Due to limited enrolment, the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program primarily serves permanent residents of Nova Scotia. However, each year a limited number of seats are also available for well qualified residents of other Canadian provinces.
The School of Nursing recognizes that affirmative action is required to increase the admission of and number of graduates from underrepresented groups, specifically African Nova Scotians and Indigenous persons of the Maritime region who have a substantial connection with the Mi’kmaq community.
CBU offers three pathways to earn admission to the Bachelor of Science, Nursing degree:
This pathway is for applicants applying directly from high school or those who completed university courses but do not qualify for admission to the Advanced Standing pathway.
This pathway is for applicants who have completed the below requirements at university level.
This pathway is for applicants with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) designation who have in-career experience.
Completion of a two-year Practical Nurse Program from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution
Completion of at least 1800 hours of work experience as an LPN within the last two years. A signed letter from an employer is required as proof of hours.
Applicants should review the Canadian Application Deadlines for the latest information on application open and close dates. Please note that application deadlines may close early if enrolment targets are met prior to the posted application close date.
In 2023, CBU announced a partnership with Acadia University to offer its Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Applicants interested in studying at the Acadia University campus must apply directly through Acadia’s online application. Information about this program can be found at Acadia Nursing.
Cape Breton University and the School of Nursing understand African Nova Scotian and L’nu Indigenous students have unique needs that often go unmet and are not candidly discussed. In an effort to close these gaps and relieve any barriers these students may face, nursing seats for African Nova Scotian students (ANS) and for L’nu Indigenous students have been designated to help enhance the diversity of our healthcare workforce.
For more information about support and resources available for African Nova Scotian and L’nu Indigenous students, please contact:
Dionne Romard, Student Development Officer, African Nova Scotian Students, dionne_romard@cbu.ca
Reann Arsenault, Student Development Officer, Program Coordinator Working with Nova Scotia Youth, reann_arsenault@cbu.ca
Megan Gillis, Indigenous Student Enrolment Specialist, megan_gillis@cbu.ca
All applicants to the Bachelor of Science Nursing program must complete the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University. The CASPer test must be completed by the deadlines noted above to be considered for that round of admission.
We do not accept the CASPer Snapshot.
All eligible candidates are ranked based on their previous academic performance (60%) and their compatibility for the nursing profession based on their score on the CASPer Assessment (40%).
Review CBU Academic Calendar Nursing Admission Information
To register for the CASPer test
Test scores will automatically be issued to CBU within 2 weeks of your test date. You do not need to verify receipt of scores and CBU cannot provide applicants with details of their scores.
Please refer to takealtus.com for additional information, to review sample scenarios, and to sign up for the test. Test dates may be subject to change.
For more information on the Bachelor of Science Nursing programs and admission requirements email admissions@cbu.ca or call the Office of the Registrar and Admissions at 902-563-1330.
This stream is intended for applicants directly from high school or students who do not qualify for admission to the Advanced Standing program.
Given different enrolment and course capacities on the two campus locations, your offer is applicable only to the campus you were accepted to. If you decide that you would like to attend the other campus, you will need to apply to Acadia University.
The BScN program has limited seating; therefore, this program is open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only. International applicants must have Permanent Resident of Canada status to apply. Preference is given to Nova Scotia residents. Applications are received and then ranked by academics and the score received on the CASPer test.
The CASPer® test is required for all applicants for all entry options for the Bachelor of Science Nursing program. You must complete the test by the deadlines noted in Important Dates.
Please refer to takealtus.com for additional information, review sample scenarios, and to sign up for the test. Test dates may be subject to change. Refer to the official Altus® website for details.
Applicants will receive their CBU student number by email once the application has been submitted and paid for. Applicants who want to register for CASPer before applying for admission can use a placeholder number as instructed on the CASPer registration page.
No, the program is delivered in-person on the CBU campus.
Yes, however preference is given to Nova Scotia residents.
Preference will be given to those with a Nova Scotia LPN license and whose LPN hours were completed in Nova Scotia.
The CASPer test is a 120-minute computer-based online assessment designed to evaluate the student’s personal and professional characteristics. CASPer assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics. The test is mandatory for all students who wish to be considered for the Bachelor of Science Nursing program. The CASPer test allows our admissions team to gain a better understanding of each applicant, beyond cognitive measures.