Program at a glance
Credential
No credential
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
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 Limited Priority Admissions
The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.
Visit Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC) for information on how to apply.
Any questions about the application process, please contact hhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca
The Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions process, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
Blending patient care with health technology
We inspire, educate, and transform nursing students for service to humanity through curiosity, innovation, and excellence.
Location and schedule
For the first 2.5 years of your program, you'll study at Camosun's Interurban campus, situated near some of Victoria’s most beautiful neighbourhoods and urban beaches. Class time and nursing practice hours are scheduled for a maximum of 25 hours per week. Of these hours, nursing practice per semester varies from 4 to 25 hours per week.
You'll be expected to spend at least 3 to 4 hours of preparation, review, and studying per day. Nursing practice locations and hours vary, but most are located within Greater Victoria, and may include evenings and weekends. Limited numbers of learners travel to International Field Schools, the Yukon, and potentially other remote placements.
Streams of learning
Each semester will have a unique focus. There are five streams that run across the four years of the program: Nursing Practice, Relational Practice, Health and Healing (theory and lab), Professional Practice, and Health Sciences.
All fall and winter semesters include theory, lab, and nursing practice time.
Finish your program at UVic
After 2.5 years at Camosun, you'll finish your program at the University of Victoria. See the UVic calendar for program outline and course descriptions.
Year 1
The focus of year one is on the roles of the registered nurse, including promoting health and well-being, as a professional; becoming self-aware as a practicing nurse; nursing assessment; basic nursing care; and growth and development in the context of family.
In addition to your nursing courses, you'll be required to take English and anatomy and physiology.
Year 2
In your second year, the focus shifts to nursing care of patients with both acute and chronic illness in a culturally safe and ethical manner, on an interprofessional team.
You'll study pathophysiology, interprofessional communication, philosophy and ethics, in addition to extensive nursing knowledge, including skills such as intravenous therapy.
Year 3
During your last six months at Camosun, your courses and nursing practice placements will involve complex and specialty nursing including maternity, pediatrics, and mental health.
Course work, in both theory and lab, will prepare you for advanced nursing skills such as intravenous insertion, cardiac monitoring, newborn assessment, and how to care for patients and families in unstable and crisis situations.
BSN program handbooks
Find current student information in the School of Health and Human Services and BSN program handbooks.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
Nursing, Baccalaureate of Science
$12,964 (domestic)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Application deadline
- Next intake: Fall 2025
- Application period: Sept 15, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025
- Document deadline: Jan 31, 2025
Admission requirements for fall 2025 intake
Requirements for previous academic years can be found within the academic calendar.
All applicants
To meet the BSN admission requirements, you will need to submit proof of the following admission requirements using high school, Adult Basic Education (ABE), and/or University Transfer (UT) courses.
For information about applying or admission requirements, please contact Admissions.
BC/Yukon high school students are eligible to apply in their Grade 12 year. GPA will be initially calculated on interim grades to determine provisional qualification.
Note: GPA for competitive entry ranking will be calculated on these four courses: English 12, Anatomy and Physiology 12, one Academic 12 course, and Life Sciences 11/Biology 11, or ABE alternatives, or UT courses listed below.
| Requirement | High school courses | ABE course alternative | UT course alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math 11/12 One of: | 73% in Foundations of Math 11 | B in Camosun Math 11 Alternative | 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 high 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 high 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 high 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 high school course | 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 high 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) | ||
Notes:
- After the January 31 document/transcript deadline, no in-progress course work can be used towards admission requirements (exceptions for current BC/Yukon high school students).
- The program will maintain a short waitlist for entry into the same year, pending withdrawals or deferrals. In extenuating circumstances, an invited applicant may apply for a one year deferral. The waitlist will not be retained for future years. Those applicants meeting the academic requirements, but not gaining a seat in the year of application will need to reapply and resubmit academic information already provided.
- Students who are not in good standing at Camosun or UVic, or in a healthcare program at another institution are ineligible to apply.
This program is in high demand and the number of qualified applicants greatly exceeds the number of seats available, and, as such, not all of those meeting minimum requirements can be admitted.
Ready to get started?
