Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Trinity Western University
⚠️ Program status: Active
SpaceCat Fit Notes
- CASPer: Required. Weight not published, but CASPer is one of four admission factors (academic standing, nursing application score, references, CASPer). SpaceCat’s high CASPer is an asset. details
- GPA window & upgrading strategy: Unclear GPA calculation. Admission requires high school prerequisites (Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry, English; Grade 11 Math) with minimum 70% (B-) each. Post-secondary GPA is “considered as part of the overall application evaluation” but specifics are not published. For transfer students, transfer credits can replace high school requirements. SpaceCat’s strong HS marks meet the 70% threshold. details
- Experiential / written advantage: Nursing application and references required – SpaceCat’s shelter work experience and strong written skills could be assets. Holistic evaluation with multiple components. details
- Out-of-province: Private university – no provincial residency restrictions. Canadian citizens/PRs given preference over international students. Private tuition significantly higher than public BC institutions. details
- Overall assessment: Moderate fit – TWU is the most holistic BC BSN program: CASPer + nursing application + references + academic standing. SpaceCat’s high CASPer and strong experiential profile could offset a weaker GPA. The unclear GPA calculation is a risk, but the multi-factor evaluation model is favorable. Private university tuition is a drawback. The faith-based community covenant may also be a consideration.
Quick Facts
- Institution: Trinity Western University (TWU)
- Program name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Degree granted: BSN
- City, Province: Langley, British Columbia
- Program type: Standard (4-year)
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery format: In-person
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time only
- Language of instruction: English
- Start date(s): September
- Intake frequency: Annual
- Application deadline(s): February 28 (priority). Late applications reviewed as space permits.
- Application system: Direct to TWU
- Program URL: https://www.twu.ca/nursing-bsn/admission-requirements
- Accredited: Yes – BCCNM recognized
Admission Requirements
GPA
- Minimum GPA: 70% (B-) in each high school prerequisite course. Post-secondary GPA threshold not published.
- Competitive GPA (if known): Not published
- GPA calculated on: High school prerequisites (minimum 70% each) AND post-secondary GPA considered holistically. Exact calculation method not published.
- Number of credits in GPA window: Not specified – appears to be holistic evaluation rather than a defined credit window.
- GPA scale used: Percentage
- Do post-degree upgrading courses count? Not stated. Transfer credits can replace high school prerequisites on a case-by-case basis.
- Are online/summer/part-time courses included in GPA? Not stated
- “Entire record” caveat? Unclear – “post-secondary GPA will be considered as part of the overall application evaluation” suggests holistic review.
- Can applicants explain/contextualize a low GPA? Possibly – the nursing application may provide opportunity for context.
Prerequisites
High school prerequisites (or post-secondary equivalents):
| Course | Min Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 12 Biology | 70% (B-) | |
| Grade 12 Chemistry | 70% (B-) | |
| Grade 12 English | 70% (B-) | |
| Grade 11 Math (Foundations 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 for BC) | 70% (B-) |
Transfer students can have transfer credits replace high school prerequisites on a case-by-case basis.
CASPer
Required. CASPer is a mandatory component of the admission process.
Weight in the admission formula is not published. CASPer is one of four factors: academic standing, nursing application score, references, and CASPer results.
Supplementary Requirements
- Interview: Not mentioned
- Nursing application: Required – separate from the general TWU application
- References: Required
- Resume / CV: Not mentioned
- Other: Acceptance to TWU as an undergraduate student (general admission) is a prerequisite for nursing admission. $550 non-refundable deposit due by May 1.
Written / Personal Components
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing application | Required; scored as part of admission decision. Details not published. |
| References | Required; considered in admission decision |
How Applications Are Evaluated
- Admission model: Holistic – four factors evaluated together.
- Published formula: No weights published. Four factors: academic standing, nursing application score, references, CASPer.
- GPA cutoff before other components? Must meet minimum 70% in each prerequisite. Beyond that, holistic.
The Key Question: BA Holder with Strong HS Marks
TWU evaluates high school prerequisites (70% minimum in Bio, Chem, English, Math) – SpaceCat’s strong HS marks meet these thresholds. Her Dalhousie BA provides post-secondary GPA that is “considered” but not the sole factor. The holistic model with CASPer, nursing application, and references is the most favorable evaluation approach among BC BSN programs for SpaceCat. Her high CASPer, strong shelter work experience (for references and nursing application), and strong HS marks all contribute positively.
Out-of-Province Considerations
- Residency restrictions or quotas: None – private university. Canadian citizens/PRs preferred over international.
- Out-of-province tuition differential: N/A – private university, same tuition for all domestic students.
Cost
- Tuition (total program, approximate): ~$80,000-$100,000+ for 4-year BSN at a private university (TWU tuition is significantly higher than BC public institutions). Verify current rates.
- Cohort size: 60 students per year
“The School of Nursing admits 60 students to the undergraduate program each fall.”
Competitiveness
- Cohort size: 60
- Demand exceeds capacity – “the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of seats available”
Licensing & Career Path
- Licensing exam: NCLEX-RN
- Graduates eligible to practice in all provinces? Yes
Reputation & Notes
TWU is a private Christian university with a community covenant. This may be a consideration for some applicants. The university has campuses in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa.
Information Not Found
- Exact post-secondary GPA calculation method (CRITICAL – is it cumulative? Most recent? Prerequisite courses only?)
- Weight of CASPer in the admission formula
- Weight of each admission factor (academic standing, nursing application, references, CASPer)
- Exact tuition for BSN program
- Whether post-degree upgrading courses can replace high school prerequisites
- Content and format of the nursing application
Contact: TWU School of Nursing – admissions@twu.ca / nursing@twu.ca
Sources
- Official admission requirements: TWU BSN Admission
- Program overview: TWU BSN Overview
- School of Nursing: TWU Nursing