Registered nurses choose many career directions, from making split-second decisions in the ER to preventing illness through community health promotion. Meet new challenges every day in this personally and financially rewarding profession.
NOTE: The final intake of the Brock-Loyalist collaborative program was Fall 2021. Loyalist College has launched a new Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that offers students the opportunity to obtain their certification without having to travel outside of the Bay of Quinte region.
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Find your career
Nurses provide care for patients in all conditions, at all stages of life – from prenatal health to palliative care – in diverse settings:
- In hospitals, specializing in surgical and postsurgical care; emergency; intensive care; care of the childbearing family and children; geriatrics; cardiovascular care; oncology (cancer); and mental health.
- In rehabilitation centres, hospices, doctors' offices, nursing homes, and community agencies providing home care.
- As educators in public health units, schools, Telehealth, workplace wellness programs, family planning and baby wellness clinics.
- In research and progressive leadership positions in health and government.
In Ontario, across Canada and abroad, there is a strong demand for registered nurses. Brock-Loyalist Nursing graduates are well prepared for future careers in health care:
- Graduates are eligible to write the registration examination and become registered members of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
- Registration in Ontario allows nurses to practise across Canada (except in Quebec) and in many states in the U.S.
Is it for you?
Nursing is a profession that’s both demanding and rewarding. It is well suited to people who are:
- Interested in medicine and health promotion.
- Driven to make a difference in people’s quality of care.
- Prepared to work evenings and weekends.
Experiential learning
The Brock-Loyalist collaborative nursing degree is recognized for hands-on learning and academic excellence with an innovative curriculum based on current standards and best practices:
- Spend the first two years at Loyalist and the final two years at Brock University to graduate with a B.Sc.N. awarded by Brock.
- Learn in small clinical groups with personal, continuous guidance from experienced faculty.
- Experience different hospital systems, community agencies and electronic documentation with clinical placements in two regions of Ontario.
- Your transition to Brock University is supported with a campus orientation, meetings with faculty and senior students, and access to housing assistance.
Loyalist is an international leader in the integration of human simulation technology. Intensive, hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art Human Simulation Lab begins in the first semester:
- Conduct real-life practice scenarios with high-fidelity human clinical simulators.
- Develop competence and confidence in a safe, realistic learning environment.
- Provide care for a virtual birthing mother and her newborn, with remotely controlled responses.
Clinical practice with community partners begins in the second semester:
- Complete a clinical placement two days a week in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community health-care agencies.
- The final semester of year four is a clinical, pre-graduate experience.
Outstanding faculty make the difference
- Teachers are registered nurses with extensive experience in hospital and community settings.
- Many faculty continue to work in their field, with up-to-the-minute knowledge of clinical practices.
- Learn with a human simulation specialist who has won an international award for her work in simulation training.
- First Year - Semester One
- ANAT1001 Anatomy & Physiology
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This course provides a detailed examination of the anatomy and physiology of the healthy human body as well as basic concepts of microbiology. This course is an applied science course which provides a basis for understanding disease processes and therapeutic approaches.
Co-requisite: COMM 1014, NURS 1000, NURS 1001
- NURS1000 Nursing Lab 1
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This course introduces the beginning nursing student to skills required for promoting health and preventing illness. It includes practice in communication skills, holistic client assessment, analysis of data, health promotion, teaching/learning techniques, and selected psychomotor skills to promote fulfilment of basic needs.
Co-requisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1001
- NURS1001 Nursing: The Canadian Context
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This course provides an introduction to the philosophical and theoretical concepts in nursing and health care. It includes history of nursing, nursing education and the Canadian health care system. Standards of nursing practice, the nursing process, principles of Primary Health Care (PHC), determinants of health and the role of nursing are discussed.
Co-requisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1000
- PSYC2004 Psychology
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This course is designed to promote familiarity with basic vocabulary, principles, and concepts of psychology. Areas of psychology include: research methods, sensation and perception, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation and emotion, thinking and language, attitude, health and personality.
- COMM1014 Self & Others
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This course provides the basic concepts and principles of intra and interpersonal communication. This course explores factors influencing the perception and interpretation of communication including the therapeutic use of self.
