Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Overview
Faculty of Nursing
MacEwan.ca/BScN
Consistent with the philosophy of Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan, MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program holds the values of respect, compassion, leadership, scholarship, and accountability. The BScN program is designed to prepare graduates who are committed to excellence in professional practice and who contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and society. Throughout the program students acquire knowledge, skills, and attributes to ready themselves for safe, compassionate, evidence-informed, competent, and ethical nursing practice.
MacEwan University’s BScN program is a rigorous, four-year program designed to introduce, expand, and sequentially integrate knowledge, concepts, and theories. Our approach to learning promotes the retention and application of in-depth knowledge and diverse skills. The program is delivered through contextual and experiential learning in classroom, laboratory, and practice settings. Theoretical knowledge is attained from the disciplines of nursing, arts, sciences, and humanities. Knowledge and competencies for nursing research, education, and leadership roles are encompassed within the program. BScN graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX – RN.
Career Potential
The profession of registered nursing offers a highly challenging and deeply rewarding career for dedicated individuals. Registered nurses play a vital role within complex and changing health systems. MacEwan University’s BScN graduates attain knowledge, skills, and other professional attributes to practice in diverse settings, including tertiary, community, and continuing care.
Contact Information
Program Requirements
For students starting the program prior to Fall 2025, please refer to the academic calendar specific to year of entry for program requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 | ||
| HLSC 120 | Human Anatomy for Healthcare Professionals 1 | 3 |
| HLSC 126 | Human Physiology I for Healthcare Professionals 1 | 3 |
| HLST 133 | Foundations of Indigenous Peoples’ Health and Well-Being in Canada | 3 |
| University Level English 2 | 3 | |
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I 1 | 3 |
| HLSC 124 | Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals 1 | 3 |
| HLSC 128 | Human Physiology II for Healthcare Professionals 1 | 3 |
| NURS 130 | Disciplinary Knowledge in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 131 | Introduction to Health and Nursing Practice | 5 |
| NURS 145 | Self-Leadership, Thinking, and Learning | 1 |
| Open Elective (100 level) 3 | 3 | |
| YEAR 2 | ||
| HLSC 220 | Pharmacotherapeutics for Healthcare Professionals 1 | 3 |
| NURS 232 | Nursing Care to Facilitate Mental Well-Being | 4 |
| NURS 234 | Integrated Health Assessment and Pathophysiology in Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 270 | Strength-Based Nursing Care 1 | 4 |
| NURS 231 | Nursing Practice: Health and Well-Being Across the Lifespan | 7 |
| NURS 233 | Nursing Practice: Mental Well-Being Across the Lifespan | 7 |
| NURS 245 | Leading With Others | 1 |
| Statistics (100 or 200 level) 1,4 | 3 | |
| YEAR 3 | ||
| HLST 354 | Community and Population Health in Global Systems 1 | 3 |
| NURS 345 | Leading Groups and Understanding Organizations | 1 |
| NURS 346 | Fundamentals of Nursing Research | 4 |
| NURS 350 | Complex Nursing Care Across the Lifespan | 5 |
| NURS 351 | Nursing Practice: Addressing Complex Changes in Health Across the Lifespan | 7 |
| NURS 353 | Nursing Practice: Fostering Resilient Communities Across the Lifespan | 7 |
| Open Elective (100 to 400 level) 3 | 3 | |
| YEAR 4 | ||
| NURS 474 | Current Challenges and Innovation in Healthcare 1 | 3 |
| NURS 479 | Leading Nursing into the Future 1 | 5 |
| Senior Elective (200 to 400 level) 3 | 3 | |
| Senior Nursing Elective (300 to 400 level) 5 | 3 | |
| NURS 470 | Nursing Practice: Transition Readiness | 1 |
| NURS 471 | Nursing Practice: Transition to Practice (Preceptorship) | 11 |
| Total Credits | 123 | |
- 1
The minimum passing grade for this course is a C-.
- 2
A three-credit university-level English course at the 100, 200, 300, or 400 level is required; completion of ENGL 102 is recommended. ENGL 111 and ENGL 211 cannot be used to meet the English course requirement (Required English Course Policy).
- 3
The Open Elective (100 to 400 level) and Open Senior Electives (200 to 400 level) are university-level theory courses, excluding subject code NURS, that extend knowledge within an area of interest. The Open Elective may also be chosen to satisfy a prerequisite requirement for Open Senior Electives.
- 4
A university-level Statistics course at the 100 or 200 level is required.
