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About BSc in Nursing

The 4-year BSN program at Vancouver Island University is part of a 8-group consortium of nursing schools all sharing the same curriculum. Completion of the degree allows graduates to write the national licensing examination leading to the title of Registered Nurse (RN).

The program runs for 10 months of the year. Each year consists of 2 semesters of theory and practice, followed by 6 weeks of full time nursing practice in a variety of settings in hospitals or the community. Students travel to Nanaimo, Parksville, Duncan and Port Alberni as part of their nursing experience.

Studies in the BSN program are demanding as the number of school hours vary from 21 to 27 per week during the academic semesters and can go up to 36 hours per week in the 6 week consolidated practice experiences.

During practice experiences students work hours similar to those of Registered Nurses; shift work beginning at 0700 hrs is the norm. However, students should also be prepared to work evenings and night shifts as well as weekends. Practice hours in practice courses will be finalized during the first week of classes.