Next intake: Fall 2025
Application period: Sept 15, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025
Document deadline: Jan 31, 2025
Check our current program availability.
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Nursing class contact hhsinfo@camosun.ca
Faculty/staff profile
Robin Humble, PhD MPH BSN
Chair of Nursing Program (INTERIM)
humbler@camosun.ca
250-370-4288
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Kirstin McLaughlin (ON LEAVE)
Chair of Nursing Program
mclaughlink@camosun.ca
250-370-4288
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Ryan Russell
Associate Chair (Interim)
russellr@camosun.ca
250-370-4271
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Teresa Evangelou (On leave)
Associate Chair
evangelout@camosun.ca
250-370-4271
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Mary Willbond
Year 1 Program Leader (Interim)
willbondm@camosun.ca
250-370-4265
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Stephanie Won
Year 2 Program Leader
wons@camosun.ca
250-370-4668
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Selena Hebig
Practicum Placement Coordinator
hebigs@camosun.ca
250-370-4281
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Ann McIntosh
Nurse Educator and Curriculum Coordinator
mcintosa@camosun.ca
250-370-4267
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Aileen Wood-Meszaros, PMED, BSN, RN
Nurse Educator
woodmeszarosa@camosun.ca
250-370-4274
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Alayna Payne
Nurse Educator
paynea@camosun.ca
250-370-4255
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Andrea Turner
Nurse Educator
turnera@camosun.ca
250-370-4664
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Aziz (Ajijoon) Shaik, RN-BSN, MSc
Nurse Educator
shaika@camosun.ca
250-370-4280
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Carla Scow
Nurse Educator
scowc@camosun.ca
250-370-4669
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Cheryl Marr
Nurse Educator
marrc@camosun.ca
250-370-4660
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Cici Tavares, RN, MSN
Nurse Educator
tavaresc@camosun.ca
250-370-4254
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Diane Nadeau
Nurse Educator
nadeaud@camosun.ca
250-370-4264
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Hannah Ashwood Smith
Nurse Educator
ashwood@camosun.ca
250-370-4273
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Hazel Booth
Nurse Educator
boothh@camosun.ca
250-370-4667
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Janet Klok, BN, MN, CACE
Nurse Educator
klokj@camosun.ca
250-370-4674
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Jennifer Pluta
Nurse Educator
plutaj@camosun.ca
250-370-4670
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Kaitlin Ellis
Instructor
ellisk@camosun.ca
250-370-4279
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Kerry-Ann Dompierre
Nurse Educator
dompierrek@camosun.ca
250-370-4246
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Laura Sacilotto, RN, BTN, Med
Nurse Educator
sacilotto@camosun.ca
250-370-4283
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Leah Godwin
Nurse Educator
godwin@camosun.ca
250-370-4663
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Maria Fyfe
Nurse Educator
fyfe@camosun.ca
250-370-4278
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Maureen Lindsay
Instructor
lindsaym@camosun.ca
250-370-4661
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Melissa Paul
Nurse Educator
paulm@camosun.ca
250-370-4256
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Natalie Phillips
Nurse Educator
phillipsn@camosun.ca
250-370-4276
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Paula Littlejohn
Nurse Educator
littlejohnp@camosun.ca
250-370-4266
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Romeo Lagundino
Nurse Educator
lagundinor@camosun.ca
250-370-4279
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Ruthie Anderson, BScN, RN, MScCH (IP)
Nurse Educator
andersonr@camosun.ca
250-370-4252
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Sean Sturgill, RN, BSN
Nurse Educator
seans@camosun.ca
250-370-4671
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Shannon Keyser, MSc, RN, CCNE, CCSNE
Nurse Educator
keysers@camosun.ca
250-370-4262
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Shauna Huffman
Nurse Educator
huffmans@camosun.ca
250-370-4272
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Shea Page
Nurse Educator
hansens@camosun.ca
250-370-4287
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Sue Abuleal
Nurse Educator
abuleals@camosun.ca
250-370-4258
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
Contact information
School of Health and Human Services
Campus location
Alex and Jo Campbell Centre of Health and Wellness building (CHW), room 207
Location link
Admissions questions: