getting in to Ottawa U 2nd entry

World Canada CA Programs

Published

Hi there,

I'm interested in applying to Ottawa U's 2nd entry program. I have heard that this program is really hard to get in to. I have 2 kids and so moving to another city is not an option right now. My question, for anyone who might be able to help, is do you think there is much chance of me getting into this program? I don't want to spend the next year doing pre reqs if there's very little chance of me getting in.

My background: I have an honours BA in history, and one year completed of a psychology masters degree (it's from a school in California with very alternative approaches to psychology so not sure if that will help or not). My concern is that I don't have much science background - just some psychology and intro to biology. I do have a few years experience doing home support work (tracheotomy care, basic personal care, etc). I have volunteered in Canada and abroad (nursing homes, palliative care, orphanages, and was a midwife's assistant). I have all A's and B's on my transcripts.

Thanks very much for any thoughts...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have heard a lot of good things about the program. If you're wondering about prerequisites, I would suggest you contact the nursing department, they would be able to give the the most accurate information pertaining to admission requirements. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the reply nursejoan. I actually know which prereq's I need and don't have (anatomy and stats), it's just that I was wondering if anyone had a sense of whether I'd have a good chance of getting in with the background that I have.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you definitely have a good chance. You would likely have to apply as a mature student, assuming you took the courses many years ago. I think from my own experience, mature students who have degrees have typically done really well in the nursing programs. They are serious about studying and consciously put a great deal of effort into their academic studies. I think you'll do well. That said, you should probably apply to a bunch of schools, so that you have other options in case you aren't accepted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello,

Just another thought, since you still have the ANP and stats pre-reqs to do. You could always apply to the regular 4 year BScN program, and you'll just have to do the courses you need (the school will credit you others and exempt you from them).

The OttawaU second entry program is the exact same program as the 4 year program, with the exception that it starts in the second term of the second year. Second term, second year is done May-August, and then you do third and fourth year regularly with the other students of the BScN program. The required courses from that point on (second term, second year), are identical to the regular BScN program (this is why I don't understand why people are of the opinion that second entry RNs have fewer clinical hours or a different program...maybe at other schools, but at UOttawa, the clinical experience is identical for both streams).

It could take you just as long, if not longer, to get your pre-reqs done, and you've missed the deadline for applications for the May 2012 entry (it was dec. 1), and you may not even get in, so this way you could get started in september, getting the ANP and stats done, part-time, and be assured that you are in the program. I'm quite certain you'd definitely get into the regular BScN program with your grades and experience, as described above in your post.

I hear the second entry is extremely competitive, with about 15-20 spots available for anglophone students. Not to deter you from applying, but with what you've described as still needing to do several pre-reqs, you may not be that far ahead, timewise, of completing the course by doing the second entry program. This is what I decided to do even though I have a MA completed, and a BSc degree. I'm at this school, I'm a part-time student, and it is working out great so far. I also have kids (3), so another consideration was that it would be somewhat difficult to do a full-time semester during the summer...this way I have my summers off from school.

Just my two cents....good luck in your path!!! :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much for the reply alpine hiker. I think you're on to something here. It's possible that this might be a better option. I do have concerns about the intensity of the 2 year program with my kids still being so little.

Only issue is... I don't have high school chemistry and math, which I believe are prereq's for the 4 year program (but aren't for the 2 year program). So with either option I have 2 courses I need to do before applying. Unless they make exceptions for mature students. Hmmm...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks so much for the reply alpine hiker. I think you're on to something here. It's possible that this might be a better option. I do have concerns about the intensity of the 2 year program with my kids still being so little.

Only issue is... I don't have high school chemistry and math, which I believe are prereq's for the 4 year program (but aren't for the 2 year program). So with either option I have 2 courses I need to do before applying. Unless they make exceptions for mature students. Hmmm...

Hi Cardamum,

I'm in a similar situation... Just wondering if you decided to apply to the program for this year?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am an international nurse and I am aspiring to get into this program. I got all my foreign crede tials assessed. Just wondering if U of O will recognize my foreign credits and degree to get into the program. I'm clueless.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@narsottawa, Were you assessed by the College of Nurses of Ontario and given a letter stating you need to do an academic bridging program for internationally educated nurses?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment