Frequently Asked Questions

The BScN program is competitive because of the volume of applications that we receive. For the 2021/22 academic year, we had well over 500 applicants for the 80 seats available. During the selection process, applicants are assessed on their admission requirements. Applicants that meet the admission requirements and have strong academic performance/grades will be considered for admission. The high school admission average was 94% for the fall 2021 intake and the post-secondary applicant pool presented an academic history of a 3.33 minimum.

The application deadline is January 31 of each year for the following fall intake. High school students are expected to submit interim grades prior to the deadline and their acceptance is conditional and contingent on successfully completing coursework. All post-secondary, ABE and UPREP courses must be completed by January 31 to be considered for admission.

See admission requirements for the fall 2023 intake.

Yes, TRU does accept high school students each year. The number of seats offered to high school students vary from year to year depending on the applicant pool. The high school admission average was 94% for the fall 2022 intake.

High school students must provide an official interim transcript (or a Diploma Verification Report) by the application deadline, so that we have the most up-to-date grade information.

How to submit high school transcripts

Interim grades will only be accepted for high school students.

Interim grades are not accepted for post secondary students. Post-secondary, ABE, and UPREP courses must be completed by January 31 to be considered admissible for the following fall intake.

Any science 11 or 12 used to complete a high school diploma is accepted as the BScN admission requirement. It is recommended students select a science in which they can obtain a high grade. For example: Earth Science, Geology, Life Science, Chemistry, or Physics.

Any of the following courses would be acceptable in their respective categories.

Yes, although students may be admissible to the BScN program, they must ensure that they meet the course requirements for BIOL 1592/1594 and BIOL 1692/1694 in order to successfully progress through the program. The minimum requirements are Anatomy & Physiology 12 with a minimum grade of C+ or BIOL 0600 and Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500 (see Admissions Requirements). Current TRU students should connect with TRU Advising and non-TRU students are encouraged to connect with TRU Future Students.

Yes, although students may be admissible to the BScN program, they must ensure that they meet the course requirements for ENGL 1100 in order to successfully progress through the program. The minimum requirements are English Studies 12 /English First Peoples 12 with a minimum 73% or equivalent (see Admissions Requirements). Current TRU students should connect with TRU Advising and non-TRU students are encouraged to connect with TRU Future Students.

To be considered admissible, students must have all courses for assessment completed by January 31 (end of application period for the following academic year). Post-secondary students with courses in progress after application deadline will not be assessed for admission (UPrep/ABE included). This does not include high school students, who are able to submit interim grades as part of their application. Please note that all offers are conditional pending final marks and program approval.

1. The IB program captures SL (standard level) and HL (higher level) coursework. SL credits may be usable toward the grade 11 and 12 admission requirements. If students have completed HL coursework, this will be assessed for credit to TRU based upon the acceptable levels according to the BC transfer guide. Diploma finals for the IB program are written in May of each year. Since the deadline to apply is January 31, assessment of IB coursework would need to be presented to Admissions with student’s College Board transcript and official high school transcripts.
2. If you have a high school student currently in the IB program, they are welcome to apply and will be evaluated as a high school applicant. Upon completion of the IB program, HL coursework may be considered and may provide advanced credit.

Yes, eight seats or 10 per cent are reserved for students who self-identify as Indigenous.

No. Students will either be ranked in the high school or post-secondary category depending on the number of credits they have completed at a post-secondary level. Once a student crosses in to the post-secondary threshold, they will be considered on post-secondary courses only.

Yes. This will affect your overall GPA, which in turn will enhance your application ranking.

This changes each year with the applicant pool. On average, the accepted high school student GPA was 94% and 3.33 for post-secondary. This does not account for CASPer scores.

Should a student apply for the BScN program and not be successful, they will be given the opportunity to change their program to an open degree (Bachelor of Science, for example) without having to pay the application fee again. If the program is changed, it is recommended to meet with an Academic Advisor to create a plan that will help strengthen their application for the following year.

Current TRU students should connect with Academic Advising. Non-TRU students should contact TRU Future Students.

Yes, applicants with a recognize healthcare professional designation will receive higher consideration in the admission process. These designations include, but are by not limited to:

• Respiratory therapist
• Veterinary technician
• Registered psychiatric nurse
• Doula
• Paramedic
• Licensed practical nurse
• Registered massage therapist
• Chiropractor
• Dental hygienist

*Applicants will be required to submit proof of their designation with their application.

TRU strives to make admission decisions by the end of April. This does vary year to year depending on the size of the applicant pool. A wait list is established in June and seat offers may continue throughout the summer from this wait list.

