RN Bridging Re-Entry Program

Overview

The RN Bridging Re-Entry Program is an entry-level educational program designed to review current nursing practice. The program is offered to people who have been educated as nurses who want to:

• Re-enter nursing practice by ensuring currency in knowledge and skills
• Begin nursing practice in Canada after nursing in another country
• Meet licensure requirements by completing courses as identified by regulatory body

If you were educated in nursing outside of Canada, this program can help smooth your transition through comprehensive education on Canadian nursing practice and help prepare you for success in taking the NCLEX-RN exam. The program identifies the differences between previous nursing experience and Canadian nursing practice and helps to meet the educational and practical gaps by focusing on the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected in Canada.

If you were educated in Canada, and referred by the provincial regulator, this program can help prepare you for success in re-entering the practice environment.

Learn more about the program by viewing Quick Facts on the RNBRP (Video, 06:45).

Requirements

• Demonstrated proof of residency for Nova Scotia
• Referred by one of the following:
  • Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN)
  • Nova Scotia Health (employees only)
  • Self-referred

Note that self-referred learners must: 

• Have an Active Practicing or Conditional RN license from NSCN
• Live in Nova Scotia, Canada
• Have either:
  • A completed English language proficiency assessment (within the last 24 months) and achieved the minimum required scores set by the Canadian Regulators Nursing Collaborative, or 
    An Employer Confirmation of English Language Proficiency form based on work experience as an RN/LPN in a health care setting within the last 24 months
  • Complete and submit a self-referral form as part of the registration process

Proof of Residency

After we receive your application, we will need proof of residency. You will need to provide one of the following:

• Photo ID issued by provincial government
• Government-issued health card
• Residential lease or property deed to a residence or property in Nova Scotia
• Utility bill with your name and address
• Letter from provincial government or court (marriage license, divorce, government aid)
• Provincial driver’s license or learner’s permit

Cost

Full program (9 courses):

• Tuition: approximately $3,550
• Textbooks: approximately $550

Individual program costs might vary depending on how many courses you are referred for by the regulator. See Course Details for costs for each course.

Some other costs to consider include:

• Transportation and accommodation (if required) for multi-day on-site learning activities and clinical experiences.
• Parking costs vary at sites across the province. There may be a fee to park on site at Nova Scotia Health facilities.
• Immunizations and health screening for clinical courses may have a cost if you do not have medical coverage.
• Clinical courses and placements require appropriate nursing uniforms, footwear, and your own personal stethoscope. Clinical courses are unpaid and the program workload duing the Clinical Course: Medical Surgical is full time. It is recommended that you do not work at external jobs during this course.
• Meals are not included in any program activities.

Registration Instructions

• Registration happens in Genius, our student information system. See our Genius Learner Guide [PDF] and Genius FAQ to help support you through the registration process. Our Steps to Register in Genius for RN Bridging Re-Entry Program outlines the registration process.
• The email address you use to register may be shared with your classmates in the learning management system (Brightspace).
• Registration in Genius does not guarantee acceptance in the program. Eligibility will be assessed following registration.

Note that some demographic information on this form is collected for statistical and reporting purposes for our government funder. It is not used to assess your eligibility.