Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Medicine Hat College (MHC), offered in partnership with the University of Calgary, is a four-year program that allows students to complete their degree at the MHC campus while earning a University of Calgary degree.

Program Overview

The BScN program is a competitive entry program that provides students with a sound theoretical base and supervised practice experience in a variety of nursing settings. The program is designed to prepare students for the nursing profession and provides graduates with the background, competencies, and skills required to enter the nursing profession.

Admission Requirements

• High School: Overall average of 65% and no grade lower than 50% in:
  • ELA 30-1
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30 or Science 30
  • Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
  • One additional 30-level subject (if under 21) OR CTS courses totaling at least 5 credits from the approved list on the UCalgary website OR Work Experience 35.
• Mature Student: Overall average of 65% and no grade lower than 50% in:
  • ELA 30-1
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30 or Science 30
  • Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
• Transfer Route: If you have previous post-secondary education, you should meet with the MHC Nursing Advisor for information on how your coursework will be considered in the admissions process.
• International Student Admission: International applicants must present a minimum score of 237 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English; or a minimum score of 580 on the paper-based TOEFL examination and a score of 50 on the TSE.

Post-Admission Requirements

• Immunizations as directed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines
• Police Information Check (PIC) and Vulnerable Sector search
• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Certification- Basic Life Support (BLS)
• N-95 Mask Fit Testing
• Review the CRNA Entry Level Competencies for the Practice of Registered Nurses (2019) document
• Connect Care training

Program Structure

The BScN program is a full-time professional program that consists of four years of study. Students apply to MHC and are MHC students for the first and second years. Upon successful completion of the first two years of the program, students apply to the University of Calgary as a third-year student and are guaranteed acceptance if they have met all the UCalgary entrance requirements. Students take years three and four as a UCalgary student at the MHC campus.

Year One

• Semester 1:
  • NRSG 202 Indigenous Health Studies
  • BIO 275 Basic Anatomy & Physiology I
• Semester 2:
  • NRSG 201 Introduction to Nursing
  • BIO 277 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II
• Required Options (taken in Semester 1 or 2):
  • ENGL 2XX
  • STAT 333 or STAT 251
  • ARTS option
  • PHIL option
  • Junior Science option
  • Junior Open option

Year Two

• Semester 3:
  • NRSG 305 Microbiology and Biochemistry
  • NRSG 310 Foundations of Relationship
  • NRSG 320 Care of the Aging Adult
  • NRSG 321 Health Promotion
  • NRSG 350 Care of the Aging Adult Practicum
  • NRSG 351 Health Promotion Practicum
• Semester 4:
  • NRSG 330 Nursing Amid Complexity
  • NRSG 331 Pathophysiology I
  • NRSG 332 Pharmacology I
  • NRSG 352 Acute Care Nursing I Practicum

Year Three

• Semester 5:
  • NRSG 401 Evidenced Informed Nursing
  • NRSG 430 Pharmacology II
  • NRSG 450 Consolidated Practicum
  • NRSG 530 Pathophysiology II
• Semester 6:
  • NRSG 410 Nursing as Ethical Practice
  • NRSG 531 Pathophysiology III

Year Four

• Semester 7:
  • OPTN 2xx Any 200-level Open Option
  • NRSG 501 Nursing Leadership
• Semester 8:
  • NRSG 510 Resilience in Practice
  • NRSG 560 Final Preceptorship

Clinical Placements

Students' clinical experiences may be at sites outside of Medicine Hat and may be scheduled at various hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends. Students are expected to make accommodations for commitments outside the program to fit this scheduling.

Simulation

Simulation is an integral part of the BScN program at MHC, providing students with realistic, hands-on learning experiences that enhance clinical skills, communication, teamwork, emotional resilience, ethical decision-making, self-reflection, and clinical judgment.

Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

The MHC BScN program is committed to Call to Action 24 by requiring all first-year students to complete an Indigenous Health Studies course (NRSG 202). The program actively supports Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and collaborating within the entirety of the curriculum to foster decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation in nursing education.

Connect Care

Connect Care is an electronic health platform designed to improve patient care by using and sharing health information. Students require Connect Care access for clinical placements, and all Connect Care training is mandatory prior to the start of the clinical experience.

Program Duration and Faculty Regulations

The BScN degree must be completed within seven calendar years from the date of initial registration in the program. In the first and second year, students will follow the MHC institutional policies. In the second, third, and fourth year, students will follow the Faculty of Nursing guidelines and procedures.

Student Appeals

For student appeals in the first and second year, follow the process outlined in the MHC calendar. For appeals in the third and fourth year, follow the process outlined in the University of Calgary calendar.

Guidelines and Procedures for Students

For information about undergraduate nursing guidelines and procedures, refer to the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing Guidelines & Procedures.

Credential and Duration

• Credential: Bachelor Degree
• Duration: 4 years
• Intake: Fall
• School: Yuill School of Health & Community Services
• Campus: Medicine Hat