Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Collaborative Program

  • Delivery: In-person (face-to-face lectures, labs, clinical placements)
  • Length: 4 years (3 years at Keyano + 1 year at University of Alberta)
  • Location: Keyano College, Fort McMurray, Alberta
  • Application Status: Opens October 1
  • Admission: Competitive; seats limited

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

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants must present a minimum overall average of 75% in five appropriate Grade 12 subjects:
•    English Language Arts 30-1 (minimum 65%)
•    Biology 30
•    Chemistry 30 or Science 30
•    Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2
•    One additional subject from Group A, B, or C
* Group A, B, or C table can be found on page 103 of the Credit Calendar 

  • Competitive Admission Requirements 

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Keyano College is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Each year, admission averages vary depending on the number of qualified applicants, the averages presented, and available program capacity.

Based on a three-year trend, successful applicants presented averages in the: Mid-80s to low-90s range.

Applicants over 21 years of age must meet the following criteria:

  • Overall average of at least 75%
  • Minimum 65% in English 30-1
  • Minimum 60% in each of the following:
    • Chemistry 30 or Science 30
    • Biology 30

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following:

  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 86 (no section below 21)
  • IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5 (no section below 5.0)
  • CAEL: minimum score of 70
  • MELAB: minimum score of 85
  • Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 115
  • PTE Academic: minimum score of 73

In addition to demonstrating English Language Proficiency, applicants whose first language is not English must also present Spoken Language Proficiency. Applicants who have six or more years of full-time education (including grade 12 year or higher) in a Canadian school where the language of instruction was English, meet this requirement. If applicants do not present these years of English education, they can meet this requirement by presenting one of the following:

  • A minimum of 26 on the speaking band of the TOEFL: iBT
  • A minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS speaking band
  • A minimum of 125 on the Duolingo conversation band 

Students are required, per Alberta Health Services (AHS), to provide the following while enrolled in the program:

  • Police Information Check & Vulnerable Sector Check
  • CPR Certification
  • Immunization Record
  • N95 Respiratory Mask Fit Testing

 

Five positions per year are made available in the Nursing program for qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry.

Students with post-secondary coursework will be ranked using a combination of high school and post-secondary grades:

  • 60% of the admission GPA comes from required high school courses
  • 40% comes from the most recent 24 credits of relevant post-secondary coursework

Admission 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

October 1 each year. Apply early; admission is competitive.

You remain in Fort McMurray and complete Year 4 under the University of Alberta.

Optional prep course is available (IENRN 109).

Due to clinical and course load demands, part-time work is possible but should be carefully managed.

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:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Welcome Letter

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 Registrar@keyano.ca to express interest in future intakes

Prepare documentation in advance for future admission cycles

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