Nursing
Undergraduate Program Overview
All Students
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Become a Skilled & Compassionate Nurse in a High-Demand Field
Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? At Nipissing University, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program equips students with the clinical expertise, critical thinking skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.
Whether you’re drawn to bedside care, community health, or leadership in healthcare, our program prepares you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse (RN) through cutting-edge curriculum, simulation-based training, and real-world clinical placements.
Clinical experiences are provided at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC), as well as agencies throughout the city, depending on the focus of the practicum. The NBRHC is located within comfortable walking distance of Nipissing’s main campus and residence complexes, and offers a convenient, accessible and state-of-the-art facility where you will gain valuable practical experience beginning in your first year.
Program Highlights
Our curriculum combines theory, research, and practical training to prepare you for compassionate, evidence-based nursing across diverse healthcare settings. Key areas of study include:
- Anatomy & Physiology: Understand the human body and how diseases impact health.
- Pharmacology & Medication Administration: Learn to safely and effectively administer medications while understanding their impact on the body.
- Mental Health Nursing: Develop strategies to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges and understand the social context of care.
- Pediatrics, Maternity & Gerontology: Gain skills to provide care across the lifespan, from newborns to seniors.
- Indigenous & Community Health: Practice culturally sensitive nursing and learn to address the unique needs of diverse communities.
- Ethical and Legal Aspects of Nursing: Understand your professional responsibilities and make ethical decisions in complex healthcare situations.
- Clinical & Simulation Experience: Gain hands-on experience at the North Bay Regional Health Centre and other local agencies, plus cutting-edge simulation labs on campus, building confidence and real-world skills from your first year.
Nipissing University’s programs in the School of Nursing are approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Our programs are also accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
The School of Nursing is proud to be designated by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization.
Resources
Program Related
Why Nipissing's Nursing Program?
Accredited & Respected
Fully recognized by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
Hands-On Clinical Training
Gain practical experience during field placement at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) and other community agencies. Conveniently located within walking distance of campus and residences, the NBRHC provides modern facilities and opportunities to build confidence starting in your first year.
Simulation & Learning Labs
Practice patient care in state-of-the-art simulation labs on campus, before entering real-world settings, helping you develop skills and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Personalized Learning Experience
Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong support network ensure individualized attention and mentorship throughout your studies.
Are you a Registered Practical Nurse?
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing
At Nipissing University, we understand that there are many directions to a career in nursing so we offer a variety of pathways to get you there.
Bridging Program
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Location: North Bay
Load: Full-time
Program Length: 3 Years
Blended Program
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Location: Distance Education
Load: Part-time & Full-time options
Program Length: 3 to 5 Years
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, students must meet the General Admission Requirements, plus program specific prerequisites.
General Admission Requirements include:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma including six 4U/4M courses
Future Careers
Upon graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam and begin your career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a variety of settings. Our graduates are in high demand, with strong employment rates across Canada. These roles can include:
Registered Nurse (RN) in Hospitals – Work in emergency rooms, intensive care units, pediatrics, labour and delivery, surgical units, and more.
Home Care & Community Health Nurse – Provide care directly in patients’ homes.
Pediatric or Maternity Nurse – Specializing in newborn and maternal care.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Nurse – Supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
Nurse Educator – Teaching future generations of nurses.
Nurse Researcher – Advancing the field of healthcare with evidence-based practices.
Leadership & Administration – Management roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Further Studies
Many of our graduates go on to specialize further in areas such as:
Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
Advanced Nursing Certifications in areas like critical care, oncology, and palliative care
Real People, Real Impact
What I love most about the nursing program is the real-life, hands-on experience we get in the hospital setting, starting as early as the first year. We also have a psychologically safe lab environment where we can practice and build confidence before entering clinical placements.
Paris G.
Class of 2026
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Nipissing University was an amazing experience. I gained valuable hands-on nursing experience through simulation labs and hospital placements that prepared me for real-world practice.
Abby W.
Class of 2022
Program Requirements
How the Common Degree Structure Works
At Nipissing, you can choose a minor, major, specialization, or honours specialization—each offering a different level of focus and flexibility to match your goals.
Check out this breakdown of the Common Degree Structure to see how you can make your interests fit your degree.
Program Options & Course Requirements
Find required courses for each type of specialization using this link.
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Notes:
This program does not follow the same degree format as the majority of other programs. This program you can either graduate with an Honours degree or a degree without Honours.
Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, Nipissing’s Academic Calendar is the official reference.