BScN nursing student in navy blue scrubs checking the breathing tube on a human patient simulator in the nursing lab at the Barrie Campus

Start your health-care career with a nursing degree

Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing Honours Bachelor Degree program

Central Ontario’s first four-year nursing degree. Study close to home and benefit from more industry connections, hands-on practise, and one-on-one training with small class sizes taught by expert faculty who care.

Starting in 2023-24, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides financial assistance to students in the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing and Practical Nursing programs at the Owen Sound Campus.
Program code HBSN
Duration 4 years
Credential Honours Bachelor Degree
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

This program prepares graduates for a life-long career as a Registered Nurse. Grounded in a vibrant urban and rural community, faculty work collaboratively with practice partners to provide diverse experiences for students to learn about the complexity of nursing in a modern healthcare environment. The role of nurses as leaders in healthcare delivery is taught from a practice-based framework where real life experiences are a focus of teaching and learning. Faculty and preceptors actively work with students to create opportunities for scholarship and professional growth which support the development of nurses who can serve as leaders and advocates for person-centered care.  

Your Honours BScN nursing degree from Georgian will open doors to careers in hospitals, long-term care, clinics or community health services. This community-based program reflects the specific health needs of local populations, including the elderly, Indigenous and Francophone peoples, as well as those with mental health challenges.

This program has been approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a full-time, direct-entry program for individuals with no previous nursing knowledge. Those with previous nursing credentials should check out Georgian’s Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing RPN to BScN Advanced Standing Pathway (Bridge) program.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Barrie, Owen Sound

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

  • This program includes a clinical placement component where you’ll get clinical experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional.
  • Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

What are the admission requirements for the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing program?

Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent with six Grade 12 U or U/M credits including:

  • Grade 12 (U) English
  • Grade 12 (U) Biology
  • Grade 12 (U) Chemistry OR Grade 12 (U) Physics
  • Grade 12 (U) Mathematics
  • 2 credits at the Grade 12 U or M level

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older) are considered for admission by meeting the four (4) course requirements listed above. 

Completion of the HSBN (Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing) Admissions Form, disclosing all previous and current enrolment at postsecondary institutions is required. (Note: withholding information can result in offers being rescinded or you being withdrawn from the program)

Language Proficiency Requirement

The Georgian College Nursing Program (Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing) has received preliminary approval by the College of Nurses of Ontario (www.cno.org). Graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse in Ontario..

The English proficiency requirement can be met through:

• Language proficiency test results that meet the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Language Proficiency Requirements, further information can be found on their website at: https://www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/registration-requirements/language-proficiency/; or

• Graduation from high school in Canada with four consecutive, first language English courses or credits; or

•  An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English

For further information, refer to Georgian’s English Language Proficiency policy at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/international/admissions/#english-language-proficiency.

Selection Process

Applicants may be ranked based on academic grades. A minimum grade of 70% in each of the four (4) courses is required. An overall minimum GPA of 75% is required for all applicants.

Applicants must have no unfavourable academic performance (achievements less than 60%) in the last two years.

Applicants must have met the science and math requirements within the last five years. 

College/University Transfer Applicants may not have any nursing degree courses with less that 60% in the last two years.

College/university transfer applicants are those who have completed postsecondary education at an accredited or recognized public or private institution and are able to demonstrate potential for success in degree studies through academic accomplishments.

HBSN applicants from the Pre-health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (PHPA) program (available from Georgian College) are considered for admission and are required to complete all courses in the program prior to the start of classes.

Additional information

Placement Requirements:

In order to provide quality practicum placements, students are placed in a variety of agencies in the region serviced by the campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation to practicum placements. Placements may be 6, 8, 10- or 12-hour days and may also include holidays, weekends, nights and evenings starting as early as 0600.

Many programs have immunization, criminal reference checks or other requirements that need to be met prior to placements starting and/or the first day of class. Please review your program outline for specific information. Placement forms may be posted at Georgian College Placement Office website

You are responsible for meeting these requirements. To be eligible for all practicum placements, students must have a completed Clinical Preparedness Permit (see BScN Clinical Preparedness Permit forms) which includes: 

  • a current Cardiac Life Support Certificate for Health Care Providers renewed annually and Standard First Aid (only on admission). On-line courses are not acceptable. It is the student’s responsibility to renew CPR certification every year throughout the Nursing Program;
  • a completed and current immunization form in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act;
  • a record of mask fit test, renewed every two years;
  • WHMIS Training.

Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check:

Students in the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing Program are required by host agencies to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service before they are permitted to start their clinical/practicum or work placement. Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not yet pardoned, will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical/practicum or work placement. A student with an outstanding charge or who has been convicted of a criminal offence and has not obtained a full pardon will be counselled to withdraw from the program as a successful practicum placement is a requirement to progress through the program.

Obtaining the Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check usually requires a processing time of up to 12 weeks and can vary between Police jurisdictions. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. Checks conducted earlier than six months may not be considered current. Please ensure these requirements are fully met prior to the placement start date. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed documents prior to placement start at the designated check time and format as set by the college. Contact the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing program coordinator on your program’s webpage if you have further questions.

The costs associated with the provision of the Vulnerable Sector Police Record check and/or pardon are to be borne by the student. The college assumes no responsibility for these matters.

Additional Applicant Information:

Candidates for professional nursing registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario must be graduates of an approved Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Upon successful completion of the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing program, candidates must write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) to work as Registered Nurses.

This college has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting October 4, 2021. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Non-core courses are required in all degree programs to meet the Ministry of Colleges and Universities benchmark for depth and breadth in degree-level learning. These courses are designed to give students the tools to develop interdisciplinary perspectives that inform their approach to their own discipline, their continued education and their life outside work.

Students are required to take: at least one first year interdisciplinary course (INTS1xxx); two introductory courses in their choice of disciplines outside their main field of study, which may include psychology (PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1001), social science (SOCI 1000), humanities (HUMA 1012), or science (SCEN 1000); one advanced course in a discipline (ex. PSYC3xxx, SOSC3xxx, HUMA3xxx), and; one upper level interdisciplinary course (INTS4xxx). These courses and any remaining non-core course requirements to be selected from the program list.

Information about placement requirements

To help you navigate the requirements to complete the clinical placement component(s) of this program (e.g. immunization, First Aid and CPR, criminal record screening and other non-academic requirements), please review the details below.

For more information about placements, visit the Placement Offices webpage.

Placement requirementsGeorgian College Chevron

In order to provide quality practicum placements (“Placements”), students are placed in a variety of agencies, largely in the region serviced by the campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation to Placements. Placements may vary in length (e.g. six to 12 hour days) and may include weekends and evenings, with varying start and end times (e.g. day, afternoon, overnight).

Many programs, including Health and Wellness, have immunization, First Aid and CPR, criminal record screening and  other non-academic requirements that need to be met prior to Placements starting. You are responsible for carefully reviewing and meeting these requirements. The failure to meet them may mean that the host agency may refuse to accept you for a Placement or, if you have started one, that you may be prevented from continuing. The result may be that you cannot complete your program. Program-specific requirements can be found on page 2 of the Clinical Preparedness Permit specific to your program.

You are responsible for meeting all immunization, criminal screening and other requirements by the deadline provided by your program and before you start your Placement.

Notes regarding the Criminal Record Check (“CRC”) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS)

Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not yet pardoned or who have adverse entries on their CRC or VSS will be prohibited from proceeding to a Placement. Such a student will normally be counselled to withdraw from the program because the successful completion of a Placement is a program requirement.

Obtaining the CRC and VSS usually requires a processing time of up to 12 weeks and can vary between police jurisdictions. As some jurisdictions require longer lead time for processing, ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. Record checks and screenings conducted earlier than six months may not be considered current and not be acceptable. Refer to your Clinical Preparedness Permit for information regarding this. A host agency may refuse a Placement if the CRC or VSS is not satisfactory to it. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the necessary completed documents prior to the start of a Placement at the designated check time, and in the format set by Georgian College and stated in the Clinical Preparedness Permit Information Package. More information can be found on the Placement Offices webpage.

