The Equitable Access to Graduate Nursing Education Pathway is an equity-focused initiative designed to increase access, representation, and success of students who are underrepresented and/or identify as members of historically excluded groups in graduate nursing programs.
This pathway reflects the School’s commitment to equity, anti-racism, and social accountability, and aligns with broader institutional efforts to address systemic barriers in higher education, including McGill University's Equity, Diversion & Inclusion Strategic Plan and the Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism. Like other equitable admission initiatives in Canada, it recognizes that students’ opportunities and access to graduate studies are shaped by diverse lived experiences, including systemic inequities and structural barriers. The pathway seeks to dismantle barriers across the full student journey, from recruitment and admissions to student experience and transition into professional practice.
The pathway marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to enhance equitable access to graduate nursing education. As the initiative grows, it will continue to evolve in response to the needs of diverse and historically excluded communities. The first phase of implementation includes a dedicated pathway for Black students.
Equitable Access for Black Students Pathway
Grounded in extensive consultation with Black students, alumnae, clinicians, and community partners, this initiative responds to the persistent underrepresentation of Black nurses in graduate education and leadership roles, and to the documented impact of anti-Black racism within educational and healthcare systems.
It aims to:
-
Increase applications and admissions of Black students to Masters in nursing programs
-
Ensure admissions processes are equitable, inclusive, and transparent
-
Provide tailored academic, social, and professional support throughout training
-
Support successful transition into leadership and advanced practice roles
How the Equitable Access for Black Students Pathway Works
The equitable access for Black students pathway is optional, designed to provide access to supportive resources for Masters in nursing applicants and students who identify as Black.
Through this pathway:
- Applicants are considered within the regular admissions criteria, while also being reviewed through an equity-informed lens
- Applications are assessed using a holistic approach that considers academic achievement, professional experience, and lived experience in context
- Applicants are invited to provide a personal statement to contextualize their trajectory, experiences, and strengths
- The admissions process includes trained reviewers and representation aligned with principles of equity and anti-racist admission practices
Participation in the pathway is voluntary and confidential. Applicants remain eligible for admission through the general admissions process.
What the Equitable Access for Black Students Pathway is Not
- It is not a quota system and does not allocate a fixed number of designated “seats”
- It does not lower academic standards or admission requirements
- It is not a separate program; students admitted through the pathway are fully part of their graduate program
- It does not disadvantage applicants who choose not to participate
Rather, the pathway is designed so that all applicants are reviewed in a way that reflects their full potential.
How Can I Join the Pathway?
Applicants who wish to be considered for the Equitable Access for Black Students Pathway must:
- Indicate their interest during the application process by responding to a question included in the program's application questions
- Complete all standard admission requirements for the program
As a student, what will it mean for me to be part of this pathway?
Students who are admitted through or participate in the pathway will have access to a range of targeted supports and opportunities, including:
- Application support and guidance (pre-admission and onboarding)
- Lists of funding opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries
- Guided orientation to university, faculty, and school-specific resources
- Connection to a community of students, including social and networking opportunities
- Structured peer and faculty mentorship throughout the program
- Academic supports, including transition-to-graduate-studies resources
- Wellness and culturally relevant support services
- Career mentorship and professional networking, including support for transition into practice and leadership roles
These supports are designed to ensure that students are fully supported to succeed, belong, and advance throughout their graduate education and into their careers.
Where can I get more information on the pathway?
Prospective students and applicants who would like more information on the Equitable Access Pathway are encouraged to:
- Attend program specific information sessions and recruitment events
- Connect with our irene.sarasua [at] mcgill.ca (subject: re%3A%20Equitable%20Access%20Pathway) (team )for individual guidance and questions
Additional details on program eligibility and application requirements are available through our websites and admissions materials.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities | Addressing Anti-Black Racism - McGill University
Funding | Ingram School of Nursing - McGill University
Additional Resources
Students | Addressing Anti-Black Racism - McGill University