Frequently Asked Questions

The BScN program is competitive because of the volume of applications that we receive. For the 2024/25 academic year, there were over 500 applicants for the 80 seats available. During the selection process, applicants are assessed on the basis of their grades plus the outcome of their Casper situational judgement test. The high school admission average was 88% for the 2024 intake while the GPA average for the post-secondary applicant pool was 3.58.

The application deadline is Jan. 31 of each year for the following fall intake.

See admission requirements.

Yes, eight seats or 10 per cent are reserved for students who self-identify as Indigenous.

Yes. This will affect your overall GPA, which in turn may enhance your application ranking.

This changes each year with the applicant pool. On average, the accepted high school student GPA was 94% and 3.33 for post-secondary. This does not account for Casper scores.

Acuity Insights - comprehensive admissions assessments

All applicants applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Thompson Rivers University are required to complete Acuity Insights for the 2022/2023 admissions cycle.

Acuity Insights is a standardized, multi-part online assessment that measures different competencies and attributes that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Acuity Insights will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. In implementing Acuity Insights, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in the selection process.

Acuity Insights consists of: Casper:100-120 minute online,open response situational judgement test

How to complete Acuity Insights? In order to take Acuity Insights, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities and a reliable internet connection with an internet speed of at least 1.5 Mbps and upload speed of least 2 Mbps. You will require the following for both account creation and completing Acuity Insights:

• Government-issued photo ID ( English/French) for account validation
• Valid email address ( the same one you will use to submit your application )
• Desktop or laptop computer
• Working webcam
• Working microphone
• Reliable high-speed internet connection

1. Please go to Acuity Insights to sign up for Acuity Insights. For CSP-10202 – Canadian Undergraduate Health Sciences, under your specific country, and register using a piece of government-issued photo ID.
2. Select a Casper test date. You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times, which have been pre-arranged/approved by your program(s) in accordance with their admissions timelines. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your Casper test based on your program selection(s). There will be no additional tests scheduled. Please use an email address that you check regularly and that you have used for your application; there may be updates to the test schedule.

Important: To account for identity verification and payment processing timelines, ensure that you register for your test at least three3 days before your preferred test date and time. Last-minute bookings are not recommended.

Ensure you have selected Bachelor of Science in Nursing for distribution before the posted distribution deadline. Likely, there will be no additional tests scheduled, but the most up-to-date information can be found by browsing the Test Dates and Times on Acuity Insights.

Please direct any inquiries to Acuity Insights.

Accommodations: If you require testing accommodations for Acuity Insights, you will need to submit the Accommodations Request Form signed by you and your qualified professional three weeks in advance of your desired test date. More information regarding accommodations can be found here.

Note: Snapshot and Duet are not required to apply to our program.

Yes, although students may be admissible to the BScN program, they must ensure that they meet the course requirements for BIOL 1592/1594 and BIOL 1692/1694 to successfully progress through the program. The minimum requirements are Grade 12 anatomy and physiology with a minimum grade of C+ or BIOL 0600 and Grade 11 chemistry or CHEM 0500 (see Admissions Requirements). Current TRU students should connect with TRU Advising and non-TRU students are encouraged to connect with TRU Future Students.

Yes, although students may be admissible to the BScN program, they must ensure that they meet the course requirements for ENGL 1100 to successfully progress through the program. The minimum requirements are Grade 12 English studies /English First Peoples with a minimum 73% or equivalent (see Admissions Requirements). Current TRU students should connect with TRU Advising and non-TRU students are encouraged to connect with TRU Future Students.

• The IB program captures SL (standard level) and HL (higher level) coursework. SL credits may be usable toward the grade 11 and 12 admission requirements. If students have completed HL coursework, this will be assessed for credit to TRU based upon the acceptable levels according to the BC transfer guide. Diploma finals for the IB program are written in May of each year. Since the deadline to apply is January 31, assessment of IB coursework would need to be presented to Admissions with the student’s College Board transcript and official high school transcripts.
• If you have a high school student currently in the IB program, they are welcome to apply and will be evaluated as a high school applicant. Upon completion of the IB program, HL coursework may be considered and may provide advanced credit.

