be found through your Registrar’s Office website.
Step 4 – Acceptance. Please frequently check your CBU Future Student Application Portal for your admission decision. After you have been accepted it can take 24 to 72 hours for your CBU email address to be generated. Please be sure to keep an eye for this and it may go to your junk mail. Please note that all communications to visiting students after you receive your CBU email will only be communicated through CBU’s Office 365 Account, so be sure to check this email frequently.
Step 5 – Registration. As you are a visiting student you do not require Academic Advising, so you will be able to register for your course(s) right after receiving your CBU email. You can visit Your Accounts – Cape Breton University (cbu.ca) for the Compass Account Login which you will use to register for your class(es). All other CBU Account information can be found at this link as well.

Cape Breton University Student Letter of Permission Process

If you are a CBU student wishing to take a course through another institution, you must follow the same process above, but apply as a Visiting Student at the other institution. To do so you must request an official Letter of Permission and email it to transfer_credits@cbu.ca for approval.

Related Contacts