Co-requisite: ANAT 1001, NURS 1000, NURS 1001
- First Year - Semester Two
- NURS1004 Experiencing Illness and Hospitalization
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This course includes theory related to the experience of illness/hospitalization with focus on clients experiencing surgical intervention, including pathophysiology, therapeutic management of common health problems and nursing care using the nursing process within a framework of the principles of Primary Health Care. Trends in health care for surgical clients are explored, including movement to community and evidence-based practice.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1001, PSYC 2004, NURS 1000
Co-requisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
- NURS1003 Health Assessment
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This course is designed to provide the student with the cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills required to conduct a complete physical examination and health assessment of the client across the lifespan. Included are health history, physical examination, health promotion and clinical assessment. Conceptual themes include holistic health practices, health promotion, client participation, cultural and diversity factors, and developmental tasks.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1001, PSYC 2004, NURS 1000
Co-requisite: PHAR 1001
- NURS1005 Nursing Practice: Experiencing Illness and Hospitalization
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This course provides students with the opportunity to develop competency in basic nursing skills for clients experiencing a health concern that requires hospitalization. Practice settings include inpatient agencies, selected community experiences and the Human Simulation Laboratory.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1001, PSYC 2004, NURS 1000
Co-requisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
- NURS1006 Pathophysiology
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This course examines pathophysiological processes and their relationship to selected disease processes that impact human health and wellness.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1001, PSYC 2004, NURS 1000
Co-requisite: PHAR 1001
- PHAR1001 Pharmacology
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This course includes theory related to drug absorption and movement across body membranes, drug distribution, biotransformation and clearance. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics and nontherapeutic responses will be examined. Drug development, and Canadian legislation governing the control of drugs is included.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1001, COMM 1014, NURS 1001, PSYC 2004, NURS 1000
Co-requisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1006
- Second Year - Semester Three
- NURS2004 Care of the Acutely III Client
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This course focuses on caring for clients of all ages who are experiencing acute illnesses or acute episodes of chronic health challenges, using nursing processes within a framework of the principles of Primary Health Care.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2005
- PSYC1008 Lifespan Development
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Lifespan Development This course examines growth and development from infancy to old age with an emphasis on the changes that occur in relation to physical, psychological, social, cognitive, moral and spiritual factors. Principles and determinants of development, as well as application of developmental theories, are studied.
- NURS2001 Nursing Care of the Young Family
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Using Primary Health Care Principles, and a health promotion/health protection focus, students will identify and discuss the determinants of health which affect childbearing families.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2002
- NURS2002 Nursing Practice: Nursing Care of the Young Family
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This course provides practice experience related to care of the childbearing client and the childrearing family, and the well child. Practice settings may include inpatient hospital settings, simulation and virtual learning, community and global health agencies.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2001
- NURS2005 Nursing Practice: Care of the Acutely III Client
-
This course focuses on providing nursing care for clients of all ages who are receiving healthcare services from an acute care facility within the framework of the principles of Primary Health Care.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2004
- NURS2000 Self Perception and Interaction
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This course explores therapeutic use of self in relationship building. Focuses on stressful situations, advocacy, improvement and group development.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
- SOCI2003 Sociology
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An introductory course aimed at providing students with key sociological concepts in areas such as socialization, deviance, social stratification, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, health, and family. Students will be encouraged to present and discuss their views on various aspects of society, including how society impacts on various groups as well as themselves.
- Second Year - Semester Four
- NURS2004 Care of the Acutely III Client
-
This course focuses on caring for clients of all ages who are experiencing acute illnesses or acute episodes of chronic health challenges, using nursing processes within a framework of the principles of Primary Health Care.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2005
- NURS1002 Nursing & Health Promotion
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This course explores concepts of health, health promotion, health protection and illness prevention throughout the lifespan. The role of the nurse in encouraging positive health change in the areas of determinants of health is included.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1008, NURS 2000, SOCI 2003, NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NUTR 1000
- NURS2001 Nursing Care of the Young Family
-
Using Primary Health Care Principles, and a health promotion/health protection focus, students will identify and discuss the determinants of health which affect childbearing families.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2002
- NURS2002 Nursing Practice: Nursing Care of the Young Family
-
This course provides practice experience related to care of the childbearing client and the childrearing family, and the well child. Practice settings may include inpatient hospital settings, simulation and virtual learning, community and global health agencies.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2001
- NURS2005 Nursing Practice: Care of the Acutely III Client
-
This course focuses on providing nursing care for clients of all ages who are receiving healthcare services from an acute care facility within the framework of the principles of Primary Health Care.
Prerequisite: NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 2004
- NUTR1000 Nutrition
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This course provides an introduction to proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fuel in the production of energy for living. It includes the nutritional needs of specific client groups throughout the lifespan.
