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 2025-26 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 or mature student status, must complete at least six grade 12 U/M courses with a minimum overall average of 75% and must qualify to obtain their OSSD. Ontario High School applicants require the following Grade 12 credits:

• Any grade 12 English (U) or (M)
• Any grade 12 mathematics (U) or (M)
• Any grade 12 biology (U)
• Any grade 12 chemistry (U)
• Any 2 additional grade 12 courses (U) or (M)

Additional admission requirements

• Standard First Aid
• CPR Level HCP (Health Care Providers) – Canadian Heart and Stroke Guidelines
• WHMIS certificate
• Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in Four Steps Training (Bill 18)
• AODA certificate
• Respiratory Mask Fit Testing (N95-3M models)
• Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check (contact your program coordinator if you have a positive CPIC)
• Immunization requirements:
  • Varicella 
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
  • Tuberculosis Screening
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • COVID-19

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 5:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 6:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 7:  Fall 2028
SEMESTER 8:   Winter 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: 

• Hospital
• Community
• Long-Term Care
• Outpost Agencies
• Occupational / Industry Settings
• Schools
• Homes

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