Contribute to excellence in patient care.

Small classes, industry-experienced faculty, and a state-of-the-art hospital lab prepare you to become a degree-educated Registered Nurse.
Offered in collaboration with the University of Ottawa, experience classroom, laboratory and clinical learning in a wide variety of settings.
Degree-educated Registered Nurses are in high demand and may work in hospitals, community health agencies, long-term care facilities, private practice and a variety of other settings across Canada and internationally.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2025

Schedule

Data is currently unavailable for this program. Please take a moment to report this via our Website Feedback Form. Thank you!

Program Summary

Credential

Honours Degree (4 Years)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

0616X01FWO

Area of Interest

Health Sciences

School

School of Health Studies

Campus

Ottawa

Other Campuses

Pembroke

Work Integrated Learning

Clinical Placement

The Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BScN) seeks to prepare the next generation of nurses to offer high quality nursing care and assume leadership roles within the health care system. It provides a solid theoretical foundation to enable you to engage with clients in activities that promote health, prevent illness and injury, and foster optimal recovery from or adaptation to illness or injury.

In this program, learning moves from simple to complex in order to prepare graduates to meet entry-to-practice competencies set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Students learn in the academic classroom and simulation lab, and also engage with patients/clients in a range of settings from hospital and long-term care to home and community. Patients/clients may be individuals in isolation or with their families; clients may also be a community or a population....(read more)

Overview

Contribute to excellence in patient care.

This four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is offered in collaboration with the University of Ottawa. You may choose to study at either:

University of Ottawa
Algonquin College (Ottawa campus)
Algonquin College (Pembroke campus)

Those studying at Algonquin College (Ottawa campus) take some of their courses in the first year at the University of Ottawa. Those studying at Algonquin College (Pembroke campus) take all of their classes in Pembroke.

Regardless of the location chosen, all successful students graduate with a BScN from the University of Ottawa. Graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse in Canada. As a graduate, you contribute to the development of nursing as an art and a science which can open doors not only to career opportunities in hospitals, community health agencies, and long term care facilities, but also to care settings across Canada and around the world. This program promotes personal growth, intellectual development, and the chance to make a positive impact on the world.

BScN graduates are in high demand and may work in hospitals, community health agencies, long-term care facilities, private practice and a variety of other settings across Canada and around the world.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

Enjoy the challenges of working with people of all ages, developmental stages and diverse backgrounds.
Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Like working with others as a member of a team or in a leadership role.
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Are dedicated advocates for patients, families and health care providers.
Are able to engage with physically, biologically, psychologically, and socially demanding situations.
Are mature, flexible and accepting.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Expand all Collapse all

Level 01

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

ANP1105

Course Name:

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

Course Description:

An introduction to the human body, biochemistry of the cell, and physiological concepts including diffusion, osmosis, and membrane transport... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

ENG1100C

Course Name:

Workshop in Essay Writing

Course Description:

Intensive practice in academic essay writing. Emphasis on grammatical and well-reasoned expository writing, essay organization, preparation ... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

HSS1101

Course Name:

Determinants of Health

Course Description:

Introduction to Health Sciences including models and concepts of health and wellness, illness and disease. Biological, psychobehavioural, so... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG1001

Course Name:

BScN Elective Level 1

Course Description:

A course from another program of study which is approved by the Nursing department as an appropriate elective for the BScN program. (3 credi... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

PSY1101

Course Name:

Introduction to Psychology: Foundations

Course Description:

Object and method of psychology. Historical perspective. Nervous system, consciousness. Sensory processes, perception, cognition, memory, la... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Level 02

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

ANP1106

Course Name:

Human Anatomy and Physiology 2

Course Description:

Anatomical terminology: body directions, regions, cavities and planes, Anatomy and physiology of the skin. Anatomy of the skeleton, includin... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

ANP1107

Course Name:

Human Anatomy and Physiology 3

Course Description:

Anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, regulation of metabolism, the immune system, the reproductive system, and the urinary system... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

HSS1100

Course Name:

Microbiology and Immunology

Course Description:

This course provides a foundation of infectious diseases. Basic microbiology, virology and immunology will be introduced within an interdisc... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG2001

Course Name:

BScN Elective Level 2

Course Description:

A course from another program of study which is approved by the Nursing department as an appropriate elective for the BScN program. (3 credi... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

PHI1370

Course Name:

Philosophical Issues in Healthcare

Course Description:

Basic philosophical questions and theories about the nature of human beings and the meaning of life. Special emphasis on how such questions ... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Level 03

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

HSS2381

Course Name:

Quantitative Methods in Health Sciences I

Course Description:

Introduction to measurement and data analysis in health sciences. Use of computer applications to analyze, manage and present scientific dat... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

NSG2113C

Course Name:

Introduction to Nursing Science (C)

Course Description:

Introduction to the discipline of nursing and to the profession in the Canadian healthcare context. Focus on concepts related to nursing sci... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG2317L

Course Name:

Health Assessment (Lab)

Course Description:

Principles and application of holistic health assessment. Emphasis in norms and risk factors for children, adult and seniors. Clinical pract... + Read More

Hours:

36.0

Code:

NSG2317T

Course Name:

Health Assessment (Theory)

Course Description:

Principles and application of holistic health assessment. Emphasis in norms and risk factors for children, adult and seniors. Clinical pract... + Read More

Hours:

26.0

Code:

PHS3300

Course Name:

Pathophysiology

Course Description:

Etiology of disease states, causes and mechanisms of pathology, preventive measures and corrective therapies. (3 credits) Prerequisites: ANP... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

PSY2114

Course Name:

Lifespan Psychology

Course Description:

Developmental psychology from birth to old age. (3 credits) The courses PSY2114, PSY2105 cannot be combined for credits. Course reserved for... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Level 04

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

NSG2313L

Course Name:

Introduction to Nursing Practice (L)

Course Description:

Health assessment of individuals in simulation environments and selected health care settings. Selection, implementation and evaluation of i... + Read More

Hours:

36.0

Code:

NSG2313P

Course Name:

Introduction to Nursing Practice (P)

Course Description:

Health assessment of individuals in simulation environments and selected health care settings. Selection, implementation and evaluation of i... + Read More

Hours:

80.0

Code:

NSG3301

Course Name:

Research in Nursing

Course Description:

Introduction to nursing research paradigms and nursing research methodologies. Selection of research relevant to nursing practice. Introduct... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG4400

Course Name:

BScN Elective Level 4

Course Description:

A course from another program of study which is approved by the Nursing department as an appropriate elective for the BScN program. (3 credi... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG4401

Course Name:

BScN Elective Level 4

Course Description:

A course from another program of study which is approved by the Nursing department as an appropriate elective for the BScN program. (3 credi... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

PHA3112

Course Name:

Clinical Pharmacology

Course Description:

This course is a comprehensive study of drugs with instruction on their action on the human organism, as well as their toxicities and their ... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Level 05

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

NSG3107

Course Name:

Family-Centered Care of Children with Acute and Chronic Illness

Course Description:

Concepts and principles of nursing care of children with acute and chronic illness. Emphasis on family centered care, assessment and nursing... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG3111

Course Name:

Care of the Childbearing Family

Course Description:

Theoretical and research-based nursing care of childbearing families in hospital, home and community settings. Emphasis on maternal-infant c... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG3127

Course Name:

Nursing Professionalism and Ethics

Course Description:

Scope and standards of nursing practice. In-depth examination of ethical and legal practice situations and dilemmas. Emphasis on values clar... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG3307L

Course Name:

Practicum: Family-Centered Care of Children with Acute and Chronic Illness

Course Description:

Family-centered care of children experiencing acute and chronic illness. Practice in healthcare and simulation settings. Lab portion. (Previ... + Read More

Hours:

21.0

Code:

NSG3307P

Course Name:

Practicum: Family-Centered Care of Children with Acute and Chronic Illness

Course Description:

Family-centered care of children experiencing acute and chronic illness. Practice in healthcare and simulation settings. Practicum portion. ... + Read More

Hours:

96.0

Code:

NSG3311L

Course Name:

Practicum: Childbearing Family (L)

Course Description:

Nursing care of childbearing families in different settings, such as hospitals, public health, community-based agencies, home, or simulation... + Read More

Hours:

21.0

Code:

NSG3311P

Course Name:

Practicum: Childbearing Family

Course Description:

Nursing care of childbearing families in different settings, such as hospitals, public health, community-based agencies, home, or simulation... + Read More

Hours:

96.0

Level 06

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

NSG3103C

Course Name:

Theory in Nursing

Course Description:

Theory structure, evaluation, philosophical underpinnings and use in explaining phenomena of interest to the discipline are explored. A vari... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG3105

Course Name:

Care of Adults Experiencing Illness

Course Description:

Concepts and principles for nursing care of adults experiencing acute and chronic illnesses with stable or predictable outcomes, across heal... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG3137L

Course Name:

Practicum: Mental Health Nursing (Lab)

Course Description:

Care of individuals with mental health issues. Application of therapeutic interaction, relationship skills, family assessment and support in... + Read More

Hours:

21.0

Code:

NSG3137P

Course Name:

Practicum: Mental Health (P)

Course Description:

Care of individuals with mental health issues. Application of therapeutic interaction, relationship skills, family assessment and support in... + Read More

Hours:

96.0

Code:

NSG3305L

Course Name:

Practicum: Care of Adults Experiencing Illness (Lab)

Course Description:

Clinical practice focused on care of adults, experiencing acute and chronic illnesses with stable or predictable outcomes, throughout the ca... + Read More

Hours:

21.0

Code:

NSG3305P

Course Name:

Practicum: Care of Adults Experiencing Illness

Course Description:

Clinical practice focused on care of adults, experiencing acute and chronic illnesses with stable or predictable outcomes, throughout the ca... + Read More

Hours:

96.0

Code:

NSG3320

Course Name:

Mental Health Nursing

Course Description:

Theoretical foundations of the nursing care of individuals with mental health issues and mental disorders. Emphasis is placed on the develop... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Level 07

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

NSG3123

Course Name:

Community Health Nursing

Course Description:

Introduction to theory, principles and practice of community health nursing, including health promotion, maintenance, prevention and epidemi... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG3323P

Course Name:

Practicum: Community Health Nursing

Course Description:

Nursing practice with individuals, families, and communities-as-client in a variety of community health nursing roles and settings. Emphasis... + Read More

Hours:

117.0

Code:

NSG4330

Course Name:

Complex Nursing Care

Course Description:

Focus on an in-depth examination of complex nursing practice situations with selected populations. Exploration of the independent and interd... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG4430L

Course Name:

Practicum: Complex Nursing Care (L)

Course Description:

Nursing practice in complex care situations with individuals, groups and/or communities. Nursing management of complex health, family, commu... + Read More

Hours:

36.0

Code:

NSG4430P

Course Name:

Practicum: Complex Nursing Care

Course Description:

Nursing practice in complex care situations with individuals, groups and/or communities. Nursing management of complex health, family, commu... + Read More

Hours:

192.0

Level 08

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

NSG4134A

Course Name:

Political and Economic Contexts of Health Care

Course Description:

Historic, political, social and economic influences of nursing practice. Leadership and change theories are analyzed and strategies to influ... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

Code:

NSG4245

Course Name:

Practicum: Consolidation

Course Description:

Promotes transition from student to beginning practitioner role through intensive practice in a selected practice are of interest to the stu... + Read More

Hours:

351.0

Code:

SAI4120

Course Name:

Inter-Professional Health Care Practice

Course Description:

Examination of clinical situations using case-based scenarios in inter-professional groups in class and simulation environments. Emphasis is... + Read More

Hours:

39.0

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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Employment settings: hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long-term care, public health departments, community agencies, home care, schools, private industry, government, developing countries and disaster-relief areas.

The legislated Scope of Practice for nurses from the College of Nurses of Ontario is: The practice of nursing is the promotion of health, and the assessment of, the provision of care for, and the treatment of health conditions by supportive, preventive, therapeutic, palliative and rehabilitative means in order to attain or maintain optimal function (Nursing Act 1991, as cited in CNO 2020).

Graduates must be registered by the College of Nurses of Ontario in order to practice in Ontario.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

View all Algonquin College pathways

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

For information about fees, please see the University of Ottawa website at https://www.uottawa.ca/study/fees-financial-support/university-fees.