Prerequisite: NURS 2000, SOCI 2003, PSYC 1008, NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
Co-requisite: NURS 1002
- NURS2003 Understanding Nursing Research
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This course focuses on nursing research, its relevance to evidence based practice, both quantitative and qualitative methods, and the process of critiquing research. A brief discussion of basic statistics and their purpose is included.
Prerequisite: NURS 2000, SOCI 2003, PSYC 1008, NURS 1003, NURS 1004, NURS 1005, NURS 1006, PHAR 1001
*Courses subject to change.
What’s next?
Loyalist is committed to providing comprehensive learning opportunities for all stages of post-secondary education.
- Registered nurses with a B.Sc.N. can enrol in a Nurse Practitioner program and write a separate registration exam to become a Registered Nurse – Extended Class
- Graduates of the collaborative nursing degree are also eligible to pursue a graduate degree in Nursing or Education to develop skills that would lead to a career in nursing research, nursing education, or as a clinical nurse specialist
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs (2022 – 23)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Domestic Tuition: $5,951.54 (year two)
- Ancillary Fees* per year: $1,462
- Additional Program Costs: $829 (year one) and $700 (year two)
Travel expenses may be incurred during clinical placements.
*Please visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist College has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.
Admission requirements
NOTE: This program is available to domestic students only.
Required academic preparation
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent, with six Grade 12 courses at the (U) or (M) or OAC level at a minimum overall 75% average; AND
- A minimum of 75% in each of the four prerequisite courses: English (ENG4U), Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Mathematics (4U Math) or the equivalent OAC-level courses
OR
- Mature Applicants: Applicants who are 21 years old as of the first day of classes in the year of admission, who have been out of school for at least two years, and who do not have a secondary school diploma, may be considered for admission as a mature student. Mature applicants are required to have completed OAC or Grade 12 (U) or equivalent English, Biology, Chemistry and Math.
- Admission from Pre-Health: Applicants who have completed the Loyalist College Pre-Health Science Certificate, or an equivalent Pre-Health certificate from another college, and who have achieved an overall average of 75% or higher, and a minimum grade of 70% in all courses, will be eligible for admission consideration
- Admission from Practical Nursing: Applicants who have successfully completed an Ontario College Practical Nursing diploma program with a minimum overall average of 75% and a minimum grade of 70% in each course will be eligible for admission consideration. Course exemptions will be considered on an individual basis
Additional requirements
- An up-to-date immunization against certain communicable diseases is required as part of the registration process.
- Standard First Aid and CPR HCP certification must be valid for the duration of the program.
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Please review the College of Nurses of Ontario Requisite Skills and Abilities fact sheet found at cno.org and assess personal fit with the demands and expectations of nurses in Ontario
Note: Nursing is a high demand program; possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission
If you have previously attended Brock University…
Students on academic probation from another educational institution must declare that status as it may impact on progression to Brock University. Students are required to provide transcripts from all educational institutions they have attended as part of the admission process. Please refer to the Brock University policies for further clarification.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
Campus News
LOYALIST COLLEGE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING GRADUATE MAHOGANIE HIN...
Belleville, Ontario, June 14, 2021 – Loyalist College graduate Mahoganie Hines was recognized with the Registered Nurse Award at the Nursing Now Ontario Awards last month. The awards were hosted by... Read More
LOYALIST COLLEGE STUDENTS ADMINISTER COVID-19 VACCINES AT BELLEVILLE C...
Belleville, Ontario, May 13, 2021 – Loyalist College students began administering COVID-19 vaccines at the College’s Immunization Centre this week. Directed by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health... Read More
LOYALIST COLLEGE CONGRATULATES 2017 NURSING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Belleville, Ontario, December 14, 2017 – The recipient of the 2017 Brock University-Loyalist College Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Scholarship is Kadra Pond. The $5,000 scholarship is award... Read More
CANADA AND ONTARIO INVEST TO RENEW INFRASTRUCTURE AT LOYALIST COLLEGE
Canada and Ontario invest to renew infrastructure at Loyalist College, Belleville ON
$1.6M investment will expand research capacity and foster innovation
October 11, 2016 – Loyalist College – I... Read More
Loyalist College Announces Seven-Year Accreditation Status of the Broc...
Belleville, Ontario, March 12, 2015 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce that for the second consecutive time, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) Accreditation Bureau has awa... Read More
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