4.14. Bachelor of Nursing Degree Program
Introduction
The Centre for Nursing and Health Studies offers two routes to a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree. Applicants who are graduates of a Registered Nurse (RN) diploma program may enrol in the post-RN BN degree program. Applicants who are not registered nurses but who wish to enrol in an undergraduate nursing program should seek admission to the Athabasca University at Mount Royal College Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree route.
4.14.1 Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing Degree Program (120 credits)
Regulations amended, effective January 1, 2002.
Note: students are required to complete the degree regulations that were in effect at the time they enrolled in their program. Students who are inactive (have not registered for a course within 12 months from their last contract date) must re-enrol and will follow the regulations in effect at the time of re-enrolment.
Students currently enrolled in the post-RN BN program are encouraged to consider whether it would be to their advantage to transfer to the new regulations. For further information, please contact the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies Student Advisor.
Program Description
The post-RN BN program is designed to provide the registered nurse with the opportunity to acquire a broad liberal university education with particular emphasis on acquiring advanced knowledge and clinical practice skills related to family and community health promotion as well as leadership and management.
Enrolment Requirements
To enrol in the post-RN BN porgram the following is required:
- graduation from an approved nursing diploma program
- hold current registration/licensure with a provincial, state, or national nursing association. This registration must be maintained while completing the Bachelor of Nursing (Post R.N.) program
Degree Requirements
The 60 credits required to complete a post-RN BN degree shall be distributed as follows:
B.N. degree credit requirements 120 Credits awarded for registered nurse (RN) diploma 60* Total credits required to complete the post-RN BN dipoloma 60** Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition credits 15
- Required nursing credits
- Required non-nursing credits
- Electives
30
18
12*Additional credit may be awarded for university transfer credits taken as part of an RN diploma program. Additional credit may also be awarded for university-level courses completed before admission to the post-RN BN program or on the basis of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
**Students enrolled in the post-RN BN program who possess a recognized undergraduate degree may have their credit requirements reduced by up to 30 credits if the course work completed in obtaining that degree is applicable to the post-RN BN program requirements.
Residency Requirement
A minimum of 15 nursing credits must be taken through Athabasca University.
Course Requirements
Students may enrol in post-RN BN courses as non-program students. Before registering in a course, students should determine whether or not they may be eligible for transfer credit for the course and should ensure that they have completed all pre- and co-requisite course requirements.
Note: 300-level courses should be completed before 400-level courses.
Post-RN program students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. However, the Alberta Universities Writing Competence Test may be used to demonstrate mastery of English writing skills. Upon successful completion of the test, students will be exempt from completing ENGL 255.
Required Nursing Courses (30 credits)
NURS 322 Introduction to Nursing Informatics (3)
NURS 324 Concepts and Theories in Nursing Practice (3)
NURS 326 Health Assessment and Health Promotion with Individuals (3)
NURS 328 Understanding Research (3)
NURS 432 Management and Leadership in Nursing Practice (4)
NURS 434 Community Health Promotion (4)
NURS 436 Family Health Promotion (4)
Plus six credits from the following group of courses:
HLST 320 Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals (3)
NURS 327 Home Health Nursing (3)
NURS 438 Trends and Issues in Nursing and Health Systems (3)
NURS 440 Senior Focus: Guided Independent Study (3)
NURS 442 Introduction to Nursing Care of Older Adults (3)
Transfer credit for senior university-level nursing courses taken elsewhere (3 to 6)
Required Non-Nursing Courses (18 credits)
ENGL 255 Introductory Composition (3)
MATH 215 Introduction to Statistics (3)
Electives (from two or more areas of study; at least six credits must be at the 300/400 level) (12)Open Senior Elective Courses (300 or 400 level) (12 credits)
May be nursing, non-nursing or any combination thereof (12)
Computer Requirements
Access to a computer with basic word processing and Internet access are definite advantages in completing program requirements. Students are responsible for their own computer-related communication costs such as long-distance telephone charges and Internet subscription.
Specific Regulations
Given the unique and professional nature of the post-RN BN program, some of the general policies governing academic studies at Athabasca University are superseded by the regulations below.
- RN diplomas from approved institutions will be accepted regardless of the year of graduation (10-year rule does not apply).
- Athabasca University will not normally award additional transfer credit for other courses/ certificates that are more than 10 years old at the time of the request. If evidence of current practice in the content area is submitted, this regulation may be waived.
- In order to register in a nursing course with a practicum component, students must present proof of the following:
- Current RN registration with the provincial, state or national nursing association (or governing body) in the jurisdiction where the practicum will be undertaken.
