Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Each academic year, 40 students are admitted to the BSN program at College of the Rockies. After completion of semester 5 at the College, students will become University of Victoria students while remaining at the College in Cranbrook, BC, and will complete all their remaining undergraduate degree requirements through the College.

Our program is approved by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and is nationally accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry level practice in diverse health care settings ranging from acute care hospitals to community-based programs.

Learn more about how to become a registered nurse in British Columbia and what it means to be a nurse in British Columbia.

As there is high-demand for this program, you are encouraged to complete your English 100, Biology 181 and 182, and three non-nursing electives while awaiting an available seat. This will reduce your course load once you are admitted and help you to be more successful.

While in the program, practicum opportunities that you will take part in at local and regional hospitals, health care agencies and community partners can provide you with a valuable rural health perspective that will enhance your nursing career.

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Why choose Nursing as a career?

• Registered Nurses are employed in very diverse health care settings, ranging from acute care hospitals to community-based programs.
• According to WorkBC, the 2021 average annual provincial median salary for a registered nurse in British Columbia is $85,510.
• A growing and aging population will continue to ensure qualified Registered Nurses are in demand. The 2022 BC Labour Market Outlook forecasts there will be 22,100 job openings for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in BC by 2032.

View official program outline.

View our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Year 1 – Semester 1

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Year 1 – Semester 2

Spring Semester 1

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Year 2 – Semester 3

Non-Nursing elective

Please see an Education Advisor for acceptable courses.

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Year 2 – Semester 4

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Spring Semester 2

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Year 3 – Semester 5

Non-Nursing Elective

Please see an Education Advisor for acceptable courses.

Students entering Semester 6 will register as University of Victoria students at College of the Rockies and complete their studies on site in Cranbrook, BC.

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Year 3 – Semester 6

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Spring Semester 3

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Year 4 – Semester 7

Nursing Elective

A nursing elective may be a 300 or 400 level university transferrable Nursing elective which may be taken at any institution as long as it meets the requirements approved by UVic.

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Year 4 – Semester 8

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Summer Semester

Admission Process:

Applications are received by the College of the Rockies BSN program each academic year commencing on November 1 until February 15 inclusive. All academic admission requirements must be completed and submitted by February 28.

Applicants may apply for recognition of Advanced Credit (See policy 2.5.6 Transfer Credit)

Eligibility:

• Admission to the BSN program is determined through a selective holistic admission process.

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Academic Requirements:

The following BC secondary school or equivalent academic courses must be completed within five years of application to the program:

• Minimum 70% in either BIOL 090, Biology 12, Anatomy & Physiology 12 or equivalent
• Minimum 70% in either CHEM 080, Chemistry 11 or equivalent
• Minimum 70% in either MATH 080, MATH 082 or MATH 090, Pre-Calculus 11, Pre-Calculus 12, Foundations of Math 11, Foundations of Math 12 or equivalent
• Minimum 70% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
• Undergraduate courses completed prior to application to the program may be deemed to satisfy the above academic admission requirement
• All applicants to the BSN program at the College of the Rockies must complete an online assessment – Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) as a component of the BSN admission and selection process. Completion of CASPer is a mandatory step in consideration for admission eligibility. Refer to: takecasper.com for more information, to sign-up and to reserve a test time and date. Completion of CASPer testing and submission of results to Registration is required.

Important note for applicants who are applying to the BSN program:
Please note that priority admissions will be given to those applicants who have completed the academic admission requirements (CHEM 11, MATH 11, BIOL 12, and ENGL 12) and submitted these final grades by the transcript deadline of February 28.

It is recommended that applicants complete the academic admissions requirement by the application deadlines as noted above.

