Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Dalhousie University is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the healthcare sector. This esteemed program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences, enabling students to develop the critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and compassionate care necessary to excel as registered nurses. The curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing theory, and community health, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients across all age groups and healthcare settings. Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on training through clinical placements in hospitals, community clinics, and other healthcare environments, which reinforces their theoretical knowledge and hones their practical skills. Dalhousie University’s state-of-the-art simulation labs provide a safe and controlled environment for students to practice complex procedures and emergency response techniques before entering real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based healthcare, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Students also have opportunities to participate in research projects and community outreach initiatives, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility. The Faculty of Health at Dalhousie provides dedicated support and mentorship throughout the program, ensuring students are guided and motivated to reach their full potential. Graduates of the BScN program are eligible to write the licensing examination to become registered nurses in Canada. They are highly sought after by employers for their strong clinical skills, ethical standards, and dedication to patient-centered care. With a rich history of excellence in health sciences education, Dalhousie University’s Nursing program is committed to producing skilled, compassionate, and innovative nursing professionals who will contribute positively to the healthcare system locally, nationally, and globally.

The PhD program is a full-time program and students are limited to no more than one day of work unrelated to their degree per week. Students are expected to complete the program in four years.

Supervisors conduct performance and progress reviews quarterly in December, April and July.

Course work

• Course work is to be completed in the first 15 months of the program.
• Comprehensive exams are taken in the second year of the program.

Research

• Thesis supervisory committees will be structured by the end of the first year in the program.Students must prepare a research proposal draft for the committee to review to determine the student's readiness for comprehensive exams.
• Within six months of completing comprehensive exams, students must refine and defend their research proposals. Ethics applications must also be prepared simultaneously.
• Students are expected to commit a minimum of four hours per weeks on research activities such as grant preparations, ethics applications and preparation of scholarly presentations.

Publications and seminars

• Scholars Seminars are held on a regular basis and students will be scheduled at least once per year to present. Students are required to attend all sessions.
• Publications are considered evidence of scholarly performance. Students are required to prepare a minimum of two manuscripts as first author for submission to scholarly journals during their time in the program.

Required courses are

• Contemporary Views of Nursing Science: Philosophy, Research and Practice
• Two courses in the student’s substantive area of research, one of which will be  Nursing Sensitive Health Outcomes or  Women’s Health Outcomes
• An advanced research methods/design course, for example, Measurement in Nursing Phenomena or Qualitative Research Methods
• Doctoral Seminar

Requirements

• Hold a first-class master's degree in nursing or a relevant discipline, or its equivalent, from a recognized university*
• Be licensed to practice as a registered nurse (active practitioner) in a Canadian province or a foreign country
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in their previous graduate degree
• All PhD applicants must apply online
• Pay $100 application fee
• A study plan (4-5 pages) outlining the applicant's area of research interest, how this interest fits with the School of Nursing research foci, a statement of the preliminary plans for thesis research, goals in undertaking doctorate work, initial intentions regarding course work and future career plans
• Three examples of the applicants written scholarly work, such as publications, research reports or grant proposals
• Funding information (funding already applied for and potential sources of funding)
• Curriculum Vitae. This document should be formatted to include post-secondary education, certification, registration, awards and honours, professional employment, committees, presentations and publications, professional affiliations and activities (specify role) and relevant volunteer activities (specify role)
• Two sets of official transcripts. This includes transcripts of all post-secondary course work.
• Three letters of reference. Academic references from two professors familiar with the candidate's earlier graduate work (or, where appropriate, one letter must be from a thesis supervisor). One reference must be from an employer. 
• Copy of current active nursing College or Association membership
• If you plan to self-fund your studies, please include an original teller stamped or equivalent bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds for your full program fees plus $1200 per month for the full term of your studies.
• International applicants whose primary language is not English must also provide official English proficiency test score results directly to the School of Nursing. Minimum scores for English proficiency are: IELTS - 7, TOEFL - 600 (written); 237 (computer). Applicants taking the non-computer TOEFL test should also take the TWE component
• A personal interview with the Associate Director, Graduate Studies is required for all PhD applicants.

Scholarships

• Bursaries
• Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarships
• Eliza Ritchie Doctoral Scholarship for Women
• The President's Awards
• Phi Kappa Pi Joe Ghiz Memorial Award
• Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at Dalhousie University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a professional career in nursing. The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills necessary to provide quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings. Students enrolled in the program engage in coursework covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, health assessment, health promotion, and nursing practice, alongside courses that focus on ethics, research, and leadership in healthcare. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and culturally competent care.

Throughout the program, students participate in clinical placements that offer real-world experience in hospitals, community health centers, and other healthcare environments across Nova Scotia and beyond. These placements are essential for applying classroom knowledge to actual patient care scenarios, developing communication skills, teamwork, and clinical decision-making abilities. The program is delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in nursing and healthcare, providing mentorship and support to students as they progress through their studies.

Dalhousie University's nursing program is accredited and recognized nationally and internationally, ensuring graduates meet the high standards required for professional registration and employment. The university offers state-of-the-art simulation labs, modern learning resources, and collaborative learning experiences to enhance student engagement and understanding. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for licensure exams and entry into diverse nursing careers, including acute care, community health, pediatrics, mental health, and leadership roles.

The program also offers opportunities for research, specialization, and further education, supporting students' career advancement and lifelong learning in the healthcare field. Dalhousie University’s nursing program is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive learning environment that encourages innovation, leadership, and a commitment to improving health outcomes for populations locally, nationally, and internationally.