- Up-to-date immunization status as stipulated by the immunization guidelines for health care workers in the jurisdiction where the practicum will be undertaken.
- Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
- Agencies participating in practicum courses may request that students provide proof of a criminal record check at the student's expense.
- The pass mark for all nursing courses is 60 percent.
- To be awarded a BN degree, a minimum average of 65 percent is required.
4.14.2. Athabasca University at Mount Royal College Bachelor of Nursing Degree Program (124 to 127 credits)
Program Description
This program is designed for students who are just entering the nursing profession. It is a four-year integrated degree program (with an optional diploma exit) and is offered collaboratively by Athabasca University and Mount Royal College. Students may elect to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examinations and to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) upon completion of program requirements for either the degree or diploma exit.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the Athabasca University at Mount Royal College Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree program will apply directly to Mount Royal College. Applications for fall admissions will be accepted after December 1st of the previous year. Closing date for applications is May 15th. Further information about the application process is available at www.mtroyal.ab.ca
Preference will be given to students with the highest averages in English, Mathematics and Biology.
Admission on the basis of secondary school standing: An overall average of 65 percent or higher and no grade below 50 percent in the following:
- English 30 and Biology 30
- Mathematics 30 or Pure Mathematics 30
- One of Chemistry 30, Physics 30 or Science 30
- One other appropriate Grade 12 subject
Admission on the basis of maturity (age 20 years or older): An overall average of 65 percent or higher and no grade below 50 percent in the following:
- English 30 and Biology 30
- Mathematics 30 or Pure Mathematics 30
- One of Chemistry 30, Physics 30 or Science 30
Admission on the basis of post-secondary standing:
- Completion of the equivalent of one year of study in good standing at a recognized post-secondary institution (i.e., 10 semester courses or 30 credits)
- A minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4-point grading scale
- A grade of 50 percent or higher in English 30, Mathematics 30 or Pure Mathematics 30, Biology 30, and one of Chemistry 30, Physics 30 or Science 30 or equivalent. Students not meeting these requirements will be assessed on an individual basis.
Students admitted to the program must annually provide proof of current immunization status and current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
Degree Requirements
Students enrolled in the program will take courses from Athabasca University and Mount Royal College. Athabasca University nursing courses and some support courses will be offered on site at Mount Royal College. Students may elect to take these courses by distance learning (individualized study).
Credit requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree may range from 124 to 127 credits depending upon the combination of courses selected. Students selecting this route will be awarded a Bachelor of Nursing Degree by Athabasca University. The residency requirement for the Bachelor of Nursing degree program is 30 credits, of which 21 will be in nursing/health studies courses and nine in non-nursing courses.
- Students selecting the degree completion route will be permitted a maximum of seven years to complete all degree requirements.
An optional diploma exit is available at the end of the third year of the program. Credit requirements for the diploma exit may range from 101 to 104 credits depending upon the combination of courses selected. Students selecting this route will be awarded a diploma in nursing by Mount Royal College.
- A maximum of five calendar years will be permitted to complete course requirements for the diploma exit.
- Students wishing to complete the remaining degree requirements following diploma exit will be permitted a maximum of four calendar years thereafter to do so.
Course Requirements
Course requirements are divided into three categories: required support courses, required option/elective courses, and required nursing courses. Required nursing courses are further subdivided into three clusters. Courses listed in Cluster A should be taken before those in Cluster B and courses listed in Cluster B should be taken before those listed in Cluster C. However, to increase flexibility, and in recognition of the diverse backgrounds and learning needs of students, exceptions may be entertained. Students are responsible for ensuring that pre- and co-requisite course requirements are met throughout the program.
It is recommended that the required support courses be taken early in the program; option/elective courses can be taken at any time during the four years of the program. At least two of the Arts and Sciences options must be at a 300/3000 or 400/4000 level and each of the Arts and Sciences option courses must be selected from different categories of option courses (i.e., not more than one from any one category) including the behavioral sciences, communications, fine arts/physical education, humanities, mathematical sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Note: *indicates an AU course; **indicates a course which can be taken either through AU or MRC; the absence of an * or ** indicates a MRC course.