Applicants, who are enrolled in the academic required courses but may not complete the academic requirements by February 28^th, are encouraged to apply to the program and complete the CASPer assessment. In the event that there are available seats after priority admissions are offered, applicants who have not met the above deadline may be eligible for admission if they:

• Provide proof they are currently enrolled in the academic required courses (CHEM 11, MATH 11, BIOL 12, and ENGL 12), and

• Submit final grades immediately upon completion of the academic course requirements prior to the start of the program. Applicants need to maintain the required grade average for admission into the BSN Program.

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Additional Requirements:

Students will be required to complete*:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing Requisite Skills and Abilities Declaration
• A criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
• Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure Agreement

*Details of these requirements will be included in your admissions package.

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Practicum Requirements*

• CPR for Health Care Providers BLS or HCP or equivalent, to be kept current for the duration of the program. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course
• BCCDC Immunizations for BC Health Care Workers
• Annual influenza immunization
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Negative TB testing results, must be completed no earlier than 7 months before the beginning of the BSN Program

*Details of practicum requirements will be included in your admissions package.

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Thank you for your interest in applying to be a student in one of our Health and Human Services programs at the College of the Rockies. As a successful applicant, you will receive or have received a request to provide documentation confirming you are current in immunizations and First Aid/CPR.

Immunizations:

Immunization services in BC are in flux as Public Health Departments must regularly reprioritize resource distribution. Public Health agencies will do their best to accommodate College of the Rockies student immunizations by individual appointment. Immunizations are also available through local pharmacists and Travel Clinics. We recommend that students continue to pursue obtaining required immunizations to complete program admission and practicum placement requirements as soon as available.

It is the responsibility of the student to continue to actively seek to obtain and complete these requirements.

Obtaining and completing these admission requirements can be more difficult, your admission into the Health and Human Services programs will not be held up while you wait to complete these requirements.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter

First Aid/CPR:

In accordance with provincial/territorial public health authorities, in-person training options are now available in certain jurisdictions. Red Cross Training Partners will adopt safe classroom protocols to promote the safety of all participants. Please check for blended delivery options as well to support your training needs. College of the Rockies accepts blended format CPR certifications (online theory supported by face-to-face practical application), but does not accept certifications obtained exclusively online. Students are expected to continue to seek CPR recertification, as courses come available, and to update their certification as soon as possible.

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C or a higher level of CPR certification, current for the duration of the program. Certificate must indicate the level of CPR and when it expires. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course. Please check with the course provider prior to enroling, and ensure that the course is CPR Level C. CPR Level A and Level B are not accepted.
• One of the following first aid certifications:

St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid	Workplace Emergency First Aid
St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid	Red Cross Standard First Aid
Lifesaving Society Emergency First Aid	Emergency Medical Responder
Lifesaving Standard First Aid	Primary Care Paramedic
Occupational First Aid Level 1, 2 or 3	Advanced Care Paramedic
Red Cross Emergency First Aid BC	Critical Care Paramedic

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

• Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to undergo the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). An overall score of 6.5 in all bands is required to enter the program.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange this assessment through Student Services or an Education Advisor at the College. For test locations, refer to: https://ieltscanadatest.com/.

Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:

For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)

Tuition Year 1:	$4,680.78
Tuition Year 2:	$4,680.78
Tuition Year 3:	$1,950.90
Application Fee:	$30.00
Student Association Fee:	$190.90
Bus Pass Fee:	$222.00
Health and Dental Fee:	$720.00
Total	$12,475.36

The above costs cover Semesters 1-5 at College of the Rockies. Semesters 6-8 tuition can be found on the University of Victoria website

_{*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

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Additional Costs:

Travel within the Program

Nursing practice experiences are essential in the BSN program. It may not be possible to arrange nursing practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.

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Computer

In the BSN program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.

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Books and Supplies

In addition to tuition and other fees, students can expect to spend approximately $3,000 for books and supplies. Uniforms and shoes are about $250. Visit our bookstore for textbook information and costs.

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Canadian Nursing Student Association (CNSA) Fee

$10.00 annual fee. This fee is in addition to your regular tuition and fees and is collected when you pay your tuition. See more about CNSA under the “Additional Info” tab.

