SCBScN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who grants the degree?  What institutions are identified on the parchment?

   The University of Regina has the authority from government to grant a degree in nursing. The University of Regina parchment will indicate that the nursing degree has been awarded by the University of Regina in affiliation with SIAST.
    

2. Are the graduates of the SCBScN program required to take the national licensure exam in order to become a RN?
   Yes. The curriculum has been designed to prepare graduates with competencies required for initial registration as a RN as identified by the SRNA and other regulatory bodies across Canada. The national exam is designed to test those competencies. Graduates of the program are required to pass this exam in order to obtain registration from the SRNA and practise as a registered nurse.
   

    

3. Will the SCBScN program be recognized by other universities if I wish to take graduate studies in nursing?
   Graduate programs in nursing require that you have graduated from an approved baccalaureate nursing program and have successfully passed the national licensure exam. In addition, students will need to meet individual graduate application requirements such as a GPA, personal statement and resume submission.
   
    
4. What is the admission process?
   There is one intake per year, with classes beginning in September.
   
   Admission to the SCBScN program is based on a competitive entry process. This program is open for application from October 1 at 8:00 a.m. to February 15 at 4:30 p.m. (Saskatchewan time) each academic year. Official transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary grades must be submitted to SIAST by March 1. Saskatchewan high school students must request a transcript to be electronically sent from the Ministry of Education to SIAST by March 1 and at the end of the school year. The final official transcript must be submitted by August 1.
   
   All decisions will be made after the application deadline. Initial admission offers to the program will be mailed out during the first week of April.
   
   Questions regarding applications can be directed to:

   • SIAST Registration Services
     • Saskatoon (Kelsey Campus) - 306.933.5555
     • Regina (Wascana Campus) - 306.798.4314

5. What are the admission requirements?
   High School Admission Requirements
   
   If you have have completed or are in the process of completing Grade 12, you must present the following courses for admission to the program:

   • English Language Arts A30 * See note 1
   • English Language Arts B30 * See note 1
   • One of Math A30, Math B30, Math C30, or Calculus 30** See note 2
   • Biology 30
   • Chemistry 20 (Chemistry 30 is recommended)

   Students must have a minimum grade of 70% on each of the above courses. Students with the highest admission average*** will be selected.
   
   Students applying from other Canadian provinces or from other countries will need to present equivalent courses. GED will not be accepted in lieu of Grade 12.

   * Note 1: Applicants may substitute one of Francais Fransaskois A30/B30 or Francais Immersion 30 for English Language Arts A30 or B30. Applicants from Fransaskois and French Immersion programs may also substitute the equivalent subjects taught in French for those listed above.

   ** Note 2: Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement (Effective July 1, 2013)
   One of Foundations of Math 30, or Pre-Calculus 30 (Replacing Math A30, Math B30, Math C30); or Calculus 30.
   
   ***Note 3: Students who are currently enrolled in high school will be considered under the University of Regina's Early Conditional Admission process. High school graduates will be assessed using the five courses listed above.

           
   Post-secondary Admission Requirements
   Applicants who have attempted 24 or more credit hours of approved post-secondary education will be admitted based on the following criteria:

   • Successful completion of the required high school course (listed above) or a post-secondary equivalent. If prerequisites were completed at the high school level, a high school transcript must be provided in addition to post-secondary transcripts.
   • A minimum of 65% UGPA on ALL post-secondary studies completed.
   • If transferring from another Nursing program, a minimum UGPA of 65% and a positive recommendation on a clinical reference form.

   Applicants with the highest grade point averages will be selected.

