October 1 each year. Apply early; admission is competitive.
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) through a four-year collaborative program between Keyano College and the University of Alberta. This intensive degree combines academic instruction with hands-on clinical experience across acute care, mental health, and community health settings. Graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) in Alberta and across Canada.
University Collaboration
This program is part of the University of Alberta Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Students complete:
- Years 1–3 as Keyano College students
- Year 4 as University of Alberta students (while remaining in Fort McMurray)
- Formal admission to U of A occurs after Year 3.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundational knowledge in human anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and microbiology
- Health assessment techniques and nursing process application
- Acute and community care nursing practices
- Indigenous health, mental health, and leadership in health systems
- Evidence-informed practice and professional communication skills
- Hands-on clinical placements and simulation-based training
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BScN program are prepared to pursue licensure as Registered Nurses (RNs) and may work in:
- Hospitals (acute and critical care units)
- Public and community health
- Mental health and addiction services
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Occupational health or private practices
- Pathways to advanced studies such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Master's or Doctoral programs
Admissions Process
Applications open October 1 each year
Admission is competitive and based on an academic rating scale
Offers extended to applicants with a GPA at or above the annual threshold
Waitlisted applicants may be admitted based on ranking and seat availability
Competitive GPA criteria may change annually
Tuition and Fees
Years 1–3: Tuition paid to Keyano College
Year 4: Tuition and fees paid directly to the University of Alberta
Program Structure
Year 1
Term I (Fall)
- ENGL – English Elective or WRS (3 credits)
- MMI 133 – Medical Microbiology for Nurses (3 credits)
- NURS 106 – Anatomy & Physiology (6 credits)
- NURS 120 – Foundations for Success in Nursing (4 credits)
Total: 16 credits
Year 1
Term II
- NURS 116 – Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I (3 credits)
- NURS 124 – Foundations of Nursing I (3 credits)
- NURS 125 – Health Assessment & Nursing Process (3 credits)
- NURS 123 – Health & Wellness Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
Total: 12 credits
Year 1
Term III
- Elective – Any open elective (3 credits)
- NURS 222 – Indigenous Health in Canada (3 credits)
Total: 6 credits
Year 2
Term I
- NURS 211 – Statistics & Knowledge Management (3 credits)
- NURS 216 – Pathophysiology & Pharmacology II (3 credits)
- NURS 220 – Foundations of Nursing II (6 credits)
- NURS 221 – Introductory Acute Care Nursing Practice I (3 credits)
Total: 15 credits
Year 2
Term II
- NURS 217 – Pathophysiology & Pharmacology III (3 credits)
- NURS 224 – Foundations of Nursing III (3 credits)
- NURS 225 – Introductory Acute Care Nursing Practice II (6 credits)
- NURS 311 – Evidence-Informed Practice (3 credits)
Total: 15 credits
Year 2
Term III (Spring)
- Elective – Open Elective (3 credits)
Note: Elective must be transferable to the University of Alberta and completed before Year 4.
STAT (*3) may be substituted for NURS 211.
Year 3
Term I
- NURS 300 – Health Policy & Change Management (3 credits)
- NURS 321 – Advanced Acute Care Nursing Practice I (6 credits)
- One of:
- NURS 323 – Community Nursing
- NURS 327 – Mental Health Nursing
- NURS 325 – Advanced Acute Care II (6 credits)
Total: 15 credits
Year 3
Term II (Winter)
- Continue with NURS 323, 327, or 325 (6–12 credits)
- NURS 400 – Leadership & Interprofessional Practice (3 credits)
Total: 9–15 credits
NCLEX Preparation Course (Optional)
Term I (Fall)
IENRN 109 – Comprehensive Next Generation NCLEX Preparation (45 hours)
This asynchronous course supports BScN students preparing for the NCLEX-RN by covering:
- Exam format, scoring, and question analysis
- Canadian cultural and healthcare context
- Test-taking strategies
Eligibility: BScN students completing or who have completed Year 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
You remain in Fort McMurray and complete Year 4 under the University of Alberta.
Is NCLEX preparation included?
Optional prep course is available (IENRN 109).
Due to clinical and course load demands, part-time work is possible but should be carefully managed.
What if I already have a degree?
Previous post-secondary experience may be assessed for transfer credits but does not guarantee advanced standing.
The departments are eager to welcome you to the College, read the Welcome Letter for your program below:
Important Note
Keyano College reserves the right to adjust course content, scheduling, and structure as necessary. Students will be notified in advance of any significant changes. Staying informed is the responsibility of the student.
How to Apply
Although this program is not currently accepting applications for the 2024–2025 academic year, you can:
Explore the ELCC Certificate Program
Email Human.Services@keyano.ca to express interest in future intakes
Prepare documentation in advance for future admission cycles