Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Nursing

A smiling female nurse adjusts a hospital bracelet on a patient's arm.

Nursing is a distinctive health profession, both an art and a science that focuses on health promotion, maintenance and restoration, illness prevention and palliative care. We believe that nurses are key to the overall health of society.

The Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) is a program that prepares nurses to practice in a variety of health care settings. The curriculum is a blend of biological, social sciences, humanities and nursing courses, combining academic and professional theory with nursing practice.

In 2016, the CBU nursing program adopted a model of concept-based learning to keep pace with the evolving nature of nursing education. A concept-based curriculum aids in assisting students to develop the high level of clinical reasoning and nursing judgment needed to respond to the complexity of today’s health care system. Concept-based learning is student-centered and student-directed. Students are encouraged to be active learners; to delve into course content, and to learn how to access information independently.

In 2023, CBU generously agreed to offer the BScN program on-site at Acadia University. This initiative allows the CBU curriculum to be delivered while Acadia University works towards offering a standalone BScN program. Together, we hope to increase the number of quality nursing graduates entering the healthcare workforce.

Points of Interest

  • Our modern learning environments ensure the most up-to-date instruction.
  • Students have access to a wide variety of nursing practice placements (hospitals, community, long-term care) within Nova Scotia Health as well as private community partners.
  • High demand for Registered Nurses in Nova Scotia.

Program Pathways

There are three points of entry into the Bachelor of Science Nursing
(BScN) program:

  • Direct Entry (3-year, 8-semester): This route of entry is for applicants who are coming directly from high school, or for mature students who do not qualify for admission into the Advanced Standing Program. Intake for this program is in September of each year.
  • Advanced Standing (2-year, 6-semester): This route of entry is for applicants who have previous university experience. Intake for this program is in September of each year.
  • LPN to BScN Pathway (completion time may vary; typically 2 years): This route of entry is for applicants who are currently licensed as an LPN in Nova Scotia with a total of 1800 hours work experience as a licensed practical nurse within the last two years. Intake for this program is in September of each year.

The application deadline for all points of entry is February 28 of each year for Fall (September) intakes.

Nursing - Direct Entry

Nursing - Advanced Standing

 

Sample Courses

  • BIOL 2203
    Human Anatomy
  • NRSG 2501
    Pathophysiology in Diverse Populations
  • NRSG 3501
    Nursing Research Methods
  • NRSG 4107
    Indigenous Perspective: Health & Healing
  • NRSG 4101
    Professional Formation of Nursing III

The Full Program Curriculum Sequence can be found in CBU's Academic Calendar.

Future Careers

Nursing is a rewarding career that provides the opportunity to impact lives. Registered nurses who graduate from our program are highly competent and caring in their nursing practice. Our graduates are also well prepared to pursue future studies. Many graduates become Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Researchers and Nurse Educators, to name a few.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Admissions Requirements?
What is "direct entry"?

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

I was offered a seat in the Direct Entry Stream of CBU’s Nursing program on the Cape Breton campus for September 2023– can I transfer my admission to Acadia?

Yes. You must fill out the Acadia University application form and indicate that you were admitted to the CBU program in the additional comment section available.

I withdrew from my previous Nursing program. Can I reapply to finish the program at Acadia?

Yes, you can.

Will Acadia be accepting transfer students from other nursing programs?

Yes, students are welcome to transfer.

Will the LPN to BScN pathway be offered at Acadia?

Yes, beginning in September 2024.

I’m an International student, can I apply?

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.

What are the local practicum placements available to me? Will students be able to complete placements in other regions? Is there flexibility?

This component of the program is to be determined in partnership with CBU.

Are there scholarships available to me?

When you apply to Acadia, you'll be automatically considered for grade-based entrance scholarships.

Is there housing available?

Acadia guarantees first-year students a room in residence. If you are planning to live in residence, and have been offered admission to Acadia, you’ll need to apply for residence.

Is the program available online?

No, the program is delivered in-person on the Acadia campus.

 

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