   English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
   The language of instruction at the University of Regina is English. All applicants to the University of Regina must therefore demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the English language. The following will be accepted as satisfactory evidence:

   • Completion of grades 11 and 12 English, in sequence, as part of two full academic years, in a high school using a provincially- or state-accredited Canadian or U.S. curriculum OR
   • Achieved a grade of 80% or better in a Grade 12 provincially-examined English course, as part of one full term of study.
   • Applicants who are eligible to be considered for Adult 12 admission status must have completed the last three years of their formal education at an English-language school or present other evidence of proficiency in English.
   • Successful completion of the English as a Second Language (ESL 050) program or a minimum average score of 55 on the ESL placement exam both offered through the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Regina. For further information, please contact English as a Second Language Office 306.585.4585 esl@uregina.ca.
   • Successful completion of at least 24 credit hours (University of Regina degree level equivalent) in an approved English-language post-secondary institution, including at least 6 credit hours in humanities or social science subjects and with a grade point average of 60.00% or equivalent. 
   • GCSE/IGCSE/GCE Ordinary Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language with minimum grade of 'B' or GCE A/AS/AICE Level English or English Language with minimum grade of 'C'.

   Students who do not meet one of the above requirements must present one of the following English proficiency tests with the following exam standard:

   • CanTEST: A minimum score of 4.5 in each of Listening, Reading and Writing and a 5.0 or higher in Speaking
   • CAEL: A minimum score of 70 with a minimum sub-score of 70 in Speaking and minimum sub-scores of 60 in all other components
   • IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0 with a 7.0 or higher in Speaking
   • MELAB: A minimum score of 85 with a minimum sub-score of 3+ in Speaking
   • TOEFL: Internet-based (iBt): A minimum overall score of 90 with minimum sub-scores of 20 in Reading and Writing, 26 in Speaking and 22 in Listening
   • TOEFL: Paper-based: A minimum overall score of 580 with a minimum sub-score of 50 in each of Listening and Speaking, and a minimum score of 5.0 in each of Writing and Reading
      

6. I've completed a practical nursing program (LPN) or a psychiatric nursing program (RPN), can I apply for admission and be considered for transfer credit?
   SIAST Practical Nursing graduates (since 2008) are considered to have met all admission requirements for the SCBScN program. SIAST Practical Nursing graduates will be considered under post-secondary admission and must have a minimum 65% grade point average and are eligible for a maximum of 24 transfer credit hours: 15 credit hours toward their SCBScN degree and up to 9 credit hours for "open electives" as appropriate.
   
   Graduates of other practical nursing programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   
   The possibility of transfer credit for registered psychiatric nurses is under review at this time.
    
7. How do I apply?
   There are two ways to apply: online or using a paper application form. Visit www.sasknursingdegree.ca/admissions for detailed application information. 
   
   Paper application: click here to download
   
   Online application: click here to access the online application
   If you are applying online, mail all supporting documents to the SIAST campus to which you are applying.
    
8. Where will the program be offered?
   The program will be offered in Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current. 
    
9. How many seats will be available?
   For the September 2013 intake, there will be 345 seats available. 
    
10. Will you be considering out-of-province applicants to the program?
    Yes. Out-of-province applicants will need to meet the same requirements as Saskatchewan applicants. Out-of-province course equivalents will be used to meet the admission requirements of the SCBScN program.  
     
11. Will you be considering international applicants to the program?
    Yes, international applicants are encouraged to apply. The University of Regina has extensive services in place for international students.
     
12. Will there be designated seats for Aboriginal students?
    Yes, the number of designated or equity seats is representative of the Aboriginal population in Saskatchewan. There are 58 seats for Aboriginal students distributed across the sites. Like all other applicants to the SCBScN program, Aboriginal students must fully meet the admission criteria. Unfilled equity seats will become available to other applicants.
     
13. If I have a disability, what type of support services will be available to me?
    SIAST and the University of Regina (U of R) both offer support for persons with disabilities through their related offices. If you have a disability, identify yourself to SIAST or the UR, as follows below. Designated staff will work with faculty and support services to assist in ensuring appropriate accommodations are in place. We encourage you to contact the appropriate office as soon as possible, so that we may proceed on your behalf.