The costs associated with the provision of the CRC and VSS, anything related to them (including, if applicable, obtaining a pardon), and meeting any immunization and other Placement requirements, are to be borne by the student. The non-academic requirements of clinical agencies as described in the Clinical Preparedness Permit are subject to change at any time and host agencies may accept or decline students for any reason at their discretion. Georgian College  is not responsible for any of the costs associated with the foregoing, nor for the consequences of failing to comply with, any of the requirements set out above.  

Why study Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing at Georgian?

Long-standing reputation of excellence

  • Georgian has a long history of delivering high-quality nursing education since 1973.
  • Georgian nurses are well-known in our campus communities – and beyond – for their abilities, compassion and leadership in interprofessional health-care teams.

State-of-the-art facilities

Valuable clinical placements

  • Build your skills and experience with local employers through exceptional clinical placements in various health-care settings across Central Ontario.​
  • Improve your employability and network with potential employers before you graduate.

High employment and high demand

  • Nursing graduates are in high demand at health-care providers in Central Ontario. The demand for qualified nurses in Georgian’s campus communities is expected to increase by 25 per cent by 2028.
  • Our grads get jobs! 88.1 per cent find work within six months, above the provincial average – which we’ve exceeded for more than 20 years.

Learn local, work local

  • With Georgian’s BScN program, you no longer have to travel to study to become a registered nurse. Complete all four years in Barrie or Owen Sound.
  • The Honours BScN nursing degree allows students who live in the community, to learn in and about the health are needs of our local community and then practice locally to contribute to the health and wellness of our communities.

Expert faculty

  • Georgian nursing faculty are caring, highly-trained experts, with years of experience at the point of care.​
  • Many are experienced researchers and have shared their research in publications and presented their work at local, national and international conferences.
  • Many have published literature, including the Canadian adaptation of Think Like a Nurse: The Caputi Method for Learning Clinical Judgment, used by nursing students at Georgian and across Canada. Purchase this textbook.

Learning spaces

Hands-on health-care education

Our state-of-the-art nursing facilities and simulation labs give you the hands-on training you need with equipment you’ll use on the job.​

Barrie Campus

The Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences at the Barrie Campus includes:

  • 11 patient beds occupied by sophisticated, high-fidelity human patient simulators
  • scenario rooms to simulate real life, high-stress situations and gain practice with a wide variety of medical conditions
  • simulation control rooms to monitor, record, and remotely control simulation scenarios to assist in student learning

Owen Sound Campus

Our new Nursing and Wellness Wing at the Owen Sound Campus features:

  • two eight-bed high-fidelity simulation labs with a variety of patient simulators
  • two simulation rooms with accompany debriefing rooms
  • a full apartment-style lab with functioning appliances, furniture and fixtures to facilitate training for in-home care
  • a large hybrid learning classroom equipped with big flat screens for video playback and live streaming of simulations
Len Lefaive image
One thing that’s unique for Georgian is the amount of space we have dedicated to in-person learning in a lab setting. The simulation labs help create a near-reality experience where students are managing their knowledge and skills to work with a patient who has a unique story. These settings are safe and allow for repetition and building confidence. I think that really sticks out in comparison to other colleges.Len Lefaive, RN, BScN, MHSc, faculty and nursing lab co-ordinator

Meet our academic team

Learn from passionate, experienced professors

As a Georgian nursing student, you’ll learn from and be mentored by dedicated, award-winning professors who built their careers in the health-care sector and combine academic theory with vast industry knowledge.

Click on any of the academic team members below to read their profile and learn about their education, experience, research, publications and more.

At Georgian, we all come with a very diverse set of experiences and background in terms of our nursing knowledge. It’s that diverse perspective that makes for a really well-rounded nurse – somebody who understands nursing from a bunch of different perspectives.

Corrine Lalonde, RN, BScN, MScN, Program Coordinator
  • Avinash Thadani, Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BScN)

    Avinash Thadani

    BSc, MSc, PhD (Medicinal Chemistry), Professor

  • Corrine Lalonde, Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BScN) faculty member

    Corrine Lalonde

    RN, BScN, MScN, Program Coordinator

  • Darci Wright, Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BScN)

    Darci Wright

    RN, BScN, MN, Professor and Clinical Course Lead

  • Gianina Gaitana

    Gianina Gaitana

    RN, BScN, MN, Professor

  • Len Lefaive

    Len Lefaive

    Professor

  • Lesley Macmaster

    Lesley MacMaster

    RN, BNSc, MScN, Professor

  • Headshot of Lisa Keenan-Lindsay, faculty in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Georgian College

    Lisa Keenan-Lindsay

    B.Sc., BScN, MN, Professor

  • Michael Smith

    Professor, Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing RN, BSc, BScN, MN

  • Mona Rogan, Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BScN) faculty member

    Mona Koldsgaard Rogan

    RN, BScN, MN, Professor

  • Sara Lankshear

    Sara Lankshear

    RN, BScN, M.Ed., PhD, Associate Dean

  • Stephanie Atthill

    Stephanie Atthill

    RN, BScN, PhD (Nursing), Professor and Program Coordinator

  • Susan Chapman

    Susan Chapman

    RN, BScN, MN, Professor

  • Treva Job, Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BScN)

    Treva Job

    PhD, BScN, PHCNP, MA Ed, CCSNE, CHSE, Manager, Simulation Centre

  • Headshot of Wendy McDonald, faculty in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Georgian College

    Wendy McDonald

    RN, BScN, MN, Professor and Program Coordinator

What career paths can I take in nursing?

Your Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing (BScN) degree gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of Georgian’s four-year Honours BScN program are qualified to work as Registered Nurses (RN) upon completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Your nursing degree will open doors to careers in hospitals, long-term care, clinics or community health services. Challenge yourself by exploring different patient types, medical conditions, and roles.​ If you want to become a leader, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to learn and grow in your career. Graduate practice-ready, prepared to work in a modern, interprofessional health team.

Your future career in nursing

  • Case manager
  • Community health nurse
  • Health administration
  • Health-care co-ordinator
  • Home health-care nurse
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Policy development
  • Registered nurse
  • Researcher/forensics
A Registered Nurse in blue scrubs smiling and assisting an elderly patient with getting up
Registered Nurses in blue scrubs standing next to a patient on a bed in a hospital room

What courses are included in the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree program?

Course overview

26 Mandatory Core Courses
6 Clinical Placements
4 Mandatory Non-Core Courses
1 Elective Non-Core Course 

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing program outline.

  • NURS 1016 – Anatomy and Physiology 1
  • NURS 1017 – Pathophysiology 1
  • NURS 1018 – Relational Practice
  • NURS 1019 – Person-Centred Care and Nursing Professional Practice
  • INTS 1002 – Introduction to Multidisciplinary Research

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Accreditation

Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario

Georgian’s baccalaureate nursing program gives you the in-depth knowledge and skills you need to practice as a Registered Nurse!

College of Nurses of Ontario

  • The Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree program at Georgian College received full program approval by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
  • Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario.
College of Nurses of Ontario logo

Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario

  • BScN graduates are also qualified to become a member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO).
  • Established in 1925, RNAO is the professional association representing RNs in Ontario, helping to advance the nursing profession and its leadership role in health care.
RNAO: Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Find out MORE.

Ready to explore your future career in nursing?

We’re here to help answer your questions and connect you to all things Georgian College!

Connect with Kailey, Student Recruitment Specialist, to discover more about Georgian’s nursing degree program, our campuses and our services.

Kailey Hawkins, Student Recruitment Specialist at Georgian College
A Practical Nursing student at Georgian College wearing navy blue scrubs and wearing a stethoscope in the nursing simulation lab

Practical Nursing

Caring, committed faculty. More clinical time to build your skills. State-of-the-art facilities. Our students excel on provincial exams!

BScN nursing student in blue scrubs checking on a human patient simulator in the nursing lab.

Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing RPN to BScN Advanced Standing Pathway (Bridge)

Bridge your RPN credential into a Honors Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree. Study close to home and benefit from more industry connections, hands-on practise, and one-on-one training with small class sizes taught by expert faculty who care.

Student with brown, pinned back hair and a white lab coat preparing to analyze a sample with a microscope

Pre-health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Your first step toward further studies in health programs. Develop your employability skills. Be on your way to a career in health care!

Three students wearing white lab coats, safety goggles and blue latex gloves working with biological samples in a science lab

Biotechnology – Health

Explore this high-tech trade as you become proficient with techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry and physiology.

Do you have questions about Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

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