Frequently asked questions

• What makes Ontario Tech's BScN program different than those offered at other post-secondary institutions?

  Here's what makes Ontario Tech's BScN program unique:

  • Small, interactive classes in a technology-enriched learning environment.
  • It is offered in collaboration with Durham College so all students remain in one location during all four years.
  • An on-campus 30 bed mini-hospital equipped with programmable mannequins that simulate human physiological functions such as healthy or diseased breathing, heart sounds and blood pressure. Students are able to assess the health status of their mannequin and discover if their assessment interpretations are correct; and administer medications including intravenously.
  • Information Communication and Technology (ICT) is a course offered in first year to guide you through technology used within our program. This course will assist you with researching and preparing references for essays and presentations, and teaches you how to use laptop software.
  • Laptop support staff available seven days a week in person or can be reached by phone when you need laptop assistance from home.
  • The Nursing program at Ontario Tech is a leader in technology-enabled teaching and learning methods.
  • Clinically experienced faculty.
  • Professors teach both classroom theory and applied clinical courses.
  • One-to-one supportive student-faculty relationships.
  • Peer mentors from upper-level Health Sciences students available to help ease the transition to university life.
  • Learning with an adult education focus.
  • A wide variety of hands-on experience including clinical placements in your first year.
• How large are my classes?

  Introductory classes can be as large as 250 students, but nursing clinical groups are much smaller, with group sizes of eight to 10. The class size in most nursing courses is 50 to 60 students. Small group discussions and seminars also take place with faculty members and clinical experts to discuss areas of interest. We're very proud of our close family-like atmosphere.

• What kinds of nursing skills will I learn in first year?

  You will learn a variety of nursing skills with a caring focus including:

  • critical-thinking skills
  • documentation
  • dressings changes
  • effective communication and interviewing skills
  • feeding clients
  • health assessment skills
  • hygiene and personal care for clients
  • maintaining intravenous therapy
  • mobility
  • urinary catheterization
• Will I have clinical experiences in my first year?

  Absolutely. You'll start clinical placement in January of your first year.

• Where would I go for my clinical experience?

  Ontario Tech has approximately 50 partner sites for clinical placements. They range from hospitals (such as maternity/obstetrics, medical surgery, psychiatry, oncology) to public-health and community-health centres.

  You will learn how to:

  • Assist and enhance patients' health.
  • Help people cope with the demands of illness, including changes in their families, community and society.

  During your final year in the Nursing program, we hope to provide you with a clinical internship, which can be done anywhere in Canada or even internationally.

• How do I get to my clinical sites?

  Arranging transportation to your placement is your responsibility. Some students drive separately, while others may find it convenient to carpool, walk or take the bus. Durham Region Transit provides bus services to most clinical locations.

• Is there a limit on enrolment?

  Yes. This program is competitive and we are looking for an annual enrolment of 160 first-year students.

• Are all classes in the daytime?

  There is a mixture of day and evening classes. The majority of classes are offered in the daytime.

• Can I study part-time?

  The basic baccalaureate program, like most programs at Ontario Tech, is full-time. Under certain circumstances, students may be able to study part-time. Please contact the academic advisor for further details. Those students who already have a degree may be eligible to carry a reduced course load.

• What kind of grades do I need to remain in the program?

  You must maintain a 60 per cent average in required Nursing courses, and an overall 60 per cent average. You cannot fail more than one clinical course, or the same clinical course twice.

• What other equipment will I need?

  Your books will cost about $1,200. After you arrive, you can look for used books advertised on student discussion boards. Other additional purchases for the Nursing program are approximately $200. This includes items such as a stethoscope, watch with a second hand, penlight and a uniform.

• I have completed a number of courses in another university Nursing program. Can I receive exemptions or advanced standing based on these courses?

  Exemptions for courses taken at another university are granted, provided that those courses are comparable to similar courses at Ontario Tech, that the courses are relevant to the program, and that the marks meet the required levels. Please contact admissions for more information.

• If I work and have a family, can I handle this program?

  There are students in the program with similar responsibilities. With careful time management, family and employer support, and necessary resources, these candidates have been able to meet the challenges of earning a Nursing degree.

• If I have been out of school for a number of years, can I succeed in this program?