The York University School of Nursing graduates nurses with the potential to become leaders who are inspired to discover, and be engaged in life-long learning. The program uses transformative teaching/learning strategies that blend theory and practice to develop intentional, reflective and socially responsive practitioners to ensure health for all through nursing excellence. Interprofessional thinking and collaboration are integrated throughout the program, culminating in a nursing capstone course which aligns with a final practicum experience. Students learn to partner, advocate and lead in the provision of care though opportunities that foster in-depth knowledge, critical thinking, lifelong scholarship, and professional development.

All undergraduate nursing programs – 4-Year Direct Entry, 2nd Degree and Post-RN Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) – are approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario enabling graduates to write the registration exam approved by the College’s Council.

Offers of admission for Nursing will begin after the deadline (February 1) has passed. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

The School of Nursing will launch optional BScN undergraduate streams covering topics in areas including leadership and elder care, mental health, and acute/critical care in the 4-Year Direct Entry and 2nd Entry Programs.

Graduates receive a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree and will be eligible to write the registration exam approved by the College’s Council (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario). Graduates must meet essential professional practice requisite skills and abilities (e.g., cognitive, communicative, communication, interpersonal, behavioural, psycho-motor, sensory and environmental capacities) and specific College requirements to become members who can practice with the title “Registered Nurse”. Transfer students from other nursing programs are not accepted into the undergraduate nursing programs.

York 4-Year Direct Entry Nursing Program

The School of Nursing’s stand-alone 4-Year Direct Entry Program offers all four years at York’s Keele campus and is designed for students who have no previous nursing education. The 4-Year Direct Entry Program is a 4-year full-time program (there is no part-time option). Students complete the program in four calendar years and celebrate their achievement at the Spring convocation ceremony.

To be eligible for admission to this program:

• Make sure you meet our admission requirements.
• Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
• Submit all supporting documentation and language proficiency test results (if required) to York's Office of Admissions.
• If you are a current York student wishing to transfer to the Direct Entry Nursing (BScN) program, please submit a Program Request Change by the deadline.

Opportunities for students

York’s Nursing programs use transformative teaching/learning strategies that blend theory and practice (Nursing Simulation Centre, Computer-Based Clinical Simulations, and in-person clinical placement) to develop intentional, reflective and socially responsive practitioners to ensure health for all through nursing excellence. Interprofessional thinking and collaboration are integrated throughout the program, culminating in a final practicum experience. Students learn to partner, advocate and lead in the provision of care through opportunities that foster in-depth knowledge, critical thinking, lifelong scholarship, and ongoing professional development.

Careers in Nursing

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Nursing degree than others.

• Acute Care Nurse
• Case Manager
• Child Care Specialist
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Community Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Family Nurse
• Fly-in Nurse
• Fundraiser
• Gerontologist
• Health Care Consultant
• Home Care Nurse
• Hospital Administrator
• Hospital Nurse
• International Aid Worker
• Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner
• Medical Writer
• Mental Health Nurse

• Non-Profit Organization Worker
• Nurse Practitioner
• Oncology Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Pharmaceutical Representative
• Pharmacist
• Physician
• Private Clinic Administrator
• Private Nurse
• Public Policy Advisor
• Registered Nurse
• Researcher
• Retirement Residence Director
• Social Worker
• Toxicologist
• Weight Loss Counsellor