1. Why Nursing?
At McGill University, we believe that a degree in Nursing is like a passport - it opens doors and provides opportunities to men and women in countless ways. As core members of the health care team, nurses can work and study anywhere in the world - with people of all ages and nationalities - in all sorts of health and illness care settings - with every type of illness - with individuals, families, and communities - in clinical practice, research, administration, teaching, and much more.
2. Why Nursing at McGill University?
We offer a program that has been recognized for its excellence - having been accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, our program meets the most rigorous of national standards. Our programs offer students opportunities to study with leading researchers from around the world and enter clinical facilities that offer world-class health care - as a student at McGill University, you will see things that students in many other programs would not. If a student wants to learn something - we bend over backwards to make sure that learning objective is met. We are one of a few Nursing programs where first-year students have clinical studies in the community. Our students work with families from the beginning of their time with us; they have an exciting range of hospital and community clinical experiences; and can study abroad for a whole semester in their final year. Plus, the university itself offers an incredible learning experience in downtown Montréal.
3. Where can I work with a Nursing degree from McGill University?
Any where you want. Our graduates have obtained Registered Nursing Licensure in every province of Canada, many states in the United States, and around the globe. We make sure that our program provides the basis for entry-to-practice requirements around the world - any graduate that we know who has written licensing exams outside of Canada has succeeded. Whether you are looking to work locally, nationally, or internationally, our graduates can work in a range of settings. Many choose to start their career in traditional hospital settings - our most recent grads are even working in Emergency Room and Intensive Care Units. In the community, our graduates are working in such areas as home care, school health, mental health services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, factories and corporations, Telehealth, well-baby clinics, and more. We have graduates in the armed forces, working in prisons, hosting radio call-in shows, writing books, teaching, consulting, writing public policy, and the list goes on.
4. What are my chances of getting a job as a nurse?
Excellent. Our graduates usually have to decide between multiple job offers. Compared to other university graduates with a Bachelor degree, nursing grads are highly marketable in Québec, Canada, and the world.
5. I'm a good student and there are many opportunities - so why should I study nursing instead of another health profession?
If you are a good student then we hope you join us in any of our health professional programs at McGill University. The health care team works together to provide the best care for our patients. Nurses are key members of this team. Because we have a 24 hour presence in the hospital, we play a major role in assessing and monitoring patients during critical times. We help people learn to live with their illness or illnesses so that they achieve as high a quality of life as possible. People come to see nurses to help them cope with day-to-day demands in life such as childrearing, learning about the body, and dealing with relationships. People trust nurses and tell us things they may not tell others. Because nurses look at strengths as well as problems, we are generally quite effective in helping people achieve their health goals.
6. How will the restructuring of health services affect nursing jobs?
With all the changes in the health care system, nurses are more necessary than ever. Hospitals need highly educated health professionals to meet the increasingly complex illness situations that families are facing. As families learn to care for their individual members at home, they need skilled nurses to help them manage these situations. The shifting of health services into the community requires nurses who are versatile, can think on their feet, are good problem solvers, and are creative - our graduates meet these requirements. Though nurses are certainly involved when people become ill, nurses will also play an increasing role in promoting health, particularly in young families and with the elderly - McGill nurses do this.
7. What are the requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) program?
Someone with a science DEC applies to the 3 year BSc(N) program. Out-of-province and/or non-Canadian high school students enter a 4 year program (139 credits) - the first year is spent studying basic sciences. Mature students usually enter a 4 year program - individual advising is done to make sure past education is taken into account. Students already studying science at McGill or another university can transfer into the BSc(N). Students with a bachelor's degree can apply to the BSc(N) or our Direct Entry Master's program, depending on their GPA and other requirements. More details can be found at https://www.mcgill.ca/es/undergraduate-admission-guide-2016-17.
8. I am already in a Nursing program at another university - can I transfer to McGill University?
Certainly. Like any transfer student, your previous studies would be assessed to see if you meet our admission requirement. Any courses that have been taken that are determined to be equivalent will be credited toward the McGill University degree. A minimum of 60 credits must be taken at McGill University for us to grant a degree. While we often credit theory courses, we do not usually credit previous clinical nursing courses - this has to do with how we organize our clinical studies to meet entry-to- practice requirements and the goals of our curriculum.
9. What kind of studies can I do after my Bachelor degree?
Many Nurses with a Baccalaureate degree go on to Masters level studies - at McGill University, we offer Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner programs at the masters level. Many nurses are deciding to get a PhD in Nursing - once that is completed, you can even go on to do postdoctoral work. Some of our students fast-track from the Masters to the PhD program.
10. What courses would I study at McGill - are they easy or difficult?
Students take a variety of courses within the biological, social, and nursing sciences - the McGill University calendar lists the various courses in our program as well at their descriptions. Most students tell us our program is “difficult but manageable” - our most recent graduates have written comments like “I had to work really hard and at times wondered if I could do it - now that I am finished, I am so proud of what I have done!”; “I didn't come to McGill University because I thought it would be easy - I came because I wanted a challenge and I knew I could do it.” As with any program, some students find certain things easier or more difficulty - the Ingram School of Nursing and the University offer students as much support as possible to help with any difficulties.
