Second-Entry Nursing Programs - 2014 Hopeful

ilovenursing2013 · Nov 24, 2013

Hi Everyone!
I'm starting this topic for those who are applying to 2nd-entry programs, to start in 2014.
A bit about myself:
I'll be applying to University of Ottawa and University of Toronto.
Graduated with a Social Science degree from Ottawa U w/ 7.2 CGPA (aka 3.33 on 4.0 scale, or a B+)
A lot of community involvement in health promotion, youth counseling programs, women's health research..
Currently taking the prerequisites...
I'm kind of nervous about the applications because I know how competitive these programs are... Any advice from current 2-year BScN students would be great!
Let's get this thread going

Well, honestly, I think it really depends on where you are applying to. I did my undergrad at UofT, but considering how competitive the program and how lengthy the application is (eg. a personal statement, reference letter, and an interview), I opted for UofCalgary instead. 3.33 I think is somewhat competitive at UofT, but I'm not really sure. You can actually email or call the admission officers in advance and ask for their opinion. As I recall, there is also an information session about the program that you can register for.

Good luck! =D I hope you go to UofT. It's a great school!

isla88 · Nov 25, 2013

Hi guys!

I am also interested in applying to the Second Entry Nursing program. I have a BA in International Relations from Ottawa U and a MA in Applied Linguistics. I am currently enrolled at Brock University to take prerequisite courses to apply (physiology, stats, anatomy and psychology). I am interested in applying to Toronto, Ottawa and Western. I see that Ottawa only accepts 20 people?!!

isla88 · Nov 25, 2013

ilovenursing2013 where are you taking the prerequisite courses at the moment? did you apply already? I sent in my transcripts and the form for prerequisite equivalency to Ottawa, is there anything else for Ottawa? I know UofT has a more complex application.

isla88 · Nov 25, 2013

Sorry I meant to ask ShayLynn27 since I see we are on a very similar page

futurenursecanada · Nov 25, 2013

Heya! I'm waiting to hear back from the UofC for their program. It seems like it's becoming increasingly difficult to get into a Nursing program unless you enter directly from high school or already have a degree. I'm currently trying to transfer into a Nursing program with 2 years of university work. I've emailed pretty much all the second-entry nursing programs in canada and they all essentially said that applicants with degrees were ''more likely'' to be accepted that those without (presumably because of experience and wanting individuals with diverse backgrounds)

As for your question, although I have not been admitted to a program, after researching and emailing advisors, I would say you have a pretty good chance of getting into UofT. The advisor said that it's very competitive and most applicants have degrees already. The advisor also said the competitive GPA is generally around a B but closer to a B+. UofT's program doesn't have an interview process so your supplemental application pretty much has to sell it. You seem to have a lot of experience already which is what they look for in an individual. Just make sure the prerequisite courses you're taking transfer into the school, especially the anatomy and physiology component.

Anyway, good luck!!

MatchaGreenTea · Nov 26, 2013

ilovenursing2013 where are you taking the prerequisite courses at the moment? did you apply already? I sent in my transcripts and the form for prerequisite equivalency to Ottawa, is there anything else for Ottawa? I know UofT has a more complex application.

Hi isla88!

I`m taking the prereqs online at Athabasca and Thompson Rivers University. I have not applied yet but I`m going to be handing in my application to Ottawa U tomorrow..

What ANP courses are you taking at Brock University? I found it so hard to find the right courses that fulfill the UofO requirements.

MatchaGreenTea · Nov 26, 2013

Thanks ilovenursing2013 & futurenursecanada for your advice!

@futurenursecanada I think getting into the nursing program is just getting more difficult in general. When I spoke to the registrars office at UofO she said that their nursing program is the most competitive programs at the University (because it received the highest number of applicants)... Good luck with your UofC application!!

isla88 · Nov 26, 2013

ShayLynn27, I found out that Ottawa does not accept the physiology I am taking and the one that I am currently registered for next semester for anatomy, so they told me to take BIOL 235 from Athabasca. How long does it take to complete that course? I have read reviews that some people are able to finish it in 2 months.. how are you finding it?

isla88 · Nov 27, 2013

the application is due Dec 1 right? I wonder what the GPA is for people that actually get in

MatchaGreenTea · Nov 28, 2013

@isla88 With the online courses you can pace yourself and complete it as fast as you like. For U of O you have until April 15t to submit your final marks, so I think if you start now you will have enough time. We should keep in touch throughout the semester since we are taking the same course :).

Also, the lady @ the registrars office said that the average is a B+, and yes the deadline is Dec 1st.

ilovenursing2013 · Dec 1, 2013

ilovenursing2013 where are you taking the prerequisite courses at the moment? did you apply already? I sent in my transcripts and the form for prerequisite equivalency to Ottawa, is there anything else for Ottawa? I know UofT has a more complex application.

I have been accepted by UofCalgary for their January entry. Did the anatomy/physiology pre-requisite through distance education via Athabasca. I wouldn't know anything about Ottawa, since I didn't attend there.