Bachelor of Science, Nursing

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.

Applications for the BScN open October 15, 2023. The application deadline is March 31, 2024 for Spring/Summer (May) intake & Fall (September) intake.

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

• Megan Gillis, Indigenous Student Enrolment Specialist, megan_gillis@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.

TUITION AND FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAMS

NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

NURSING PATHWAYS AND ACCREDITATION

What is the tuition for this program?

These numbers are an estimate for planning purposes only. These numbers do not include lab or accommodation fees.

• Residents of Nova Scotia: $10,561.30 per year
• Residents of Canada: $11,844.30 per year
• For a complete breakdown, visit Undergraduate Tuition and Fees.

Sample Courses and Resources

CBU COURSE CATALOGUE

Nursing Courses

SAMPLE COURSE SCHEDULE

BScN (Year 1)

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

Supplemental Information

• Completion of CASPer Exam
  • Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.

ON THE FRONT LINES

Meet Natalie MacSween

CBU NURSING STUDENTS WIN FIRST PLACE IN CANADA

Meet Kelsey Muller & Michaela Moore

SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS

Meet Robyn Shibinette