About the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program
Vancouver Island University has made the decision to cancel the May 2026 intake of the Practical Nursing (PN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Bridge-in Program (Option C) program at the tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus. Questions regarding this change may be directed to HSHSDean@viu.ca.
Want to become a Registered Nurse? Graduates of the VIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program are ready to provide safe, ethical and person-centred care. In this program, you will use research and evidence to guide your nursing practice, support fair access to healthcare and work in complex healthcare systems. You will also be prepared to take on leadership roles and care for people from many different backgrounds and communities.
The program
The BSN program is a full-time 4-year program offered through the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University and explores concepts such as:
- leadership
- advocacy
- professional practice
- nursing knowledge
- diversity and cultural safety, including indigenous health perspectives
- relational practice
- health and healing
- research and inquiry
- critical thinking
- ethics
- community and global health
Students and instructors in this program work together in meaningful ways that support learning, professional growth and student success. This happens in the classroom, simulation lab and practicum placements.
The BSN program has eight semesters and takes four years to complete. In each semester, you build your knowledge, skills and professional responsibility. This gradual increase helps prepare you for your future role as a Registered Nurse and supports you in meeting the Entry-Level Competencies for newly graduated RNs set by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.
Classes have between 36 and 75 students. Most theory courses are held in person in classrooms at the Nanaimo Campus or offered in a blended online format. Practice placements can be located anywhere from Duncan to Qualicum Beach, so having reliable transportation that can get you to placements as early as 6 am or as late as 10 pm is a must!
In the first year of the program, you will practice in different settings, such as community groups with older adults and long-term care facilities.
In the second year, you will have several practice experiences in a wide range of settings, including:
- intermediate care facilities
- extended care facilities
- community settings
- hospital units
- outpatient clinics
In the third and fourth years, you will focus more on community and population health. You will build advanced nursing knowledge, research skills and leadership skills. You will also care for clients with more complex health needs.
In the final semester of the program, you will be paired with a nurse “preceptor” who will guide you through your final practicum experience.
What you learn in the BSN program:
When you successfully complete the BSN program, you will be able to:
- Engage in the profession and discipline of nursing by using a foundation of caring, health and healing.
- Apply the art and science of nursing within a variety of contexts and diverse populations.
- Provide safe, competent, compassionate, accountable and ethical nursing care in all contexts and environments.
- Make safe and competent nursing decisions based on:
- knowledge
- evidence
- relationships and responsibilities
- person-centered care
- Lead professional nursing practice and influence health care at all levels including:
- economic
- technological
- political
- social
- environmental
- professional level
- Implement changes that benefit the needs of individuals, families and populations.
- Advocate for changes to address issues of social justice, health equity and other disparities.
- Be a self-directed, inquiry focused, critically reflective and collaborative practitioner dedicated to self-regulation and lifelong learning.
- Be a flexible, adaptable, educated citizen and leader