Degree Information
Build the knowledge, skills and clinical experience to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario in a compressed, full-time three-year nursing degree.
In Carleton's Nursing program, you will learn through
- Hybrid coursework on campus and in small experiential learning labs
- Medical simulation using innovative extended reality — augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
- Clinical placements at the Queensway Carleton Hospital
- Optional concentration pathways
What are the concentration options for the Nursing program?
- Neuroscience and Mental Health: Study neuroscience as related to mental health nursing practice. You will be prepared to meet holistic patient care needs by understanding that mental health is an integral component of overall patient care.
- Data Science: Our first-of-its-kind concentration will prepare you to be at the forefront of technology and data science integrating artificial intelligence into your nursing practice. You'll learn to bridge the gap between technical skills and clinical expertise, using advanced knowledge to drive innovation in data science, artificial intelligence and healthcare.
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Why Nursing at Carleton University?
What makes Carleton's Nursing program different?
- RN Prescribing is embedded throughout the curriculum
- Simulation is built into the learning experiences, including high-fidelity simulation, virtual simulation and simulated patients
- Close partnership with the Queensway Carleton Hospital in the program's conceptualization and curriculum design
- Students can choose optional concentrations in Neuroscience and Mental Health or Data Science
- Eligible students in Carleton's Nursing program may apply for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant (OLSG), which covers direct educational costs such as tuition, supplies and equipment
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Carleton's Nursing students learn to welcome, respect and integrate patients' beliefs, views and lived experiences into their care. You'll graduate with a strong background in Indigenous history, culture and ways of healing — developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities, consultants and community members. Nurses develop an understanding of the social determinants of health, including equity, justice and ethics.
How to Apply
Admission to the Nursing program is competitive. Applicants must meet academic requirements, complete a supplementary application and review additional requirements for study and clinical participation.
Canadian students should follow general application steps, and international students should follow international application steps.
Do I need to complete a supplementary application?
Yes, once Carleton receives your application for the Nursing program, you can access the supplementary application through Carleton360 using your MyCarletonOne credentials. For more information, check out the Nursing supplementary application instructions.
Are there additional Nursing requirements beyond academic requirements?
In addition to academic admission requirements, students must be able to meet cognitive and physical requirements associated with study and clinical participation.
These requirements are intended to support legal, ethical and safety standards for students, patients and partner organizations. For more information, check out the additional requirements for Nursing.
Courses & Curriculum
Carleton's Nursing curriculum is designed to help students build their knowledge, clinical judgment and professional confidence over three continuous years of full-time study. Throughout the degree, students move between nursing theory, clinical practicum, simulation, health sciences, electives and optional concentration courses.
How is the Nursing program structured?
Students study across:
- Fall term
- Winter term
- Summer term
The degree is designed as a compressed full-time program, so students progress through the curriculum year-round. Check out the undergraduate calendar for the detailed curriculum for the Nursing program.
Sample Courses
NURS 1001 - Professional Nursing I
Introduction to professional nursing practice. Develops an understanding and application of key principles essential to developing a professional identity as a Registered Nurse, including self-regulation, accountability, ethical conduct and professional integrity.
NURS 3016 - Introduction to AI and ML in Healthcare
Fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in healthcare, covering data classification, data mining, ethical data use and AI/ML architectures.
Tuition & Scholarships
Careers & Outcomes
Carleton's Nursing program is designed to support students in developing the knowledge and experience needed for nursing practice and the pathway toward RN registration in Ontario.
What can the Nursing degree lead to?
The Nursing degree supports preparation for professional nursing practice in a range of settings reflected in the curriculum and practicum structure.
FAQs
Why study Nursing at Carleton?
Carleton's Nursing program stands out for its compressed three-year format, the inclusion of RN Prescribing in the curriculum and a strong emphasis on simulation and hands-on learning. The program was developed in close partnership with the Queensway Carleton Hospital to reflect current healthcare realities, and students benefit from a future-focused approach that includes optional concentrations in Neuroscience and Mental Health or Data Science.
Is the program approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario?
Yes, Carleton's three-year Nursing program is preliminarily approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse in Ontario.
Is Carleton's Nursing program a prerequisite for medical school?
The Nursing program is designed to prepare students for nursing practice and the RN registration pathway in Ontario. Some courses may overlap with prerequisites for a medical degree, but universities set their own admission requirements. If you are considering medical school, you should review the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in.
What clinical placements are included?
The curriculum includes clinical placement experiences in:
- Long-term care
- Chronic care
- Mental health
- Obstetrics
- Acute care
- Pediatrics
- Consolidated practicum experiences
Placement details, including hours and settings, may vary by course and clinical partner.
How is RN Prescribing included in the degree?
RN Prescribing is embedded throughout the curriculum. Students build prescribing-related competencies through learning connected to:
- Assessment
- Pharmacology
- Therapeutics
- Documentation
- Simulation
- Case-based practice
Are there part-time or flexible options?
No, Carleton's Nursing degree is designed as a compressed, full-time program completed over fall, winter and summer terms. Students are expected to remain fully registered in the required terms of the program.
What is the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for Nursing students?
Eligible students in Carleton's Nursing program may apply for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant (OLSG). The OLSG covers direct educational costs for eligible students, including:
- Tuition and ancillary fees
- Textbooks
- Supplies
- Program-specific equipment
In exchange, students commit to working in the region where they studied after graduation, for a period linked to the number of years of funding received. Students who receive OLSG support for all three years of the program are required to complete an 18-month service commitment after graduation.
What does the supplementary application include?
Please see the Nursing supplementary application instructions for more information. The supplementary application is accessed through Carleton360 once Carleton receives your application to the Nursing program.
Do Ontario applicants need Advanced Functions to apply?
Yes, Ontario applicants to the Nursing program must present Advanced Functions as part of their required 4U/M courses. Out-of-province and international students are encouraged to look at the prerequisite equivalency for the Advanced Functions course.
Can international students apply to the Nursing program?
Yes, international students can apply to Carleton's undergraduate programs and should review academic requirements, English language requirements and study permit guidance early in the process. You can also find more information on the International Undergraduate Admissions website.
Do I need to meet English language requirements for the Nursing program?
The language of instruction at Carleton University is English. To be admitted, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for academic success. Applicants can demonstrate their English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
- Proof of English Language Education
- English Language Test Results/Qualifications
Details on accepted tests, score requirements and exemption criteria can be found on the official English language requirements website.
How do I track my Nursing application?
After you apply, you can track your application through Carleton360. For more information on how to set this up, check out the steps to track your application.