Skip to main content

Nursing Progression

Many students experience academic challenges at some point in the program.  A course setback may require you to pause, repeat a course(s), or adjust your progression plan, but there are established pathways forward. By seeking help right away, and with the right guidance and support, students can regroup, strengthen their foundation, and continue working toward their nursing goals.

A student's ability to progress in the Nursing program is significantly impacted by a course failure, particularly a “D” or “F” grade in NURS course. This is due to program progression requirements, as well as prerequisite and corequisite requirements. However, while this may result in a different route and timeline, it does not mean the end of your path in nursing.

Academic advisors are here to help you understand your program progression, options, map out next steps, and connect you with support that can help you move forward with confidence.

By reviewing the information below on program progression and program probation you will be better equipped to understand the requirements for success in Nursing. 

In order to successfully progress forward in the Nursing program students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all professional nursing courses (NURS). Students with course failures (D or F grades), or withdrawals, may be at risk of program probation or program dismissal. 

Program probation is an alert that your academic progression is at risk. It is prompted by receiving a grade of D or F in any NURS course, regardless of your overall GPA and academic standing.

The Faculty of Health Sciences has specific progression requirements for BScN and RPN-to-BScN students which can be reviewed in full in the Academic Calendar. 

Our goal is to help you better understand the progression requirements, clarify the criteria that can lead to probation or dismissal, and most importantly, ensure you’re aware of the support available to help you move forward successfully.

To help you understand the potential outcomes, here are the key criteria to avoid:

  • Two grades below C in the same repeated NURS course
    Example: Failing NURS 2420U twice.
  • Two grades below C in separate theory/practicum NURS courses
    Example: Failing NURS 1700U and NURS 2701U.
  • Three failures in any combination of required HLSC or NURS courses
    Example: Failing HLSC 1201U, HLSC 3800U, and NURS 2701U.
  • Two withdrawals from the same NURS course or three withdrawals from any combination of HLSC/NURS courses
    Example: Withdrawing from NURS 2420U twice, or withdrawing from HLSC 1201U, HLSC 3800U, and NURS 2701U.

The scenarios listed above lead to program dismissal, which means you would no longer be eligible to continue in the Nursing program.

If you are unable to successfully complete all of your nursing courses in your first semester (or first year), your progression will follow a different path and your timeline to degree completion will be extended. This typically involves retaking first-year nursing courses in the following academic year, resulting in a five-year degree plan. Academic advisors are happy to work with you to map out this plan and support you every step of the way.

In order to maintain a full-time course load we recommend the following course registration:

First Year Winter Semester

  • HLSC 1201U (or HLSC 1200U if you have not yet completed it)
  • Elective or PSYC 1000U
  • Elective