- 5
The Senior Nursing Elective is a 300 or 400 university-level NURS course that extends nursing-specific knowledge in an area of interest.
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| HLST 159 | HLST 152 |
| PEDS 100 | HLSC 120 |
| PEDS 101 | HLSC 126 |
| PEDS 102 | HLSC 126 & HLSC 128 |
| PEDS 103 | HLSC 128 |
Program Regulations
Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a Faculty of Nursing Academic Advisor related to any aspect of these program regulations.
Program Time Limit
A student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BScN) has six years from the first day of the term of acceptance to complete all requirements to be eligible for the credential.
Course Load Maximums
The maximum credit load in each academic term for students in the BScN program is equal to the maximum credit load indicated in the program of study. Students who wish to apply for permission to take additional credits in applicable theory terms are required to make an appointment with a Faculty of Nursing Academic Advisor to submit a request. Additional credits in a full clinical practice term are not permitted.
English Course Requirement
A three-credit university-level English course at the 100, 200, 300, or 400 level is required as a prerequisite for Year 2; completion of ENGL 102 is recommended. ENGL 111 and ENGL 211 cannot be used to meet the English course requirement for the BScN (Required English Course Policy).
Elective and Statistics Course Requirements
The Open Electives, Senior Elective, and Senior Nursing Elective requirements are required for program completion. The Open Electives (100 to 400 level) and Senior Elective (200 to 400 level) are university-level theory courses, excluding subject code NURS, that extend knowledge within an area of interest. The Open Electives may also be chosen to satisfy a prerequisite requirement for a Senior Elective. The Senior Nursing Elective is a 300 or 400 university-level NURS course that extends nursing-specific knowledge in an area of interest. A 100 or 200 university-level Statistics elective is also required for program completion. Students who choose to take courses other than the ones recommended for open and senior nursing electives must follow the MacEwan University transfer assessment process to ensure courses meet equivalency for graduation. Students are encouraged to complete these courses in advance of the final program year, thus avoiding a potential delay in fulfilling graduation requirements.
Progression of Studies
Course registration is required for attendance in all program courses. Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements noted in program courses. In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, a student who fails to complete a pre or co-requisite course designated as being required for progression in the program (or for program completion) may be Required to Withdraw (RTW) from the program.
Students who have had a break in the continuity of their program may have additional course requirements to establish course currency.
Course currency is required for program completion. All NURS and HLSC equivalent courses must have been completed within the ten years immediately preceding a student’s program start date. The decision to award transfer credit rests with the program and cannot be appealed. Program regulations require coursework completed either at MacEwan University or externally at another institution to meet currency requirements for transfer credit(s).
Professional Conduct
Students must adhere to the current Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, Entry-Level Competencies for the Practice of Registered Nurses in Alberta, and any confidentiality agreements signed with MacEwan University and clinical placements/other external agencies.
Program Standards
Students admitted to this program are presumed to be capable of fulfilling the academic requirements of their program with, if applicable, provision of reasonable accommodation. The reasonable accommodation of students with disabilities shall not require the University to lower its standards, academic or otherwise, nor shall it relieve a student of the responsibility to develop and demonstrate the essential skills and competencies expected of all students pursuing this program (Students with Disabilities procedure).
Students require the requisite skills and abilities necessary for entry to practice as Registered Nurses (RNs) in Alberta, as outlined by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). All students must meet the physical and mental health attributes that will support success in a registered nursing education program. Students must participate in lab and clinical practice courses requiring performance of physically and mentally challenging activities that may include cognitive, behavioural, communication, interpersonal, physical, sensory-perceptual, and environmental requirements.
Regulations Specific to Clinical Courses
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all clinical courses in accordance with the course/clinical criteria and outcomes. Clinical course hours may include days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Students are to arrange their transportation for required program activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel, uniforms, equipment, and accommodation are the student’s responsibility. Students will require daily access to a vehicle for any practice experience not accessible through public transportation. Required nursing practice placements will generally be within 150 kilometres of the program site. Rural and remote placements beyond 150 kilometres may be offered.
To meet clinical placement requirements, students may be required to attend agency-related training outside of regular session classes. Students cannot be in attendance at clinical agencies as a MacEwan University nursing student except at times and locations authorized by the clinical course instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Students must comply with applicable work integrated learning policies regarding clinical and/or nursing practice placements.
Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency pre-clinical requirements prior to the start of any clinical course. In accordance with work integrated learning policies, the University reserves the right, at any point during the clinical placement, to remove a student from the clinical placement for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places the client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases, the Chair, through consultation with the Dean, may assign a grade of F in the course.
