Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PDBSN) — University of Saskatchewan
SpaceCat Fit Notes
- CASPer: Yes — CASPer accounts for 40% of the admission score, the highest CASPer weighting among the programs surveyed. SpaceCat’s very high CASPer score is a major advantage here. At 40% weight, a top-quartile CASPer could substantially offset a lower GPA. For example, if the GPA component yields an average score, a very strong CASPer could push the overall admission score well into competitive range.
- GPA window & upgrading strategy: The GPA is calculated on the most recent 60 credit units (~20 courses) of coursework towards a degree. If SpaceCat takes 20 new courses with strong grades (70%+), she can fully reset her effective GPA for USask admissions. This is a favorable window — approximately one year of heavy courseload or 1.5 years at a normal pace would completely replace the GPA calculation. All courses within each academic year must be included (no cherry-picking individual courses within a year).
- Experiential / written advantage: There is no personal statement, no interview, and no written supplementary component for standard admission. The program is purely GPA-ranked (60%) + CASPer (40%). SpaceCat’s shelter work cannot be directly showcased in the application, though her life experience may indirectly benefit her CASPer performance.
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Out-of-province: Ontario resident. - None. The program explicitly states: “Applications are accepted from residents of all Canadian provinces and territories and international countries. Canadian or international residency status is not considered in the application process.”. - None. One domestic rate for all Canadian students
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Overall assessment: Strong fit — (if program reopens). USask would be one of SpaceCat’s best fits if it were accepting applications. The 40% CASPer weight is the highest available, and the 60-credit GPA window is fully resettable. Combined, these mean SpaceCat could build a strong application through upgrading courses + her existing CASPer strength. However, the program is currently ON HOLD for Winter 2027, the cohort is tiny (~28 students), and no reopening timeline has been announced. Worth monitoring closely but cannot be actively applied to at this time.
Program Status
ON HOLD. “The College of Nursing has made the decision to put a hold on applications for the Winter 2027 intake” of the PDBSN program. Additional information regarding admissions, application timelines, and next steps will be communicated as soon as it becomes available. No reopening date has been announced as of March 2026.
Quick Facts
- Institution: University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing
- Program name: Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PDBSN)
- Degree granted: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- City, Province: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Program type: Post-Degree / Accelerated Second-Entry
- Duration: Less than 2 calendar years (six consecutive terms)
- Delivery format: In-person
- Total credit units: 94
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time only. “This option is only available through face-to-face instruction at the Saskatoon campus.”
- Language of instruction: English
- Start date(s): January (Winter term)
- Intake frequency: Annual (currently on hold; no active intake)
- Application deadline(s): Currently on hold (no active deadline). Historical deadline believed to be approximately August 1 for document submission, though the exact application opening/closing dates are not available due to the hold.
- Application system: USask online application via admissions.usask.ca
- Program URL: https://nursing.usask.ca/programs/undergraduate/pdbsn.php
- Admissions URL: https://admissions.usask.ca/nursing-post-degree.php
- Catalogue URL: https://programs.usask.ca/nursing/pdbsn/index.php
- Accredited: Yes — fully accredited through the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN); “full seven year program approval from the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) in September 2023”
Admission Requirements
GPA
- Minimum average: 70% (calculated from most recent 60 credit units of coursework towards a degree)
- Competitive average: Not published, but “because admission is based on a competitive ranking, the competitive admission average may be higher depending on the averages of applicants being considered”
- GPA calculated on: “Most recent 60 credit units of coursework towards a degree; all courses towards a degree within each academic year must be included”
- Special case admission: Applicants with a 65%–70% average may apply for special case admission, which requires a resume, letter, and interview
Admission Scoring Formula
Admission is competitive and based on a weighted scoring system:
| Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Admission average (most recent 60 credit units) | 60% |
| CASPer situational judgement test | 40% |
Prerequisites
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of the BSN pre-professional year (Year 1) courses — 30 credit units total. The university provides a detailed prerequisite equivalents document for applicants who completed courses at other institutions: PDBSN Prerequisite Equivalents PDF
Applicants “may be considered for admission into the College of Nursing with ONE deficiency” in Nutrition, Social Science, or Indigenous Studies. “If you are admitted with a deficiency, it is recommended that you clear the deficiency prior to the start of the PDBSN program of study, as the course load in the Post-Degree B.S.N. is very heavy, leaving no time for additional courses.” The deficiency must be completed by the end of April of the admission year.
A minimum weighted average of 60% in these pre-professional courses is required for admission to the College of Nursing.
