Program Approval and Accreditation

The College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS), the provincial licensing body for nurses, has approved the program. Graduates of the program are eligible for recommendation to write the national registration exams administered by the CRNS. Graduates of the program must pass the national registration exam in order to obtain registration with the CRNS and practise as a registered nurse. Graduates will be prepared as beginning generalist practitioners of nursing, providing patient- and family-centred, holistic, safe, and competent care.

The SCBScN program has been accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). CASN is responsible for accrediting undergraduate nursing programs in Canada. While the CRNS provided approval of the SCBScN program, CASN accreditation means that the SCBScN program meets national standards of education excellence.

Professional licensing

When you successfully complete the SCBScN program, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree by the University of Regina in affiliation with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The SCBScN program curriculum has been designed to prepare graduates with competencies required for initial registration as a RN as identified by the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) and other regulatory bodies across Canada.

National Licensure Exam

In order to become an RN, you will be required to take the national licensure exam, which is designed to test the competencies you learned in the SCBScN program. You are required to pass this exam in order to obtain registration from CRNS, or other regulatory bodies, and practice as a registered nurse.

Students write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam as part of the process to receive your professional licence.

To learn more, go to the NCLEX Exam Information page on the CRNS website.

Further Study

Your bachelor of science in nursing degree is recognized by other universities. 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, you may need to meet individual graduate application requirements such as a GPA, personal statement and resume submission.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina offer a Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP) that will lead to a master in nursing (practical nurse). Information about this program is also found on this site under CNPP.

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing also offers a range of advanced nursing education programs, including Critical Care Nursing, Perioperative Nursing, Diabetes Education for Health Care Professionals and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs.  Visit Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing for additional information.