    Regina:
    University of Regina - Centre for Student Accessibility: 306.585.4631
    SIAST Wascana Campus - Counselling Services: 306.775.7436
    
    Saskatoon:
    SIAST Kelsey Campus - Counselling Services: 306.659.4050
     

14. I’m taking an ESL course at the University of Regina. Can I still be considered for admission?
    If you are registered in an ESL program at the University of Regina, you can be considered for conditional acceptance provided you submit proof of registration in the ESL program to SIAST along with your application for admission to the Nursing program.
     
15. I’m missing a high school prerequisite. Where can I take courses to obtain the requirements?
    If you are missing a high school prerequisite, you can either:
    

    1. pursue studies through the high school system (www.saskschoolboards.ca)
    2. complete the high school course (s) at SIAST
     

    There are also equivalent courses you can take at the University of Regina to help you meet admission requirements. The following will help you plan your studies:

    High school	U of R Equivalent
    Chemistry 30	CHEM 100*
    Biology 30	BIOL 100
    Math A30	AMTH 001 (non-credit) OR Math 101 (credit)
    Math B30	AMTH 002 (non-credit) OR Math 101 (credit)
    Math C30	AMTH 003 (non-credit) OR Math 101 (credit)
    ELA A30 & B30	ENGL 100

    *CHEM 100 is available to students who do not present the chemistry prerequisite course for admission to the program, the chemistry grade is below 70% OR was taken more than five years ago.
    
    Students who present less than 24 post-secondary credit hours will be treated as a high school applicant and must, therefore, present a minimum of 70% in all prerequisite courses (including those taken at the university level).

    Students who present more than 24 post-secondary credit hours will be treated as a transfer student. The admissions average will be based solely on the UGPA; however, prerequisites must still be presented at either the high school or the post-secondary level.
     

16. What is the application fee?
    The application fee is $100 and must be submitted with the application form. If you are a current or former University of Regina student, you are not required to pay this application fee; however, you must provide your U of R student number for verification and check off the box on the application form indicating that you are a current/former University of Regina student.
    
    If you are applying online, payments can only be made using a credit card.
     
17. I’ve received my offer of admission. Now what do I do?
    You will receive an admission decision for each site to which you have applied; however, you can accept a position at only one site. Your offer of admission letter will indicate your deadline for responding to the offer of admission. 
     
18. How long is the program?
    As a full-time student, the program includes two semesters of course work each year for four years.
     
19. Are there any additional requirements following acceptance into the program?
    All successful applicants must provide the results of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector search, proof of completion of Standard First Aid, CPR Health Care Provider, and Transfer, Lifting and Repositioning® (TLR) courses; and an up-to-date immunization record prior to the commencement of the program.
     
20. Where can I take the Standard First Aid, CPR Health Care Provider, and Transfer, Lifting and Repositioning® (TLR) courses that I need?
    Standard First Aid courses are available through SIAST, St. John's Ambulance and Canadian Red Cross.
    
    CPR Health Care Provider course is available through SIAST, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, St. John's Ambulance and Canadian Red Cross.
    
    Transfer, Lifting and Repositioning ® (TLR) course is available through SIAST. 
     
21. I am applying from another post-secondary institution. Will I be eligible for transfer credit?
    You must meet the admission requirements outlined in question #5 above. After you have been admitted to the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and met with the academic advisor, courses for which you have received previous credit will be evaluated to determine if they can be transferred to apply to the curriculum prescribed for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
    
    Please note that the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a prescribed program. Students will not be permitted to fast-track through the program.
    
    For guidelines on course equivalencies at other post-secondary institutions, visit http://www.uregina.ca/student/registrar/transfer-credit/transfer-credit-course-equivalents.html and select the institution from the drop-down box under University of Regina Transfer Credit Equivalents.
    
     Transfer Credit for SIAST Practical Nursing Program Graduates (2008 +) for the SCBScN Program
    All other practical nursing graduates will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The possiblity of transfer credit for registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) is under review at this time.
     