Required Support Courses*ENGL 255 Introductory Composition or
ENGL 2201 Intermediate Composition (3 or 4)
*BIOL 235 Human Anatomy and Physiology or
BIOL 1220 and BIOL 1221 Anatomy and Physiology I & II (6 or 8)
*MATH 215 Introduction to Statistics or
one of several introductory statistics courses offered at MRC including ANTH 3307 or MATH 3333 (3)
*NUTR 331 Nutrition for Health (Recommended) or
*NUTR 330 Introductory Nutrition (3)
*PSYC 323 Developmental Psychology or
PSYC 3325 Life Span Development (3)Required Option/Elective Courses
Arts and Sciences Requirement** (12)
Required Nursing CoursesCluster A
NURS 2201 Understanding Health (4)
NURS 2203 Professional Nursing Practice I (3)
*NURS 326 Health Assessment and Health Promotion with Individuals (3)
NURS 3305 Pathophysiology (4)
NURS 3307 Nursing Therapeutics and Pharmacology (3)
NURS 2265 Health Patterns of Populations (3)
NURS 3301 Theoretical Foundations of Professional Nursing (4)
NURS 3303 Professional Nursing Practice II (6)
Cluster B
*HLST 320 Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals (3)
*NURS 328 Understanding Research (3)
NURS 4401 Adult Health (3)
NURS 4403 Professional Practice in Adult Health (4)
NURS 4411 Family Newborn Health (3)
NURS 4413 Professional Practice in Family Newborn Health (4)
NURS 4421 Child Health (3)
NURS 4423 Professional Practice in Child Health (4)
NURS 4431 Mental Health (3)
NURS 4433 Professional Practice in Mental Health (4)
NURS 4441 Seniors Health (3)
NURS 4443 Professional Practice in Seniors Health (4)Diploma Exit: 101-104
Note:
- The order in which the above theory and clinical practice courses are taken will vary depending upon availability of clinical placements.
- To complete their BN degree requirements, students must complete all of the courses listed below in Cluster C.
Cluster C
*NURS 432 Management and Leadership in Nursing Practice (4)
*NURS 434 Community Health Promotion (4)
*NURS 438 Trends and Issues in Nursing and Health Systems (3)
NURS 5583 Independent Professional Practice Specialty Focus (9)
+ NURS 4XX: Senior Level Nursing Option (3)Total Credits to Degree Completion: 124-127
+ NURS 4XX can be taken through either AU or MRC and will satisfy three credits of the AU residency requirements.
Sequencing of CoursesOne potential route (assuming that the student has no prior credit) through the program follows. Variations are possible and will be influenced by factors such as prior credit, availability of clinical placements, and student preferences regarding scheduling.
Year I: Fall Semester
*ENGL 255 Introductory Composition or
ENGL 2201 Intermediate Composition
*BIOL 235 Human Anatomy and Physiology (continues in winter term) or
BIOL 1220 Anatomy and Physiology I
NURS 2265 Health Patterns of Populations
**Arts and Science Option
Year I: Winter Semester
*BIOL 235 Human Anatomy and Physiology (continued from fall term) or
BIOL 1221 Anatomy and Physiology II
*NURS 326 Health Assessment and Health Promotion with Individuals
*PSYC 323 Developmental Psychology or
PSYC 3325 Life Span Development
NURS 2201 Understanding Health
NURS 2203 Professional Nursing Practice IYear II: Fall Semester
NURS 3305 Pathophysiology
NURS 3307 Nursing Therapeutics and Pharmacology
NURS 3301 Theoretical Foundations of Professional Nursing
NURS 3303 Professional Nursing Practice IIYear II: Winter Semester
*NUTR 331 Nutrition for Health (Recommended) or
*NUTR 330 Introductory Nutrition
NURS 4401 Adult Health
NURS 4403 Professional Practice in Adult Health
NURS 4411 Family Newborn Health
NURS 4413 Professional Practice in Family Newborn Health
**Arts and Science OptionYear III: Fall Semester
NURS 4421 Child Health
NURS 4423 Professional Practice in Child Health
NURS 4431 Mental Health
NURS 4433 Professional Practice in Mental Health
*HLST 320 Teaching and Learning for Health ProfessionalsYear III: Winter Semester
NURS 4441 Seniors Health
NURS 4443 Professional Practice in Seniors Health
*MATH 215 Introduction to Statistics or
one of several introductory statistics courses offered at MRC
*NURS 328 Understanding Research
**Arts and Science OptionOptional Diploma Exit: Students selecting this option will be awarded a diploma in nursing from Mount Royal College.
Year IV: Fall Semester
*NURS 432 Management and Leadership in Nursing Practice
*NURS 434 Community Health Promotion
*NURS 438 Trends and Issues in Nursing and Health SystemsYear IV: Winter Semester
NURS 5583 Independent Professional Practice Specialty Focus
NURS 4XX: Senior Level Nursing OptionProgram Progression and Graduation Requirements
To be considered a student in good standing, the student must achieve a minimum grade of 60 percent in all Athabasca University nursing courses and a grade of "C" in all Mount Royal College nursing courses.
To be eligible for graduation, the student must maintain an average of 65 percent in all Athabasca University courses and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all Mount Royal College courses.
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