Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Collaborative – University of Alberta

SpaceCat Fit Notes

1. CASPer: Not CASPer per se, but a situational judgement test (SJT) is required via Acuity Insights. It is “a selection factor that is considered in the admission decision process.” Weighting not published. This could help SpaceCat. details
2. GPA window & upgrading strategy: Minimum AGPA of 3.0. GPA calculation method not published in detail – likely cumulative or recent post-secondary. No small resettable window identified. details
3. Experiential / written advantage: N/A — SpaceCat is not eligible for this program. details
4. CRITICAL BARRIER — BA holders are NOT eligible: “Individuals who have previously completed a recognized university degree in any field are not eligible for the BScN-Collaborative Program at the University of Alberta campus and should refer to the BScN-After Degree Program.” details
5. Out-of-province: No Alberta residency restriction found. Alberta universities generally charge same domestic tuition for all Canadians. details
6. Overall assessment: Not viable — SpaceCat holds a BA and is explicitly barred from the collaborative (standard 4-year) program at the UAlberta campus. She would need to apply to the After Degree program instead (a separate program not covered in this file).

“Individuals who have previously completed a recognized university degree in any field are not eligible for the BScN-Collaborative Program at the University of Alberta campus”

Quick Facts

• Institution: University of Alberta
• Program name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Collaborative
• Degree granted: BScN
• City, Province: Edmonton, Alberta (also offered at Red Deer Polytechnic, Keyano College, Northwestern Polytechnic)
• Program type: Standard (4-year)
• Duration: 4 years
• Delivery format: In-person
• Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Start date(s): Fall (September)
• Intake frequency: Annual
• Application deadline(s): March 1 (typical); check ApplyAlberta
• Application system: ApplyAlberta
• Program URL: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/nursing/programs/undergraduate-programs-and-their-admissions-requirements/collaborative-program.html
• Accredited: Yes – CASN accredited

Admission Requirements

GPA

• Minimum GPA: 3.0 AGPA (Admission GPA) or equivalent
• Competitive GPA (if known): Not published
• GPA calculated on: Not specified in detail for post-secondary applicants. The AGPA methodology is not publicly broken down.
• GPA scale used: 4.0
• Do post-degree upgrading courses count? N/A – degree holders are ineligible for this program
• “Entire record” caveat? Unknown

Prerequisites

High school (Alberta Grade 12 equivalents):

Transfer credit for foundational nursing courses requires minimum C+ and must be taken within 5 years of program start.

CASPer

Situational Judgement Test (SJT) required. “Applicants are required to complete a situational judgement test and submit the results when submitting an application for admission. An applicant’s situational judgement test score is a selection factor that is considered in the admission decision process.”

This is administered through Acuity Insights (same platform as CASPer). Weighting vs. GPA is not published.

Supplementary Requirements

• Interview: Not required
• Personal statement: Not required
• Other: Health and safety requirements for clinical practice upon admission

How Applications Are Evaluated

• Admission model: Competitive, GPA + SJT
• Published formula: Not published
• GPA cutoff: 3.0 AGPA minimum

The Key Question: BA Holder with Strong HS Marks

SpaceCat is NOT eligible for this program. The University of Alberta explicitly states that anyone who has “previously completed a recognized university degree in any field” is not eligible for the BScN-Collaborative Program and must apply to the After Degree program instead. This is a hard disqualifier. HS marks and CASPer scores are irrelevant because SpaceCat cannot apply.

Out-of-Province Considerations

• Residency restrictions or quotas: None found
• Out-of-province tuition differential: Alberta universities generally charge same domestic tuition for all Canadian citizens/PRs
• Equity seats: 6 designated seats per year for Indigenous students

No residency restrictions found on the admissions page. Source

Competitiveness

• Cohort size: Not published for Edmonton campus
• Acceptance rate: Not published
• Competitive GPA ranges: Not published

Licensing & Career Path

• Licensing exam: NCLEX-RN
• Graduates eligible to practice in all provinces? Yes

Information Not Found

• Exact GPA calculation methodology for post-secondary applicants
• Competitive GPA range
• Whether the other collaborative sites (Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray) also exclude degree holders

Contact: Faculty of Nursing – nursing@ualberta.ca Note: SpaceCat should consider the UAlberta BScN After Degree program as a separate option.

Sources

• Calendar: UAlberta Nursing Calendar
• Program page: UAlberta Collaborative Program
• Tip sheet: 2025 Tip Sheet (PDF)