    SIAST Practical Nursing Program Graduates (2008 +) for the SCBScN Program*
    

    Course Taken	U of R Equivalent
    SIAST Practical Nursing Diploma (2008 +)	CNUR 101 CNUR 102 CNUR 103 BIOL 110 (lab only) BIOL 111 (lab only) CNUR 202 CNUR 205
    Other courses approved** for the SCBScN program	U of R Course Equivalent
    APHY 162, 262 & NURS 117	BIOL 110 & BIOL 111 (theory portion only)
    APHY 162 & 262	KIN 260*** & 267***
    SOCI 160	SOC 100***
    SOCI 260 & 261	INHS 100
    STAT 120	STAT 100

    
    *Students who have completed this program are advised to speak to their academic advisor about their transfer credit options.
    **for complete listing of approved transfer credit from SIAST, visit: http://www.uregina.ca/student/registrar/transfer-credit/transfer-credit-course-equivalents.html
    ***open elective towards the SCBScN program
     
22. I’d like to get a head start on the degree requirements but I’m not currently attending another post-secondary institution. What do I do?

    You can take courses at the University of Regina in another program/faculty that are transferable to the Faculty of Nursing. If this is something you are interested in, we advise you to do the following:

    1) Submit the University of Regina application for undergraduate admission as soon as possible. The application form is available from http://www.uregina.ca/futurestudents It is strongly recommended that you apply to the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies or the Faculty of Science and complete the courses listed in question 21.
     
    2) For a complete listing of University of Regina and distance and online courses, please visit:  http://www.uregina.ca/cce/distance-online/index.html

    3) To transfer to the Nursing program, you must submit the specific Nursing application form by the applicable deadline.
    
    To be sure your courses are transferable to the SCBScN, we recommend you speak with a Faculty of Nursing academic advisor (toll free 1.855.830.3300 or 306.337.3300; email nursing@uregina.ca).
     

23. Can I take the program part-time?
    We encourage full-time study. However, if for some reason your studies are interrupted, we will work with you to develop an individualized plan for completing the program, provided it can be accomplished within a limit of seven years from the time of admission into the program.
     
24. Are there ways for me to complete the program in less than four years?
    At this time, opportunities for accleration, i.e., to complete the program in less than four years are not available. 
     
25. Can I work part-time while going to school?
    Students may choose to work on a part-time basis during the program. However, the heavy workload of the program may make this rather challenging. In addition, some courses may require students to obtain their clinical practice experience in a location outside Regina or Saskatoon, which could interfere with a regular work schedule.
     
26. How much will the tuition cost?
    Information regarding tuition fees is available on the University of Regina website at www.uregina.ca/futurestudents/money-matters/costs.html 
     
27. Are scholarships and bursaries available?
    Yes, visit  www.uregina.ca/futurestudents/money-matters/scholarships-awards/index.html or www.gosiast.com/admissions/scholarships_awards.shtml
    
    If you are applying for University of Regina entrance awards, you must submit a transcript (copies accepted) with your scholarship application form to the University of Regina by March 15.
     
28. I am enrolled in another bachelor of nursing program and am interested in taking the SCBScN program. Can I transfer my courses?
    It may be possible to receive transfer credit for courses you have already taken. These decisions are made on an individual basis after review by members of the Faculty of Nursing or by the faculty that represent the discipline of the course you have taken (e.g. Arts or Science). If you are transferring from another nursing program, a completed clinical reference form must be submitted with your application.
     
29. I left NEPS before I graduated. Can I come back and complete the SCBScN program?
    These decisions are made on an individual basis after review by the appropriate faculty members teaching in the SCBScN program. Your application will be considered within the competitive entry process as a post-secondary application.
     
30. As a University of Regina, Luther, Campion or FNUniv student, can I transfer to the SCBScN program?
    You can transfer to the program provided you meet the same admission requirements as any other student who previously has completed some university level course work. See questions #21. You must submit the nursing application form as outlined above.