Students should budget for additional costs to cover nursing uniforms, shoes, stethoscope and travel including parking at clinical agencies during their practicum experiences. Students are required to take Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) as a part of NSG2113, and the cost of the materials for this course is approximately $40. Students are required to register and pay for de-escalation training for NSG3137P, and the cost of this course is approximately $200. Much of the program of study requires the use of online resources and a computer at home. Books and supplies can be purchased at the Campus store.

Refer to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) web site at www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/ for registration and examination fees for the NCLEX-RN and jurisprudence examinations.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Select the Academic Year:

Admissions Next Steps

Program Eligibility

Admissions for this program is assessed by the University of Ottawa. Please refer to the following link for admissions information: https://www.uottawa.ca/undergraduate-admissions/ontario-secondary-schools.
Mature students please refer to the University of Ottawa mature student information in the following link: https://www.uottawa.ca/en/contact.
Applications for this program must be submit online at https://www.ouac.on.ca/.

Application Information

HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Program Code 0616X01FWO

Application for admission to an Ontario University for Ontario Secondary School students - For applicants presently registered full-time in an Ontario high school, this application is available only at Ontario high schools.

Application for admission to an Ontario University - For applicants who wish to apply to an undergraduate program for full-time studies and who have never taken courses at University of Ottawa, this application is available online at http://www.ouac.on.ca form 105D and is used by all Canadian, permanent residents and all others who live in Canada.

Application for admission to an Ontario University - International applicants - For non-Canadian applicants outside Canada who are applying to an undergraduate program for full-time studies, this application is available online at https://www.uottawa.ca/study/undergraduate-studies/international-applicants. Canadians outside the country use http://www.ouac.on.ca form 105D.

For further information regarding admissions, contact the InfoAdmission department at the University of Ottawa at 613-562-5800 ext. 6555 or https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/information-technology/contact.

Additional Information

Program Resources

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) RequirementsArchived Program Information Academic CalendarProgram Overview PDF

This Full-time program is offered on the Woodroffe and Pembroke Campuses, as well as the University of Ottawa Campus.

Note 1:
The program highly recommends all prospective students review the Fact Sheet Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario available at the College of Nurses of Ontario website at http://www.cno.org/Global/docs/reg/41078SkillAbilities4pager-Final.pdf. The document describes reasonable skill and ability requirements for entry level practice in Ontario and includes examples of activities expected of a student once they become an RN and enter into typical entry-level nursing practice.

Note 2:
Upon admission to the program, students are required to submit documentation of an entry immunization record, police records check including vulnerable sector and Level C CPR. In subsequent years, clinical requirements including N95 mask fit testing, TB test, seasonal influenza vaccine and repeat police records check and CPR re-certification must be submitted to the Office of Risk Management. Please refer to the University of Ottawa website at www.uottawa.ca/services/ehss/CPRM.html. During the program, completion of additional requirements (mandated by the university, clinical agencies, external government regulations) will be required (e.g. WHMIS, OWHSA). Please note that some of these may require a cost to the student.

Note 3:
Clinical placements receive large numbers of health science students and there are times during your program of study that require you to attend evening and weekend clinical experiences. In some cases clinical placement occurs during the University study break. Clinical placements may be within the city or the region and students may be required to travel accordingly.

Note 4:
In order to meet the suitability to practice requirements of the College of Nurses of Ontario, an applicant has to provide a clear original Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Records Check that has been completed in the last six months. If you don`t meet this requirement then your application may be referred to the Registration Committee for further consideration, with no guarantee that it will be approved.

For more information on the requirements to become a practicing RN/RPN, go to the College of Nurses of Ontario website at http://www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse.

Contact

Michelle Morley

Program Coordinator

morleym@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5339

Room B215d

View Bio

Michelle completed her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University and Masters of Nursing at the University of Ottawa. She has been a nursing professor at Algonquin College since 2001, and works in both the Registered Practical Nursing Program, and Collaborative University of Ottawa Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Clinically, Michelle has worked primarily with adults in medical/surgical and critical care settings, and has international clinical nursing experience from working in the United States, England and Canada. Michelle is currently working as a simulation lab coordinator for the nursing programs, and is involved in teaching and research related to interprofessional education.