Who can apply?
This program is open to graduates of the 180 A.0 Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) in Nursing from CEGEP, obtained within the past five (5) years. The admission requirements are identical to our on-campus BNI stream. You must complete your application process by the March 1st deadline.
If I do the program full-time, how many years will it take to complete?
If you are enrolled full-time, you can complete the program in two years, which includes a 7-week summer session between the first and second year.
Will I be able to do the program part-time?
You can study part-time over three years. All students studying on a part-time basis must follow the course of study as indicated on the course of study website
How many credits will I need to complete in order to graduate from the BNI Online?
Like the BNI on-campus, the BNI Online consists of 92 credits. Students receive 27 credits from advanced standing from their 180.A0 DEC in Nursing and are admitted to McGill at the U2 (year 2 of studies) level. The university segment of the program consists of 65 credits that include nursing courses, allied health science courses, electives, and clinical courses. The four IPEA courses offered as online workshops do not carry credits but are mandatory for graduation from the program.
Do I need to be licensed to enter the university segment of the program?
A nursing license is not a requirement for entry. However, students must pass the OIIQ examination in the first two semesters of the program to be able to take their clinical courses.
I do not yet have my OIIQ license but I have my CEPI license – can I do clinical studies?
Yes, students may start the program without a full OIIQ license. Students who have a CEPI status will be allowed in clinical studies under a special agreement that the School maintains with the OIIQ (known as the Entente). Students must write their OIIQ exam at the next sitting. Students with a CEPI license must let the Clinical Partnerships Office and their Program Directors know.
I do not yet have my full OIIQ license because I need to pass the Office de la langue française exam (OQLF) – can I do clinical studies?
Yes, students who have passed the OIIQ exam but are still waiting to pass the OQLF exam are allowed in clinical settings. Instructions on the documents that need to be provided in this case are available on the Clinical Requirements website.
Can you explain the online Course of Study and how courses will be delivered (asynchronous/synchronous)?
The BNI Online is an integrated stream with three course types. The courses are organized in a structured way, where courses taken in a semester have related content. Content that is seen as theory in one course may be practised and examined through a clinical scenario in another course to allow for integration and a deep understanding of the material. Courses in the first semester serve as building blocks to courses in the second semester, and so on.
There are also 4 mandatory {non-credited} interprofessional education activities (IPEA) in the undergraduate programs. These activities are offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Interprofessional Education office. BNI students—many of whom are working nurses—have a unique opportunity to be leaders in these interprofessional education courses. While learning about and practicing your own leadership and team management competencies, the expertise that you bring to these activities can be very helpful to the learners in other programs who have less practical experience, particularly when it comes to working within a multidisciplinary team.
Will graduates of the BNI Online stream be able to pursue graduate studies?
Yes! The Online stream maintains the same quality of teaching and program rigour as the On Campus stream, with identical paths open to graduates of both streams.
I am not enrolled in the BNI Online stream; however, I'm a student in Nursing at McGill. Can I take occasional online courses if they are the same courses as offered on campus?
Since we have limited seats for the online courses, these are reserved for students enrolled in the BNI Online. However, certain online electives may be open to all ISoN students.
I enrolled in the On-campus stream, and I want to switch to the Online stream instead OR I enrolled in the Online stream and I want to switch to the On-campus stream. Are switches between modalities allowed?
Switches may be allowed at the discretion of the Program Director/Assistant Program Director and based on the following considerations:
-
There are seats available in the desired stream
-
There are sufficient teaching resources in the desired stream
-
The switch is requested before the add/drop date of the second (Winter) semester of the program
Please note that if requested, a switch is not guaranteed, as it is subject to seat, space, and teaching resource limitations. The needs of the student and the reason for switching will be assessed. If all requests are deemed equal, switches will be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is the BNI Online stream bilingual?
The BNI Online is designed for learners who are fluent in either official language (English or French) and have at least some proficiency in the other language. This stream offers an excellent opportunity for learners who are stronger in one language to improve their fluency in the other one. Online materials are translated into French wherever possible.
For example:
-
Most textbooks and scientific articles are available English. When French versions are available, they are referenced.
-
All videos are in English with English closed captions; transcripts of the videos are available in French.
-
Students are invited to post in discussion areas in the official language of their choice. However, these posts will not be translated.
-
While the language of instruction at McGill is English, you are welcome to submit assignments and answer exam questions in French.
-
Note that the exam questions are delivered in English. Students are allowed to use translation tools and answer the exams in French.
-
All PowerPoint presentations are available in both languages.
What are the technical requirements for students enrolled in the BNI Online?
You are required to have access to a computer that runs the latest up to date Windows or the latest Mac OSX software, high speed internet, headphones, a microphone, and a webcam. Other requirements include a web browser, Microsoft Office applications, and Zoom. Some courses such as NUR1 338 and 339 will have additional software requirements for specific applications.
What should I consider when enrolling in the Online BNI?
Starting an online degree can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you developed learning skills in a traditional classroom. Navigating and succeeding in an online program delivery will require some adjustments to your study habits and the ability to adapt to new technologies. While the program has a high level of built-in flexibility, this varies depending on the specific course. For example, with the exception of clinical courses, all courses require group work where you will meet other students remotely to work on course objectives. This group work is a mandatory part of many courses and needs to be programmed into your study time throughout the semester. These constraints make the program a demanding and rigorous one. We offer many resources to help you succeed, which will be provided at orientation, and we encourage you to take advantage of these resources and connect with your professors as needed.
Which CEGEPs are part of the McGill Anglophone CEGEPs Consortium?
The McGill- Anglophone CEGEPs Consortium is a partnership between McGill University and six Anglophone CEGEPs in Quebec; Dawson College, John Abbott College, Vanier College, Champlain-St. Lambert, Champlain-Lennoxville, and Heritage College in Hull. It is one of 9 Consortia that have been formed between Universities and Colleges in the Province.
How does the Consortium work?
The colleges and McGill worked together to develop an integrated and streamlined curriculum. The colleges provide the foundation necessary for university studies and the university builds on this base.
If I withdraw from the BNI Online program, could I re-enter at a later date? How long could I be out and come back to the program?
You may apply to university within 5 years of graduating from CEGEP. Graduates who are out for more than 5 years will not be eligible for admission.
Are there any specialities in the program?
Specialization occurs at the Master’s level. BNI graduates will have the competencies to work in both acute / critical care areas and community settings.
Are there differences in job opportunities, responsibilities and salaries between nurses with a DEC and a Baccalaureate degree?
Yes! When the Integrated Nursing Program was mandated by the government, a group of experts from the universities, colleges, the Ministry of Education, the OIIQ, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services defined the type of jobs that would be available to nurses with a DEC and to those with a Baccalaureate.
The curriculum prepares graduates to work in any clinical setting and to pursue graduate studies. As a nurse with a Baccalaureate, you will be able to practice in any setting that requires a Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's degree is a stepping-stone to graduate education, which opens the door to greater opportunities and upward mobility. As most jurisdictions within and outside of Canada require baccalaureate qualifications, you will have the ability to practice elsewhere should you choose to do so.