Admission Requirements for Bachelor of Science Nursing

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) is limited and therefore competitive.  All eligible first year candidates are ranked based on their previous academic performance (60%) and their compatibility for the nursing profession based on their score on the CASPER evaluation tool (40%).

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Please refer to the CBU website for Application opening and closing dates.

Requisite Skills for Nursing Practice

The College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS) has identified the requisite skills and abilities for nursing practice in Nova Scotia.  Becoming a Registered Nurse in Nova Scotia: Requisite Skills and Abilities outlines the requirements and performance expectations of nurses in Nova Scotia and can assist you in determining whether nursing is an appropriate career choice.  We recommend that you review this document at the link above to ensure that you meet these requisite skills and abilities.  If you have any further questions please contact the nursing department at nursing@cbu.ca.

Entry to the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program

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

1. Direct Entry Program (3 Year/ 8 Semesters): For applicants direct from High School or mature students who do not qualify for admission to the Advanced Standing Program (NOTE: Students who have completed a minimum of 30 credits of university level courses and have the five required pre-requisites for the Bachelor of Science Nursing – Advanced Standing program are not eligible to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing – Direct Entry program).

Direct Entry Program Admission Requirements:

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

Students must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. CASPer test must be written by the application deadline. Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.

Cape Breton University invites all individuals to apply, however preference will be given to Nova Scotia residents.

2. Advanced Standing Program (2 Year/6 Semesters) – For applicants with previous university study

Advanced Standing Program Admission Requirements:

– Successful completion of a minimum of thirty credits of university level courses with a minimum grade of 65% in all subjects. Within the 30   credits, students must have the following:
– 5 required pre-requisite courses (Physiology, Anatomy, English, Microbiology, and Statistics)
– Additional 15 credits of university level courses

Students must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. CASPer test must be written by the application deadline. Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.

Please Note:

For the Advanced Standing Program, ranking is based on the average of the 5 pre-requisite courses and the CASPer scores. Only applicants with the above pre-requisites, including 15 credits of electives, will be considered for admission. Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in the above-mentioned pre-requisite courses by the application deadline with a completion date of all courses no later than May 15th for the September intake and January 1st for the May intake to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing – Advanced Standing program.

Applicants to the BScN – Advanced Standing program will be notified of their admission status the end of May for the September intake and the end of March for the May intake.

Cape Breton University invites all individuals to apply, however preference will be given to Nova Scotia residents.

3. LPN to BScN Pathway – For LPN applicants with in-career experience.

LPN to BScN Pathway Program Admission requirements:

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

Applicants to the LPN to BScN pathway program must include with their application:
– A letter of intent
– NSCC transcripts
– A professional letter of reference from current employer
– A copy of valid LPN license

Students must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. CASPer test must be written by the application deadline. Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.

Please Note: Only complete application packages will be considered for admission.

English Language Proficiency

It is essential that all students entering the BScN program be proficient in the English language.  All students need to have adequate knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking in order to be successful in the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program.  In addition, all students must have the ability to read cursive writing.

Please refer to CBU’s Academic Calendar to review requirements under its English Language Proficiency Policy.

Vaccination/Immunization Requirements

Immunizations and vaccinations protect patients and students.  The immunizations and testing are required and are a condition of the applicant’s acceptance into the program.  Students must start the immunization process as soon as they are offered admission to the program and must complete the process prior to entering the program in September.  Proof of immunity must be in writing and signed by either a nurse or a physician.

Immunizations required (and subject to change) include:

– Diphtheria-Tetanus & Pertussis                         – Polio
– Mumps                                                                                              – Measles (Rubeola)
– Varicella                                                                                            – 2-step Mantoux Test (TB)
– Hepatitis B                                                                                    – Influenza Vaccine (Highly Recommended)

Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Search Check

All applicants admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program are required to submit a current (within 6 months of the September admission date) Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search Check. A Child Abuse Registry Form is also required.

CPR

All applicants admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program must maintain up-to-date certification in Health Care Provider CPR (Level HCP).  This certification can be obtained from St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, or Cape Breton University Student Affairs.  Students must recertify every 1 to 2 years, depending on the certification guideline, until graduation.  Proof of certification/recertification is to be submitted to the Department of Nursing.

First Aid

Students must be certified for Standard First Aid on admission to the program.  The certification can be obtained from St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, or Cape Breton University Student Affairs. Proof of certification is to be submitted to the Department of Nursing.

Additional Costs of the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN)

The following are additional costs associated with this program.  These include, but may not be limited to, the following:

– CPR certification and recertification,
– Immunizations,
– Purchase of uniforms, shoes and equipment,
– Criminal Reference Record/Vulnerability Sector Search,
– Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention,
– CBU Nursing Students’ Society,
– National licensure online preparatory examinations and learning tools.