Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (NURS)

Earn your BScN degree from Cambrian and become a health care leader

Make a difference in your community with a rewarding, well-paid career that is always in demand. Our immersive nursing degree program prepares you to be an innovative and compassionate professional who is a front-runner in addressing evolving health care needs. Cambrian’s high-tech nursing simulation lab equips you to excel in the rapidly changing, diverse, and complex health care environment. 
 
More than 1,000 hours of clinical experience in long-term care, hospital, and community health care agencies provide ample opportunities to practice the knowledge and skills learned in class. You’ll work with physicians, dietitians, physiotherapists, and other allied health providers to become a critical thinker who understands the value of teamwork and collaboration. As a graduate with a BScN degree, you can apply to become a Registered Nurse and further your education by pursuing Master’s and Doctoral studies. 
 

Program highlights 

• Limited enrolment 
• Experience-based learning approach where you’ll apply concepts to real patients and situations through case studies, training in high-tech nursing simulation lab, and clinical placements 
• Opportunity to work with members of other health care disciplines through on- and off-site experiences 
• Focus on diversity and inclusion to provide culturally-sensitive care to Indigenous communities and special populations 
• Preliminary approval from College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) 
• Free tuition and funding supplies for eligible Ontario residents through the Learn and Stay Grant 

Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year

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Students must take a total of five (5) degree breadth electives from at least two (2) different categories as part of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.  Two (2) breadth electives must be an advanced/upper-level course (represented by course codes beginning in 39xx).  These upper-level are only available in Year 3 or 4 of the program.  For more information regarding degree breadth electives, click here.

Admission requirements

To be eligible to enter the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, graduates of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD; 30 credits)(or equivalent) must complete at least six grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent) with a minimum overall average of 75%. Alternatively, applicants must meet mature student status. The following are the program-specific prerequisite requirements:

• Any grade 12 English (U)
• Any grade 12 mathematics (U)
• Any grade 12 biology (U)
• Any grade 12 chemistry (U)
   

Additional admission requirements

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate Level (HCP) Health Care Provider (must be renewed annually)
• Current Standard First Aid certificate (must be current for the entire program)
• Respiratory Mask Fit Testing (N95-3M models)
• Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check (contact your program coordinator if you have a positive CPIC)
• WHMIS Certification
• AODA Certification
• Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in Four Steps Training (Bill 18)
• Proof of Immunization status at registration for the following requirements:
  • Two-Step TB Test (Tuberculosis Screening)
  • Varicella 
  • Polio
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (Note: if born after 1971, must have two measles vaccinations) 
  • Current Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
  • Current Influenza Immunization (when available for the season) 
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination
  • Hepatitis A Vaccination (Recommended, not required) 
  • COVID-19

Note: Criminal record check, influenza immunization, TB skin test, WHMIS, and Basic Cardiac Life Support (HCP) certificates must be renewed annually—a fee is required for these renewals. If not immunized for this disease, proof of previous varicella infection (chickenpox) must be supplied.

Program delivery

2026-2027

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 5:  Fall 2028
SEMESTER 6:  Winter 2029
SEMESTER 7:  Fall 2029
SEMESTER 8:   Winter 2030

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2027
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 5:  Spring 2028
SEMESTER 6:  Fall 2028
SEMESTER 7:  Winter 2029
SEMESTER 8:  Spring 2029

Program faculty and administration

Administration

Faculty

Registration to practice / additional testing

Upon successful completion of all courses as outlined in the program of study, the student is eligible to write the NCLEX-RN examination for registered nurse credentialing as set out by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

The student is also responsible for the following costs:

• Registered nurses examination
• Initial certificate of competence. Students will be informed of the cost for this examination, and it is their responsibility to pay this fee by the designated date.

Specific program pathway

Students who have graduated from a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma may receive advanced standing in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. To be eligible, students must meet the admission requirements and complete the Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing Bridge semester (PNRN) by applying to PNUR at OCAS.

Applicants who successfully complete the Bridge semester may then apply and compete for advanced standing in year three.

Employment opportunities

An Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing allows graduates to work with individuals of all ages, families, and communities in a variety of settings: 

• Acute care hospital 
• Home, community, and public health
• Long-term care
• Outpost agencies
• Occupational/industry settings
• Specialty areas and ambulatory care

Nurses with a BScN degree can pursue masters and doctoral studies to prepare for work as educators, nurse practitioners, clinical specialists, and researchers.