Based on the BSN pre-professional year requirements (which serve as the PDBSN prerequisites), the required courses are:
| USask Course | Subject Area | Credit Units | Required / Restricted Elective | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 120.3 | Biology — The Nature of Life | 3 | Required | Foundational biology |
| NUTR 120.3 | Basic Nutrition | 3 | Required | Can be admitted with deficiency; must clear by April 30 |
| PSY 120.3 or PSY 121.3 | Psychology | 3 | Required (choose one) | PSY 120 = Biological/Cognitive; PSY 121 = Social/Clinical/Cultural/Developmental |
| SOC 112.3 | Foundations in Sociology | 3 | Required | Can be admitted with deficiency (Social Science) |
| INDG 107.3 or HIST 195.3 | Indigenous Studies | 3 | Required (choose one) | INDG 107 = Introduction to Indigenous Studies; HIST 195 = Indigenous Perspectives on Canadian History. Can be admitted with deficiency; must clear by April 30 |
| NURS 120.3 | Human Anatomy for Nursing | 3 | Required | Prerequisite: BIOL 120.3. Regional and systemic approach to major structures. |
| English/Ethics elective | English or Ethics | 3 | Restricted Elective (choose one) | Options include: ENG 110.6, 111.3, 112.3, 113.3, 114.3, 120.3, or PHIL 133.3 |
| Statistics elective | Statistics | 3 | Restricted Elective (choose one) | Options include: STAT 244.3, 242.3, 245.3, 246.3, PLSC 214.3, COMM 104.3, PSY 233.3, SOC 225.3, GE 210.3, or EPSE 441.3 |
| Humanities elective | Humanities | 3 | Restricted Elective | 3 credit units from approved humanities list |
| Social Sciences elective | Social Sciences | 3 | Restricted Elective | 3 credit units from approved social sciences list |
Total: 30 credit units (10 courses x 3 credit units each)
Important notes on prerequisites: - The prerequisite equivalents for courses taken at other institutions are outlined in the PDBSN Prerequisite Equivalents PDF (note: this PDF could not be parsed electronically during research; applicants should download and review it directly) - Online completion: Not explicitly addressed for PDBSN prerequisites. The program itself is face-to-face only in Saskatoon, but prerequisites taken at other accredited institutions appear to be accepted per the equivalents document. - Minimum grade per prerequisite: Not individually specified beyond the overall 60% weighted average requirement across all pre-professional courses.
Source — BSN Pre-professional year, Source — Admissions, Source — Pre-professional course requirements PDF
Prior Degree Requirement
- Minimum credits / degree required: Either (a) a completed baccalaureate degree of at least 90 credit units from a recognized post-secondary institution, OR (b) “significant progress toward a bachelor’s degree (completed 90 credit units of recognized post-secondary study towards a degree by December 31st of the year of their expected entrance date)”
- Senior-level credits: “A minimum of 36 credit units must be at the senior level, where senior level courses are defined as comparable to courses at the 200 level and beyond at the University of Saskatchewan”
- Degree field restrictions: Any field
Supplementary Requirements
- CASPer: Yes — required. Accounts for 40% of the admission score. The CASPer test “assesses non-academic attributes and inter-personal skills essential for success in nursing” including “communication, collaboration, equity, professionalism, problem solving, empathy, motivation, and ethics.” It involves video- or text-based scenarios. Must be completed by the document deadline. Register at Acuity Insights. Government-issued photo ID required.
- GRE: Not required
- Interview: Not required (unless applying via special case admission with 65%–70% average)
- Personal statement / written component: Not required for standard admission
- Resume / CV: Not required for standard admission (required only for special case admission)
- References: Not required for standard admission. A “Program Reference Form” is required only if the applicant has previously completed Canadian nursing courses.
- Volunteer / work experience: No stated minimum
- Language proficiency: Required if applicable. Acceptable proof includes “at least 3 years of full-time study in an approved English-medium secondary program” or standardized tests: TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 7, CAEL 70.
- Other: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be mailed directly from the institution to USask Recruitment, Admissions and Transfer Credit (applicant cannot submit them).
Indigenous Applicant Seats
“16.6% of seats in this program are designated for Indigenous candidates” who meet minimum requirements. Indigenous verification documentation is required.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Formulaic: 60% admission average + 40% CASPer score. This is more transparent than many nursing programs. No interview, no personal statement, no references (for standard applicants). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — it is competitively ranked.