CNSA

While students are in the BSN program, they have the opportunity to join the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA). CNSA is the national voice of Canadian nursing students. Their goal is to increase the legal, ethical, professional and educational aspects which are an integral part of nursing. CNSA is actively dedicated to the positive promotion of nurses and the nursing profession as a whole. CNSA operates under the Canadian Nurses’ Association. The College of the Rockies CNSA is a chapter of the Western Northern Regional CNSA. Check out their Facebook Group.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q: When is the application period?

A:

• Applications are accepted from November 1 to February 15.
• All academic requirements must be completed and submitted by February 28.
• Specific application dates will be posted on the College website each year.

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Q: What happens if I apply outside of the application period?

A: Your application will not be accepted outside of this time frame.

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Q: Can I apply if I do not have all of my admission requirements completed?

A: Yes, you can apply anytime between November 1 and February 15. Applicants who are considering applying to the BSN program, please note that priority admissions will be given to those applicants who have completed the academic admission requirements and submitted these final grades by the transcript deadline of February 28. It is recommended that applicants complete the academic admissions requirement by the deadline as noted above.

Applicants, who are enrolled in the academic required courses but may not complete the academic requirements by February 28^th, are encouraged to apply to the program and complete the CASPer assessment. In the event that there are available seats after priority admissions are offered, applicants who have not met the above deadline may be eligible for admission if they:

• Provide proof they are currently enrolled in the academic required courses, and
• Submit final grades immediately upon completion of the academic course requirements prior to the start of the program. Applicants need to maintain the required grade average for admission into the BSN Program.

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Q: How many students are admitted into the program each year?

A: We welcome 40 new students into the program each September.

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Q: What is CASPer?

A:

• CASPer stands for Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics. We utilize CASPer as part of our admissions process to assess for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that are important for student success in the College’s BSN program.
• CASPer is an online assessment that uses scenarios that focus on personal and professional characteristics such as professionalism, ethics, communication, and empathy.
• No studying is required for CASPer but we do advise you to familiarize yourself with the test structure and requirements at takecasper.com.

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Q: Is there a waitlist?

A: Applications are accepted on a yearly basis and a waitlist is not maintained. If you are not awarded a seat, you will need to reapply again the following year.

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Q: What can I do to improve my chances for success in the program?

A:

• English 100, Biology 181, 182 and three non-nursing electives that transfer to the University of Victoria are available without entry into the BSN program.  Completing these courses prior to entering the program will reduce your course load once you are admitted. We recommend you meet with an Educational Advisor prior to choosing your courses. You can make an appointment with an Educational Advisor by calling 250-489-8243 or toll free 1-877-489-2687 x3243.
• The BSN program is challenging.  In addition to completing some of the non-nursing courses required prior to entry into the program, we would recommend you consider upgrading your math, science and english courses to keep the information fresh and current.  Enrolling in an academic writing course will also help you complete course requirements once you are admitted into the program.
• Arrange to be a “Student for a Day” by emailing recruit@cotr.bc.ca

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Q: What if I require an accommodation?

A: Once you receive your admissions package, if you have concerns that you might need accommodation to meet one or more of the requisite skills and abilities required for admission, you will need to make an appointment with the College’s Accessibility Coordinator.

While program requirements must be met, the College of the Rockies Accessibility Coordinator and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program faculty will work with students to accommodate limitations to the point of undue hardship. This process will be as supportive and inclusive as possible.

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Q: Can I get credit for courses taken in a Practical Nursing or Health Care Aide program?

A: Credits from a Health Care Aide certificate and Practical Nursing diploma programs do not transfer to a BSN program.

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Q: Can I transfer university courses from another institution for my electives?

A: Courses from many institutions may meet the requirements for BSN electives.  We recommend that you speak with an Education Advisor or check on the BC Transfer Guide website.