Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Almost a century of outstanding education in health care, beginning with the pioneering work of the Sisters of Saint Martha, has allowed the Elizabeth and Thomas Rankin School of Nursing at StFX University to evolve into one of Canada’s most respected nursing programs. Graduates are known for their caring, competency, and commitment to the field.

Nurses are critical to health care of individuals, families, communities, and populations locally, nationally, and globally. The essential contributions of nurses captured spotlights through the recent COVID-19 pandemic but clearly have existed for many years prior. Significant shortages of nurses exist throughout Canada and throughout the world; a critical demand for nurses will continue for the foreseeable future.

The Rankin School of Nursing offers an innovative program that educates competent, safe, caring, evidence-informed, critically thinking nurses dedicated to promoting health, social justice, cultural safety, and equity. You’ll gain the foundational knowledge to begin professional nursing practice in a wide range of settings, and the prerequisite education for sitting the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. At this small teaching-focused university, StFX nursing students enjoy an unparalleled learning experience and sense of community.

The Rankin School of Nursing offers a four-year on-campus BSc in Nursing program for students with a minimum of a high school diploma.  Admission is every September; eight semesters are spread over four calendar years with no summer semesters; May graduation.  Eligible students in the regular four-year program may opt for the BScN program with Honours.

Applicant must have English, academic math, chemistry, biology, and one other university preparatory course in grade 12. A minimum average of 70 in the five preparatory courses is required for admission. Admission is competitive. Limited enrolment Successful completion of CASPER prior to March 1.

Students with an IELTS score of 6.5 and no band below 6.0 will be deemed to have satisfied the English language requirements for admissions to undergraduate programs. Other acceptable tests include: MELAB (minimum score required is 90), TOEFL iBT (minimum score required is 90 and no lower than 20 in each band), CAEL (minimum score required is 71), CAE (minimum score required is 180 overall and no lower than 170 in each band.

Please note the deadline to apply to the 4-year BScN program is February 28, 2021, you may write CASPer on or up to that date and submit transcripts by March 1, 2021 for admission consideration.