Nursing, Baccalaureate of Science

Program at a glance

Credential

No credential

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Area of study

Health Sciences

Length

2.5 years at Camosun College, 1.5 years at the University of Victoria

Blending patient care with health technology

Start in September

We inspire, educate, and transform nursing students for service to humanity through curiosity, innovation, and excellence.

As part of the Camosun College/University of Victoria BSN Program, you'll build your knowledge, skills, and attitudes. You'll learn from a combination of practical experience and coursework in science and the humanities. As part of your degree, you'll have access to meaningful work term placements so that you can integrate your academic knowledge with real-world nursing practice.

Experiential learning

As a nursing student, you'll apply your learning in simulated lab and nursing practice settings throughout your program. Through experience, reflection, conceptualizing, and application, you'll continually build your knowledge.

Complete your BSN education

You'll spend two and a half years at Camosun, which includes five academic semesters and two spring practicum terms. You'll then move to the University of Victoria to finish up your final two semesters and consolidated practice experiences, which takes a total of one and a half years. You may be eligible for entrance scholarships to UVic at this time.

Becoming a registered nurse

After completing your four-year program, you'll be ready to write the NCLEX licensing examination, and will have met the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM) entry-to-practice competences. You will become a registered nurse (RN).

Working as a student

Island Health (formerly Vancouver Island Health Authority or VIHA) allows you to apply to start working as an employed student nurse (ESN) after your second year of study. After year one, some students are able to work as health care assistants.

BSN information sessions
BSN information sessions are a great way to learn more about the program and to get your questions answered by faculty and staff.

Registered Nurses of British Columbia

The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) sets the standards of practice for Nurses to provide competent and ethical care.

The professional association, Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia acts on behalf of nursing in order to advance the profession and influence health and social policy.

Working conditions

Pay

B.C. Registered Nurses on Vancouver Island have a nine-step wage scale.

Hours

Most nurses work either eight or 12 hour shifts, depending on the unit. You should expect to work weekdays, weekends, and a combination of days, evenings and nights.

Demand

Currently, there is a very high demand for registered nurses across Canada, and internationally. Recent statistics suggest that between 90 and 100% of BSN graduates find work in their field fulltime, within the first year after graduation. This is amongst the highest rate for all occupations in Canada. This statistic is true for both men and women in nursing! A Canadian program, BSN will prepare you for graduate studies in universities around the world, and is a stepping stone to many learning opportunities, including specialty education.

Unions

Public facilities, such as hospitals, are unionized with the BC Nurses’ Union. Some employment agencies (some clinics) may not be unionized. Information about the union and the collective agreement can be found online.

Indigenous Priority Admissions

For a limited time each year, Camosun College offers priority seating for qualified Indigenous students in all Health and Human Services programs.

The Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions process is approved by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.

How to apply for an Indigenous priority seat.

Requirement	High school courses	ABE course alternative	UT course alternative
Math 11/12 One of:	73% in Foundations of Math 11 73% in Pre-calculus 11 73% in Foundations of Math 12 73% in Pre-calculus 12 Non-BC high school course	B in Camosun Math 11 Alternative B in Camosun Math 12 Alternative ABE Transfer Guide	B in MATH 100 B in MATH 101 B in MATH 107 B in MATH 108 B in MATH 109 B in MATH 115 B in STAT 116 B in STAT 123 B in STAT 216 B in STAT 218
Biology 11 One of:	73% in Life Sciences 11/Biology 11 Non-BC h i gh school course	ABE Transfer Guide	B in BIOL 102 B in BIOL 103 B in BIOL 104 B in BIOL 124 B in BIOL 126
Chemistry 11 One of:	73% in Chemistry 11 Non-BC h i gh school course	B in CHEM 070 ABE Transfer Guide	B in CHEM 100 or higher level CHEM
Social Studies 11/12 One of:	73% in Approved Social Studies 11 73% in Approved Social Studies 12 Non-BC h i gh school course	ABE Transfer Guide	B in any related transferable social studies post-secondary course
English 12 One of:	73% in English Studies 12 73% in English 12 73% in English 12 First Peoples Non-BC h i gh school course	B in Camosun English 12 Alternative ABE Transfer Guide	B in ENGL 103 and ENGL 104 B in ENGL 151 B in ENGL 161 B in ENGL 163 B in ENGL 164
Academic 12 One of:	73% in Approved Academic 12 course	B in MATH 097 B in CHEM 090 B in PHYS 090 ABE Transfer Guide	B in any transferable post-secondary course
Anatomy and Physiology 12 One of:	73% in Anatomy and Physiology 12/Biology 12 Non-BC h i gh school course	B in BIOL 090 ABE Transfer Guide	B in BIOL 103 B in BIOL 126 B in BIOL 150 B in BIOL 151
Grade 12	Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
English Language Proficiency	All students must complete the English Language Proficiency requirement
BCCNM Requirements	Complete the RSA Acknowledgment form Acknowledge and understand the requirements for registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) as laid out in the BCCNM document Requisite skills and Abilities (RSAs)