Athabasca University

What you'll study

The degree requires 45 total credits. Course work combines nursing theory, research, leadership and health-promotion topics with non-nursing supporting courses:

• Required nursing credits: 27 credits, including NURS 322 Nursing Informatics (3), NURS 324 Concepts and Theories in Nursing Practice (3), NURS 328 Understanding Research (3), NURS 432 Management and Leadership in Nursing Practice (4), NURS 434 Community Health Promotion (4), and NURS 436 Family Health Promotion (4).
• Plus 6 credits chosen from electives such as HLST 320 Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals (3), NURS 326 Health Assessment (3), NURS 438 Trends and Issues in Nursing and Health Systems (3), NURS 442 Gerontological Nursing (3), or transfer credit for senior nursing courses (3–6).
• Required non-nursing courses: 6 credits — an English course (any junior/senior university-level English; ENGL 255 recommended) and a statistics course (MATH 215 or MATH 216).
• Non-nursing option courses: 12 credits from Humanities, Science, Social Science or Applied Studies (at least 6 credits at the 300/400 level).
• Residency: at least 15 nursing credits must be completed through Athabasca University; HLST 320 does not count toward the nursing residency. To graduate with Distinction, at least 24 credits must be earned through AU. A maximum of 9 credits may be awarded by PLAR.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold graduation from an approved RN diploma and maintain regulated (practising) RN registration/licensure with a Canadian province or territory; proof of registration is required at application and while enrolled. Applicants with non-Canadian/non-US nursing diplomas who completed a Canadian RN bridging program are eligible. For other international credentials, an IQAS assessment comparing the credential to Canadian education is required; a course-by-course IQAS evaluation is needed if seeking additional transfer credit. Official Canadian or US transcripts used to obtain Canadian licensure must be submitted.

Career prospects

Athabasca University publishes program learning outcomes that outline potential career options available to graduates. The curriculum emphasises research, leadership, primary health care and community and family health promotion, preparing RNs to expand roles in practice settings, leadership or community-focused positions consistent with provincial registration and employer requirements.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should explore AU scholarships, bursaries and external funding for nursing students and contact Faculty of Health Disciplines undergraduate advising (fhdundergradadvising@athabascau.ca) for program-specific financial guidance. Maintain awareness of residency and course-age rules that can affect transfer credit and eligibility for awards.