Requirements to re-locate to B.C.?

[curiousone84]

I'm currently awaiting acceptance letters from two different schools I applied in the U.S. I currently have a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. There's a program in my state that allows one to do an accelerated program to become a nurse (with a strict requirement of a bachelor degree in a different major). School 1 offers an associate degree for 10 months of intense training (no days off at all) and School 2 offers a bachelor's degree to be completed in 1.5 years (very limited days off). I want to attend School 2, but in case I don't get accepted and get accepted into School 1....both schools offer program for an additional year to upgrade from an associate's degree RN to a bachelor's degree RN. Anyway, my question is this? I'm trying to re-locate to the Surrey area to be with my future husband (yes he's a Canadian citizen....yes I am American). Will I be able to work as a RN in British Columbia after I take the Canadian nursing exam and pass with just an associate degree in nursing? Or do I or should I have to upgrade to a bachelor's in nursing for all my cousework to transfer? My fiance is arguing with me that I shouldn't need to get two bachelor of science degrees.......because my University will be awarding me a Bachelor of Science in Nursing if I go all the way....and I currently have a Bachelor of Science in Biology. My diploma only states "Bachelor of Science"...he feels that they are the same thing. I tried to tell him that they are two different things even though they both state Bachelor of Science, but he doesn't understand. He's even confused me now...I thought Canadian nursing program is almost equivalent to a 4-year nursing program in the States. He also mentioned that his ex-wife only went to nursing school for 2 years several years ago and is now a highly paid nurse making $80,000 a year. So, will someone please tell me if I need a 2 year degree or 4 year degree? I don't want to waste extra time and money if I don't have to....especially since School 1 is a private, Catholic school and very expensive (twice the cost of School 2).

Sincerely,

Bride to Be

[Fiona59]

Each application is reviewed individually. So only the provincial College can have the final word.

Your future husband knows very little about nursing. The two year diploma nurse is an extinct animal up here. I don't think BC had graduated one in a long time.

The BSc and BScN is a totally different animal. The BScN involves a lot of upper level nursing courses that are used in management postitions and enable the holder to advance along in their career. Some provinces require it for even considering an RN for a public health position.

[curiousone84]

Thank you! I just wanted to be re-assured that I was making the right move by going for a bachelor of science in nursing. My future husband is just a little impatient. He just wants me to move to Canada as soon as possible, but I told him that I wanted to finish school in the states since it's overall going to be shorter for me than trying to do the same program in Canada, which would take longer due to trying to transfer credits and courses.

[5cats]

I actually would contact the college in BC to make sure that your accelerated program is accepted, because I'm not sure if it is, so you won't waste money.

good luck

5cats

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Here is where you can find out more information for nurses educated outside of Canada. It is possible that the program offered at School A will in fact meet BC's entry-to-practice requirements given that you already have a baccalaureate degree in biology. It would be easiest to contact CRNBC and ask them.

http://www.crnbc.ca/downloads/468.pdf

[Blakpepa]

In order to be eligible to write the Canadian RN exam, you need to have a minimum bachelor degree. Since your just gonna be in Surrey, you could always commute and work in Blaine or Bellingham, it's just a few minutes away. If I were in your shoes, I would take the associates degree, commute to work across the border and let my employer pay for me to get my bachelors in nursing. After you get your BSN and experience, write the Canadian RN exam and apply for licensure in BC.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Blaine is about 1/2 an hour and Bellingham about 50 minutes from Surrey, NOT including the time lined up at Customs on either end. The Port of Douglas is one of the busiest in Canada, processing more than 2 million vehicles and 3 million people per year. (It's also the West Coast's busiest illicit drug trade corridor into and out of Canada...) They will be dedicating 2 of 10 lanes to NEXUS holders in the near future. The Port on the Pacific Highway is almost as busy but much smaller. If you decide to follow Blakpepa's advice you'll need to take that into consideration.