Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) - Four-Year Program
Overview
Lakehead University’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program is designed to prepare students to become an essential member of an interprofessional health care team. Through four years of study and practical experiences, you will develop the skills you need to provide quality care in a variety of health-care settings. Our emphasis on Indigenous health and wellness will provide you with insight and preparation for these important areas of nursing practice.
Program highlights
- Upon graduation students are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam
- Clinical practice in every year of the program
- Four dedicated nursing labs on campus
- A focus on northern health issues
- Learn from faculty who are leaders in health care research
Clinical Practice
At the School of Nursing, we believe that the professional socialization process for students should begin during the first year of the program. Clinical practice is incremental throughout the BScN program, reflecting ongoing growth and development of students' knowledge and nursing skill set. Clinical practice is also supplemented and supported by time spent in nursing practice labs and our nursing simulation lab.
Year 1
Focus on the foundations of relational nursing practice. Students take integrated anatomy and physiology, health-to-toe health assessment, nursing research, introductory psychology, and electives. Simulation and lab experiences augment clinical nursing practice in long-term care settings.
Year 2
In Year 2, focus on the medical and surgical care of ill adults. Students integrate their knowledge of pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, clinical skill, with theory on lifespan development and nursing ethics.
Year 3
In Year 3, students focus on nursing specialties, including maternal-infant, child-youth, mental health and addictions, and older adult nursing care. Students integrate their knowledge from years one and two with theory on community health and family nursing across the lifespan. Simulation and lab experiences augment clinical nursing practice in acute and chronic care settings.
Year 4
Focus on professional nursing practice and leadership, supported by six-weeks of nursing theory courses. Students complete three six-week clinical placements in final year. Simulation and lab experiences augment clinical nursing practice across various sectors of health care service delivery in Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
Choose Your Career
The BScN program opens doors to many professional career opportunities in a variety of health-care settings. Here are a few:
- Medical care nurse
- Primary health care nurse practitioner
- Surgical acute care nurse
- Maternal-infant nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Paediatric nurse
- Community health nurse
- Peri-operative nurse
- Critical care nurse
- Occupational health and safety nurse
- Nurse administrator
Frequently Asked Questions
| What types of clinical practice do nursing students experience? |
As a professional program, we create clinical learning experiences that reflect the many settings where registered nurses work. Our students practice in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation, long-term care, and psychiatric care settings. Our students practice in a variety of community-based environments including public health, home nursing, schools, industries, correctional facilities and health centres. Students work collaboratively with individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. |
| Is there a choice for clinical placements? |
The first three years of the BScN program, clinical placements are usually in small groups of seven or eight students with a "clinical instructor". The choice of placement is determined by the curriculum focus of each year. The first three years expose nursing students to the variety of settings for nursing practice. Fourth year students will be provided an opportunity to indicate their preferences for placements. At least one of the 3 six-week placements must be done in the Thunder Bay region. Students may have the opportunity to practice "out-of-town", across Canada and Internationally. All expenses involved in these (out-of-town) placements are the student's responsibility. |
| What are the required clinical documents to attend placements? |
See the page on Required Clinical Documents |
| Who do I contact for information regarding transfer credits and advanced standing? |
For information regarding transfer credits and advance standing, please see the Transfer Credits page. |
| How do I apply? |
For information regarding entry into the program please visit the Admissions website: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/admissions |