TRU does not offer an official bridging program for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurse) in to the second year of the BScN program. Over the past number of years, we have been able to welcome a number of LPNs in to a second year seat. This is largely dependent on funding and seat availability. Prospective LPN students should apply for a year 1 seat with general intake, and will be considered based on funding and seat availability.

LPNs must meet program requirements and have completed 1600 hours of work experience to be considered for a year 2 seat. If offered a year 2 seat, LPNs must complete ENGL 1100 and BIOL 1693 (or equivalent) with a 60% or higher prior to program entry the following fall. Failure to successfully complete ENGL 1100 and BIOL 1693 or equivalent will result in loss of the student’s seat.

Starting in fall 2022, for the 2023 intake, all LPN applicants will be assessed through a competitive admissions process. It is highly suggested that all LPNs applying for advanced placement have their BIOL 1693 (no lab required) and ENGL 1100 completed prior January 31 of the intake year to be considered for admission.

For more information about bridging in to the BScN program, contact nursing@tru.ca.

Yes, all applicants are required to meet the admissions requirements. This may be the highschool of post-secondary requirements, as well as write the CASPer exam. See the “Admissions Requirements” tab and FAQ 24 for further details.

No. Seat capacity is based on government funding and is tied to student practice placements. At this time, no additional BScN seats are available.

If admissible, LPN students are assessed individually for credits towards their BScN degrees. This assessment is based off experience, the graduating institution and program entry. Other health care disciplines may be assessed for credit. If admissible, HCA students may receive three credits towards a communication course and any other eligible electives they have completed.

Actuity Insights – Comprehensive Admissions Assessments
All applicants applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, at Thompson Rivers University are required to complete Actuity Insights for the 2022/2023 admissions cycle.

Actuity Insights is a standardized, multi-part online assessment that measures different competencies and attributes that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Actuity Insights will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. In implementing Actuity Insights, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.

Actuity Insights consists of:

• Casper: 100-120 minute online, open-response situational judgment test

How to complete Actuity Insights

In order to take Actuity Insights, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities and a reliable internet connection with an internet speed of at least 1.5 Mbps and upload speed of at least 2 Mbps. You will require the following for both account creation and completing Actuity Insights:

• Government-issued photo ID (English/French) for account validation
• Valid email address (the same one you will use to submit your application)
• Desktop or laptop computer
• Working webcam
• Working microphone
• Reliable high-speed internet connection

1. Please go to www.TakeAltus.com to sign up for Actuity Insights for CSP-10202 – Canadian Undergraduate Health Sciences, under your specific country, and register using a piece of government-issued photo ID.
2. Select a Casper test date. You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times, which have been pre-arranged/approved by your program(s) in accordance with their admissions timelines. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your Casper test based on your program selection(s). There will be no additional tests scheduled. Please use an email address that you check regularly and that you have used for your application; there may be updates to the test schedule.

Important: To account for identity verification and payment processing timelines, ensure that you register for your test at least 3 days before your preferred test date and time. Last-minute bookings are not recommended.

Ensure you have selected Bachelor of Science in Nursing for distribution before the posted distribution deadline. Likely, there will be no additional tests scheduled, but the most up-to-date information can be found by browsing the Test Dates and Times on TakeAltus.com.

Please direct any inquiries on Actuity Insights to support@altus.as. Alternatively, you may use the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of your screen on the Actuity Insights website.

Accommodations: If you require testing accommodations for Actuity Insights, you will need to submit the Accommodations Request Form signed by you and your qualified professional 3 weeks in advance of your desired test date. More information regarding accommodations can be found here.

*Note: Snapshot and Duet are not required to apply to our program.

Students can expect to be in clinical two days a week for the first few years of the program with a gradual increase in hours as students advance. There are several rotations during the spring/summer semesters where students work on a rotating schedule with 8-12 hour shifts. Students progress on a clinical trajectory which allows them to complete clinical placements in each of the following areas:

• Long term care
• Maternity
• Mental health
• Community
• Medical
• Surgical

Please note that some specialty clinical opportunities become available in years three and four. All clinical placements are subject to approval on site. Students are not to arrange their own clinical experience.

Yes, starting in year 2 of the program, students may be expected to travel to a nearby community to complete a clinical experience in an effort to offer rich and equitable learning opportunities. Students are responsible for their own transportation and any costs incurred during these clinical experiences. Students should anticipate travelling for at least one clinical experience over their four years in the program.