11. What are the class sizes like?
The class size in most nursing courses is 70 - 100. Larger class sizes can be expected when taking such courses as Physiology, Biology, and Pharmacology - even though these courses have larger numbers, our Nursing students generally like meeting students in other fields. Small group discussions and seminars take place with Nursing faculty and clinical experts. During hospital studies students are in small groups of 8-10 students so that they get more individualized attention.
12. Can I study part-time?
The BSc(N) program, like most professional programs at McGill and other universities, is full-time. Under certain circumstances, students may be able to study part-time. Students who already have a degree may carry a reduced course load. BN (nurse) students and students in the Masters (post-RN) and PhD programs may study part-time. It is important to check with funding agencies as some require full-time studies. Most awards require that students be studying full-time.
13. Where would I go for my clinical experience?
Students study in the network of McGill teaching hospitals as well as at local community health centers. They visit families in their own homes and go to schools and community agencies. In the final year of the BSc(N) program, students have a clinical internship which can be done nationally or internationally.
14. Why get a degree in Nursing rather than a CEGEP diploma?
There are more and more requirements for higher education in all health care fields - Nursing is no different. A degree enables the graduate to access a wider range of jobs as well as continued education opportunities at the Masters, Nurse Practitioner, and PhD levels. Many provinces and countries are requiring a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing for entry into practice. We have tried to keep all doors open for education in Nursing at McGill. Our BSc(N) meets the needs of students with a DEC in science while our Bachelor of Nursing Integrated Program (BN) has been developed for people who have a DEC in Nursing from CEGEP.
15. English is not my first language - will this be a problem?
The language of instruction for most courses at McGill University is English; however, if French is your first language, you may make arrangements to write term papers and examinations in French. Being bilingual is particularly beneficial during clinical studies. Some applicants must demonstrate proof of proficiency in English - TOEFL scores for nursing admission and more specific details are found here.
Any student who has been admitted to our programs and who feels language barriers may pose a challenge - particularly in the first year of studies - should ask to meet with an advisor to discuss their situation.
16. What lab facilities are available for nursing students?
Our brand new Ingram School of Nursing Learning Laboratories built in 2017 provide students with a wide range of learning resources to develop clinical assessment and technical skills. Lifelike mannequins and standardized patients help students and graduates learn about critical health care issues in an environment where mistakes can happen without harming anyone. Students taking freshman sciences such as chemistry and physics have access to our state-of-the-art labs.
17. I need to get CEGEP or university level courses such as functions (pre-calculus), calculus, general biology, chemistry, and physics. Where can I take these and how do I know they are what McGill University wants?
Mature students need to take a minimum of three science courses including one in functions (pre-calculus) (calculus is preferred), and at least two semesters of general biology, chemistry or physics (all with labs) all taken within the last 5 – 7 years. Students with previous university studies need a minimum of four science courses: two of calculus plus two of biology, chemistry and/or physics. These courses, which are equivalent to U0 science courses at McGill (see below) or the CEGEP health sciences courses (see below), can be taken at CEGEP or at universities that offer 'freshman' (or entry level) science courses. Note that the minimum number of courses must be completed to apply however, all the science courses listed below must be completed with the exception for those who already have a degree in that one or more of the courses may be exempted if credit and exemption is awarded for courses which are part of the 106-credit B.Sc.(N.) program. This exception applies particularly to the Physiology and Pharmacology courses.
The complete list of CEGEP science courses includes:
Biology - NYA, General Biology II (00UK, 00XU)
Chemistry - NYA, NYB, Organic Chemistry I (00UL, 00UM, 00XV)
Mathematics - NYA, NYB (00UN, 00UP)
Physics - NYA, NYB, NYC (00UR, 00US, 00UT)
The complete list of U0 sciences includes:
Biology - BIOL 111 and 112
Chemistry - CHEM 110, 120; Organic Chemistry 212
Calculus - Math 139 or 140, 141
Physics - PHYS 101 and 102
University course equivalencies are found in alphabetical order at https://www.mcgill.ca/mathscitable/
18. If I don't have French, can I practice as a nurse in Quebec?
Quebec law requires that candidates seeking admission to provincially-recognized professional corporations must possess a working knowledge of the French language, that is, be able to communicate verbally and in writing in that language.
To demonstrate this capability, candidates will be required to pass an examination set by the Office de la langue française, unless they can show that three years of full-time instruction in a French post-primary school have been completed. Candidates who have completed their secondary education in Quebec in 1986 or later and have received their certificate from secondary school are exempt from writing the examination. The professional corporation will require this certificate, proof of attendance or of successful completion of the Office examination. The examination may be attempted by registered students during the two years prior to the date they receive a degree giving access to a professional corporation.
Graduates from McGill University School of Nursing who wish to practice elsewhere in Canada or in other countries are not required to meet the above language requirements.
19. How much does it cost to study Nursing in the BSc(N) program?
Tuition for Nursing students is relatively similar to fees in other science programs with the additional costs of laboratory equipment (e.g., stethoscope, physical assessment equipment) and uniforms.
To view fee information by academic year, student type and degree, click here.