Police Information Check
A current, clear Police Information Check (PIC) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is required for program admission. These checks must be completed no earlier than 90 days prior to the program start date and submitted no later than the published document deadline. A pardon in progress does not meet the admission requirement for a clear check.
Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC and VSC at intervals specified by clinical agencies and for making these available, upon request, to their clinical agency representative. Students may also be required to obtain a Child Intervention Record Check for some clinical placements. Students must be able to satisfy agency requirements prior to the start of clinical placements. Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise their ability to complete the program requirements as they may be denied required clinical placements and, therefore, be unable to meet program completion requirements.
Immunization Status
Program students may be required to care for patients/clients who have infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B or other blood-borne pathogens. Students must meet agency requirements for immunizations prior to the start of all clinical or practice placement courses. Current immunization against specified communicable diseases is required as a prerequisite for practice placements and, thus, for continued enrolment in the program.
N95 Mask
Program students must be fitted for an N95 mask as a prerequisite for clinical experiences and refitted in accordance with health agency requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to meet the required timelines for mask fitting.
Basic Life Support Certification
A BLS provider (CPR-HCP) card from the Heart and Stroke Foundation is required prior to the start of the clinical placement in the first year of the program. The BLS provider portion (CPR- HCP component) must be updated every 12 months throughout the program prior to starting any clinical placement. No grace period is provided.
Agency-Specific Certifications
Program students may be required to complete additional agency-specific certifications and training as a prerequisite for clinical experiences.
Program Learning Outcomes
The MacEwan Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates with in-depth knowledge and a diversity of skills and attributes for the domain of clinical practice, with foundational knowledge and skills for future transition into the domains of administration, education, and research.
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, graduates will:
1. Create caring and compassionate relationships within differing social, cultural, economic, and political contexts.
2. Appraise and synthesize theories, knowledge, and relevant evidence using a diverse range of skills to assess, plan, implement, coordinate, facilitate, and evaluate nursing care.
3. Create an environment that facilitates effective communication and dissemination of knowledge among a variety of clients, peers, faculty, and interprofessional/intersectoral members within diverse contexts.
4. Evaluate the influence of complex and dynamic factors related to the delivery and provision of health services.
5. Implement actions to promote health, prevent illness/injury, restore health, and support end-of-life care.
6. Integrate a collaborative plan of care based on critical evaluation of relevant evidence.
7. Support research activities towards life-long learning and practice improvement.
8. Evaluate social, political, and economic processes to advocate for sustainable healthcare system improvements based on best practices.
9. Demonstrate accountability, responsibility, critical inquiry, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
10. Advocate for safe, ethical practice environments using quality improvement principles, best practice and professional standards, and BScN Program Guidelines for Year 4 students.
Admission Requirements
Through a competitive admission process, applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30 or Science 30
- Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2 or Mathematics 31
- One Group A, B, C or D course
Notes:
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).
Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30 or Science 30
- Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2 or Mathematics 31
Note:
- For Mature Admission only, another Group C course grade could be used to replace the Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2 or Mathematics 31 grade in the calculation of the competitive average.
Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted. Course currency requirements specific to the program of study must be met.
Applicants must have successfully completed the following from a recognized institution:
- A minimum of 24 credits of university-level credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have completed the required core courses listed under the Regular or Mature Admission category.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Spoken English Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants who speak English as a second language – regardless of citizenship – are required to submit official documents such as high school, post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
3. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants who have had one or more unsatisfactory academic records from any post-secondary program or institution must meet the admission requirements under the Previous Post-Secondary Work admission category.
Applicants who have two or more unsatisfactory academic records within the past 10 years from any post-secondary program or institution will not be considered for admission or re-admission to the Program until a minimum five years from the date of assignment of the last unsatisfactory record. For the purpose of admission or re-admission, an unsatisfactory record is defined as a transcript with the notation ‘required to withdraw’ or equivalent.
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission to the program are required to present a clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Search. The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.
Conditionally accepted applicants who have had a break in the continuity of their nursing program or who completed a portion of a nursing program through another institution may have to meet additional course requirements to establish course currency and/or course equivalence.
Equity Admissions
The Faculty of Nursing at MacEwan University is committed to facilitating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive educational environment. The Faculty of Nursing recognizes there are underrepresented groups in nursing and nursing education, therefore reserves up to 10% of admission spaces for applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, who self-identify as Indigenous. MacEwan University defines Indigenous as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada.
In order to be considered for admission under the Equity Admission criteria, candidates must still meet the minimum admission criteria for the program.