No. Students will either be ranked in the high school or post-secondary category depending on the number of credits they have completed at a post-secondary level. Once a student crosses the post-secondary threshold, they will be considered on post-secondary courses only.

Yes, applicants with a recognize healthcare professional designation will receive higher consideration in the admission process. These designations include, but are by not limited to:

• Respiratory therapist
• Veterinary technician
• Registered psychiatric nurse
• Doula
• Paramedic
• Licensed practical nurse
• Registered massage therapist
• Chiropractor
• Dental hygienist

*Applicants will be required to submit proof of their designation with their application.

TRU strives to make admission decisions by the end of April. This does vary year to year depending on the size of the applicant pool. A wait list is established in June and seat offers may continue throughout the summer from this wait list.

Should a student apply for the BScN program and not be successful, they will be given the opportunity to change their program to an open degree (Bachelor of Science, for example) without having to pay the application fee again. If the program is changed, it is recommended to meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that will help strengthen their application for the following year.

Current TRU students should connect with Academic Advising. Non-TRU students should contact TRU Future Students.

Yes, TRU does accept high school students each year. The number of seats offered to high school students varies from year to year depending on the applicant pool.

Yes, TRU requires all official interim transcripts. Post-secondary, ABE, and UPREP courses-in-progress must be completed by the deadline of Jan 31 to be considered admissible for the following fall intake.

If courses are not completed by the deadline, applicants may be considered in a later pool IF seats are still available, official transcript(s) noting final grades for the required courses is received by May 15, 2024 and all other admissions requirements are met (Casper, minimum grades, competitive GPA).

Students should note that if they have one of the five required courses in progress during the winter semester, their Grade 11 mark may be used in the overall GPA calculation pending their final Grade 12 mark. » How to submit high school transcripts

Any Grade 11 or 12 science used to complete a high school diploma is accepted as the BScN admission requirement. It is recommended students select a science in which they can obtain a high grade. Please review the admission requirements for accepted courses.

Any of the following courses would be acceptable in their respective categories.

Yes, TRU requires all official interim transcripts. Post-secondary, ABE and UPREP courses-in-progress must be completed by the deadline of Jan. 31 to be considered admissible for the following fall intake.

If courses are not completed by the deadline, applicants may be considered in a later pool IF seats are still available, official transcript(s) noting final grades for the required courses is received by May 15, and all other admissions requirements are met (Casper, minimum grades, competitive GPA).

TRU does not offer an official bridging program for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurse) in to the second year of the BScN program. However, over the past number of years, we have been able to welcome a number of LPNs in to a second-year seat. This is largely dependent on funding and seat availability. Prospective LPN students should apply for a year one seat with general intake, and will be considered based on funding and seat availability.

LPNs must meet program requirements and have completed 1600 hours of work experience to be considered for a year two seat. If offered a year two seat, LPNs must complete ENGL 1100 and BIOL 1693 (or equivalent) with a 60% or higher — prior to program entry — the following fall. Failure to successfully complete ENGL 1100 and BIOL 1693 or equivalent will result in loss of the student’s seat.

Starting in fall 2022, for the 2023 intake, all LPN applicants will be assessed through a competitive admissions process. It is highly suggested that all LPNs applying for advanced placement have their BIOL 1693 (no lab required) and ENGL 1100 completed prior Jan. 31 of the intake year to be considered for admission.

For more information about bridging in to the BScN program, contact [email protected].

Yes, all applicants are required to meet the admissions requirements. This may be the highschool of post-secondary requirements, as well as write the CASPer exam. See the Admissions Requirements tab for further details.

If admissible, LPN students are assessed individually for credits towards their BScN degrees. This assessment is based on experience, the graduating institution and program entry. Other health care disciplines may be assessed for credit. If admissible, HCA students may receive three credits towards a communication course and any other eligible electives they have completed.