Admissions for Nursing Program

Overview

2023 applications open September 30, 2022. The application deadline is December 31, 2022 for Spring/Summer (May 2023) intake & Fall (September 2023) intake.

CBU’s Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) program prepares graduates to provide safe, compassionate, competent and ethical nursing care consistent with entry-level competencies as defined by the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS). Admission criteria are intended to select academically qualified students who are able to meet the rigours of the program and ultimately be successful in the program.

CBU’s BScN program has limited seating; therefore, this program is open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only. International applicants must have Permanent Resident of Canada status to apply. Preference is given to Nova Scotia residents. Applications are received and then ranked by academics and the score received on the CASPer test. CBU offers three different admissions.

Admission Options

CBU invites applications for the Direct Entry, Advanced Standing, and LPN to RN Bridge Pathway streams in September of each year.

Applicants applying for the Advanced Standing and LPN to RN Bridge Pathway may also apply in May of each year.

Nursing Streams

Direct Entry (3 year / 8 semester program) – September intake ONLY

This stream is intended for applicants directly from high school or mature students who do not qualify for admission to the Advanced Standing program. Requirements include:

Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 70 percent in each of five academic Grade 12 courses that must include: English, Math, and two sciences from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Advanced Standing (2 year / 6 semester program) – September & May intakes

This stream is intended for applicants with previous university study. Requirements include:

Successful completion of a minimum of thirty credits of university level courses is required with a minimum grade of 65% in all subjects.

Within the 30 credits, students must have the following:

5 required pre-requisite courses (3 credits each of: Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, English, Microbiology, and Statistics) with a minimum grade of 65% in each course.
Additional 15 credits of university level courses with a minimum average of 65%.
CBU Courses
- Human Anatomy (BIOL 2203)
- Human Physiology (BIOL 3203 or Human Physiology for Nursing BIOL 2204
- Microbiology (MICR 2101)
- 3 credits of English (ENGL 1XXX)
- Statistics (MATH 1109)
- 15 credits in Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences
- Students must have at least a 65% in each of the required courses, and a 65% average in their most recent 30 credits at the post secondary level.

LPN to RN Bridge Pathway (Completion time may vary – typically 24 months) – September & May intakes

This stream is intended for applicants with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) designation who possess in-career experience. Requirements include:

Successful graduation in 2008 or later from a two-year Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Practical Nurse Program
Obtained a minimum average of 75% in all PN courses in the Practical Nurse Diploma Program
Completed (by the application deadline) a minimum of 1800 hours of work experience as an LPN within the last two years (confirmed by the employer)
In possession of a current LPN License

Applicants to the LPN to BScN pathway must include with their application:

A letter of intent
Official NSCC transcripts
A professional letter of reference from current employer
A copy of valid LPN license
Proof of completion of 1800 hours of work experience as an LPN within the last two years

CASPer® test

ALL APPLICANTS must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. The snapshot component of CASPer is not required. The CASPer test must be written by the associated deadline listed in the table below for your program of choice, limited test dates are available.

You cannot take the CASPer test before applications for BScN open (September 30, 2021) and cannot complete them after the dates associated with your program of application (see below).

The CASPer® test is required for all applicants for all entry options for the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program.

Admissions Cycle	Program Option	Test Dates	ID Requirements	Distribution Deadline	School & Program
May 2022 Intake	LPN and Advanced Standing Option	Nov 4, 2021 – 8:00 PM EST Dec 2, 2021 – 8:00 PM EST Jan 13, 2022 – 5:00 PM EST	CBU Applicant ID 7 digits	Dec 15, 2021	Cape Breton University, Nursing
September 2022 Intake	Direct Entry Option	Nov 4, 2021 – 8:00 PM EST Dec 2, 2021 – 8:00 PM EST Jan 13, 2022 – 5:00 PM EST Feb 1, 2022 – 5:00 PM EST Feb 1, 2022 – 8:00 PM EST	CBU Applicant ID 7 digits	Feb 14, 2022	Cape Breton University, Nursing
September 2022 Intake	LPN and Advanced Standing Option	Nov 4, 2021 – 8:00 PM EST Dec 2, 2021 – 8:00 PM EST Jan 13, 2022 – 5:00 PM EST Feb 1, 2022 – 5:00 PM EST Mar 1, 2022 – 8:00 PM EST Apr 5, 2022 – 5:00 PM EST	CBU Applicant ID 7 digits	Apr 18, 2022	Cape Breton University, Nursing

Please refer to https://takecasper.com/ for additional information, review sample scenarios, and to sign up for the test. Test dates may be subject to change. Refer to the official CASPer® website for details.