Education and licensing vary, whether you choose a Practical Nursing program to become a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a Registered Nurses (RNs) — each leads to a rewarding career with opportunities to make a meaningful difference for patients and Mi’kmaq communities.
Nursing roles include hands-on care, community health, and advanced practice, with options to pursue graduate studies for roles in research, policy, and health leadership.
Explore the resources below to learn about the types of nursing, programs in Nova Scotia, and the licensing process that ensures nurses are ready to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Whether you’re starting or advancing your practice, there’s a nursing path for you.
Each field requires different levels of education, responsibilities, and scopes of practice, allowing nurses to choose the path that best aligns with their interests and career goals.
LPNs and RNs can work in many settings, such as, hospitals, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and community health centers.
Direct Entry: Applicants must have completed Grade 12 with the following courses: English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and one additional academic course, each with a minimum grade of 70%. The application process also requires the completion of the CASPer test, a situational judgment test to assess non-academic skills.
Advanced Entry: For students who have previously studied at university and have completed the following pre-requisite courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics, English, 3 credit hours in science elective and 9 credit hours of an open elective. All with a minimum grade of 60% and an overall GPA of 2.5. The application process also requires the completion of the CASPer test, a situational judgment test to assess non-academic skills.
Direct Entry: High school applicants need Grade 12 English, Math, and two Science courses (Biology and Chemistry are recommended), along with one additional grade 12 academic course. A minimum average of 70% in each required course, and completion of the CASPer test is necessary.
Advanced Standing: This option is for students who have completed 30 university-level credits, including core courses in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and English. A minimum of 65% is required in these courses, and the CASPer test is also part of the application process.
LPN Pathway: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) need to have completed a two-year Practical Nurse program from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution with a 75% overall average and 1800 hours of work experience as an LPN within the last two years. The CASPer test completion, a reference letter from a current employer and a letter of intent are required.
Acadia University (CBU Satellite Program – BScN)
Acadia University offers a BScN program through a partnership with CBU, following the same admission criteria as CBU’s direct entry pathway. This includes the required high school courses, a minimum 70% average, and completion of the CASPer test.
St. Francis Xavier University (BScN)
Direct Entry: Applicants must have grade 12 courses completed or currently in progress, in English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, plus one additional Grade 12 university preparatory course, with a minimum mark of 65% and an overall average of 70% across all courses used for admission. Please note that CASPer is NO longer required for admission to this program.
Accelerated Nursing: Applicants must have all required courses completed at the university level and within 10 years of the program start date. Core course requirements include Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, English or approved writing course, and Statistics. Plus, 15 credits in open electives. All courses must meet a minimum grade of 65%, with an overall average of 70% or higher. Please note that CASPer is NO longer required for admission to this program.
LPN-BScN (Distance with In-person Clinicals/Labs): Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) need to have completed a Practical Nurse program within Canada with a 75% overall average and 1800 hours of work experience as an LPN within the last two years. Please note that CASPer is NO longer required for admission to this program.
Nova Scotia Community College (PN Diploma)
High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent is required, including Grade 12 Academic English and Math, along with two additional Grade 12 Academic Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics). If you need to fulfill these academic requirements, NSCC offers various credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program.
Dalhousie offers a variety of options, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN), Master of Nursing (MN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), and more. These programs empower nurses to pursue advanced practice roles, engage in research, or assume leadership positions within healthcare.
Click on an option below to learn more about each program type from Dalhousie University.
The office of Lnu nursing, in collaboration with TajikeimIk, will support Mi’kmaq students through academic and cultural challenges.