Out-of-Province Considerations
- Residency restrictions or quotas: None. The program explicitly states: “Applications are accepted from residents of all Canadian provinces and territories and international countries. Canadian or international residency status is not considered in the application process.” Source
- Out-of-province tuition differential: None. One domestic rate for all Canadian students. Source
Cost
- Tuition (Year 1, 2025-2026, Canadian students): ~$13,131 (as listed on the admissions page for the PDBSN program)
- Student fees: ~$1,457.58/year
- Books and materials: $1,500–$2,500/year (estimated)
- Additional entry requirement costs: $800–$1,000 (background checks, CPR certification, immunizations, uniforms, technology access)
- In-province vs out-of-province: No differential for domestic students
| Item | Year 1 (approx.) | Year 2 (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | ~$13,131 | ~$13,131 (estimated) |
| Student fees | ~$1,458 | ~$1,458 (estimated) |
| Books & materials | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Entry requirements | $800–$1,000 | — |
| Estimated total | ~$16,889–$18,089 | ~$16,089–$17,089 |
Estimated total program cost (2 years): ~$33,000–$35,000 (domestic)
Note: Per-credit-unit tuition rates for nursing courses were not individually confirmed. The $13,131 figure comes from the PDBSN admissions page. The PDBSN program has 94 total credit units (48 in Year 1, 46 in Year 2), so Year 2 tuition may be slightly lower.
Competitiveness
- Cohort size: ~28 students (the first cohort of 28 graduated in January 2025)
- Acceptance rate: Not published
- Number of applicants: Not published
This is a very small cohort, making it likely quite competitive despite the minimum 70% average threshold.
Program Structure / Curriculum
The PDBSN is completed over six consecutive terms (less than two calendar years), starting in January.
Year 1 (48 credit units): NURS 200, 244, 245, 247, 241, 231, 205, 260, 221, 362, 361, 367, 308, and PHAR 250
Year 2 (46 credit units): NURS 370, 371, 304, 306, 333, 422, 430, 431, 440, 441, 460, plus one restricted elective (3 credit units)
The program uses the wahkohtowin (Cree worldview) curriculum model, incorporating “First Nations, Metis, and Inuit worldviews.” Students progress from basic theory through simulated practice to clinical experience.
Time limit: “All courses must be completed within three years of commencing the first nursing course.”
Transfer credit: “A minimum of 60% of the total course credits must be taken at USask (excluding the pre-professional year requirements).” A minimum 60% grade is required for transfer credit equivalency.
Source — Course organization PDF, Source
Fieldwork / Clinical / Practicum
- Placements guaranteed? Yes (built into curriculum)
- Total required hours: Not published as a single number
- Placement settings / locations: Clinical placements in Saskatoon and surrounding area. “Students are expected to have at least one clinical experience outside of Saskatoon.”
- Can placements be done out of province? Not indicated; appears to be Saskatchewan-based
Health & Safety Requirements for Clinical
- HSPnet Consent Form
- CPR-C Certification with AED (current)
- WHMIS training
- Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR) training
- N95 Respiratory Protection Fit Testing
- Immunizations (as required by health regions)
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
- Workers Compensation Board form
Licensing & Career Path
- Licensing exam: NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination, administered by Pearson VUE)
- Graduates eligible to practice in all provinces? Yes (NCLEX-RN is accepted across Canada). Graduates must pay required fees to be licensed with the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan.
- Any known issues with credential recognition? None
Reputation & Notes
- Relatively new program — the first cohort of 28 students graduated in January 2025
- Small cohort size (28 students) suggests a close-knit learning environment but limited seats
- The program is currently on hold for Winter 2027; no timeline for reopening has been provided
- Full seven-year CRNS program approval received September 2023 (strong endorsement for a new program)
- CASN-accredited
- The 60/40 weighting of GPA to CASPer is clearly published, making admissions more transparent than many programs
- Uses an Indigenous-centred curriculum model (wahkohtowin)
- Located in Saskatoon — lower cost of living compared to major Canadian cities
- The requirement for at least one out-of-Saskatoon clinical placement should be considered for planning purposes
Information Not Found
No specific gaps identified for this program.
Sources
- USask PDBSN Admissions Page
- College of Nursing — PDBSN Program Page
- University Catalogue 2026-27 — PDBSN
- University Catalogue 2026-27 — BSN (pre-professional year)
- USask Nursing Admissions (BSN — CASPer & deadlines)
- Nursing Prep — Pre-professional Year
- PDBSN Prerequisite Equivalents PDF
- BSN Pre-Professional Year Course Requirements PDF
- PDBSN Course Organization PDF
- BSN & PDBSN Restricted Electives PDF
- Tuition and Costs — Admissions
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
- 2025-2026 Tuition Factsheet PDF
- USask Celebrates Nursing Graduates (first PDBSN cohort)
- Requirements and Deadlines — Admissions