Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours)

Program Information

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours): RPN-BScN Pathway programs have been submitted by Algonquin College to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for approval at both the Ottawa and Pembroke campuses. An accelerated option of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) program has also been submitted for both campuses, which would see the four-year Honours degree delivered across 3 years and 4 months to optimize student learning and support student mental health, while maintaining full program content and academic integrity.

Preliminary approval has been granted by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Graduates from these programs are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse in Ontario.

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Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Learning Outcomes

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) program equips students with a comprehensive foundation in nursing, progressing from fundamental to advanced knowledge and clinical experience in preparation for entry into the nursing profession. Learning takes place in classrooms, applied nursing skills laboratories, and immersive simulation labs that incorporate state-of-the-art technologies. These environments support the development of clinical competence in a safe and supportive setting that mirrors real-world practice.

Through clinical placements and a final consolidation experience, students engage directly with patients, clients, and residents across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home and community environments. Care focuses on individuals and may extend to families, communities, and intersectoral partners. The curriculum integrates multiple ways of knowing, including Indigenous Knowledge systems, evidence-informed practice, and intra/interprofessional collaboration. Students also develop deeper understanding and application of cultural humility and person-centered care.

Graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and the College of Nurses of Ontario’s (CNO) Jurisprudence Examination to become registered nurses in Canada. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) graduates are in high demand and pursue careers in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, community health agencies, long-term care, and private practice, both nationally and internationally. Their roles may encompass direct care, advocacy, policy development, and leadership in health care system design and service delivery.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
• Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent, and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students applying for this degree programs must meet the program eligibility requirements for mature students as listed below.

Program Eligibility

• Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 70% including: 
  • Grade 12 U English with a minimum of 65%
  • Grade 12 U Biology with a minimum of 65%
  • Grade 12 U Chemistry with a minimum of 65%
  • Grade 12 U Mathematics with a minimum of 65%
• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees graduates with a minimum average of 70% including:
  • Communication Studies for the Health Sciences (ENL0078) or equivalent, with a minimum of 65%
  • Human Biology (BIO0005) or equivalent, with a minimum of 65%
  • General Chemistry (SCI0004) or equivalent, with a minimum of 65%
  • Math for the Health Sciences (MAT0024) or equivalent, with a minimum of 65%
• Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies: 
  • Grade 12 U English with a minimum of 65%
  • Grade 12 U Biology with a minimum of 65%
  • Grade 12 U Chemistry with a minimum of 65%
  • Grade 12 U Mathematics with a minimum of 65%
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).   
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service- Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR 
• TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with the minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22, Writing: 22 
• Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Courses

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Provide safe, competent, ethical, compassionate and evidence informed care across the lifespan in response to client needs and diverse populations.
2. Uphold professional practice standards and code of ethics to maintain accountability to the public and the profession.
3. Use a variety of strategies and relevant technologies to create and maintain professional relationships, share information and foster therapeutic environments.
4. Engage in collaborative practices with intra and interprofessional healthcare teams to achieve shared goals and outcomes.
5. Coordinate health service delivery in collaboration with clients and the interprofessional team, across a variety of health care sectors to ensure continuous, safe care.
6. Provide leadership to drive positive change that promotes optimal health and wellness for clients, families, workplaces and communities.
7. Advocate for health equity and social justice to improve health outcomes for the client, family and the local and global community.
8. Apply a broad range of teaching and learning strategies to empower clients in achieving optimal health outcomes.
9. Contribute to scholarship and life-long learning to promote personal and professional growth and excellence in practice.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.