What does collaborative program mean?
Students are taught collaboratively by both Mohawk College faculty and McMaster University faculty in each year of the three year program. This includes both nursing and non-nursing courses.
How can courses taken at different sites receive the same credit?
Regardless of the site (Mohawk, Conestoga, McMaster), students will take the same core courses in nursing and health sciences. While there may be some variation in the delivery of these courses, the required courses and electives are equivalent among the sites and will receive the same credit on the student transcript.
What electives can I choose?
- Students completing the Diploma RPN to BScN Stream (755) are required to complete 12 units of electives of which:
- Minimum 6 units from Level 2 or above coursework
- Maximum 6 units from non-mandatory NURSING or HTHSCI courses
- Elective course work must be completed prior to the start of the final term in Level 4. Mohawk and Conestoga site students have the option to take COLLAB courses at their respective site.
How large are the class sizes - nursing and science groups?
The Collaborative BScN program utilizes a problem-based learning (PBL) approach which involves small-group, self-directed learning that emphasizes interpersonal skills, independent learning, and leadership qualities. Learning is viewed as a process of inquiry, in an environment conducive to openness and sharing between faculty and students. Classes usually have approximately 20 - 30 students, placed into small-groups to promote the development of critical thinking and self-evaluation skills.
Where are the classes held for the Mohawk Collaborative program students?
Most classes are held on the McMaster University campus. Nursing labs and tutorials will all be conducted at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute.
What is the teaching methodology in the BScN program?
Small group, self-directed, problem based learning is the teaching methodology used in nursing and in some health sciences courses. This methodology is identified by the following characteristics:
- Learning begins with a trigger (i.e. a problem) usually drawn from real situations.
- This problem is studied in detail by small groups of students facilitated by a tutor.
- Students collaboratively determine what they need to learn, find relevant information, assess their own results and progress in solving the posed problem and report what they have learned via asynchronous postings, large group discussions, and developing plans for care.
- Secondary learning resources (i.e. articles, publications, e-learning resources) are used extensively.
- Self, peer and tutor feedback is an integral part of the learning process.
- The methodology facilitates the mastery of communication, critical thinking and group dynamic skills in addition to the mastery of knowledge and skills required for professional practice as a Registered Nurse.
Are there any additional costs, above book and supplies, for which I need to plan?
Yes. You will need to pay the cost of fitting for a facial mask. Mask fitting costs $40.00 and is required prior to commencing clinical experience. Mask fitting is available through Continuing Education at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences and must be renewed every two years.
Where are the clinical placements?
Clinical placements will occur in the health care agencies of Hamilton, Brantford, Halton, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk and the surrounding regions.
Is any transportation provided to the clinical areas?
No. It is the student's responsibility to arrange their own transportation and assume the cost of parking.
When are the tuition fees due?
Tuition is due at the beginning of July. The specific date will be given to you when you have accepted the program offer.
How does the Mohawk collaborative Nursing Degree program compare to nursing programs offered by other post-secondary institutions?
The Mohawk Collaborative BScN program is unique in the following areas:
- Facilities:
- The Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) is located on the university campus, adjacent to the McMaster University Medical Centre
- State-of-the-art Mohawk College Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation (nursing lab) with a 30 bed mini-hospital
- Full body simulation mannequins.
- Faculty:
- Clinically experienced faculty support learning in the professional practice environments
- Nursing professors teach classroom theory courses
- Feedback from Graduates:
- Co-operative learning with an adult education focus
- Wide variety of hands-on experience
- Peer-tutoring by students is offered free of charge in the Learning Support Centre
Can I apply to live in residence on the McMaster campus?
No. Students enrolled in the Nursing collaborative degree program are eligible to apply to the Mohawk College residence located at the Fennell Campus on the Hamilton mountain. City buses stop at the residence and the trip to the Mohawk-McMaster Institute takes approximately 30 minutes.
Visit the Off-Campus Housing page for more information regarding off-campus housing.
Is there any way to complete the Post Diploma RPN to BScN program in less than three years?
No. Once you are accepted into the nursing program, you may apply for advanced credit for university degree courses already taken. This does not mean that you will be able to "fast track" or complete the degree in less than three years.
Can I do Post Diploma RPN to BScN courses online?
No. The program is not offered online as theory and clinical courses run concurrently throughout the program.
Due to the pandemic, theory courses are being offered virtually. This will continue into the 2021-2022 academic year, with communication for Winter 2022 provided during the Fall semester.
How do I find out if I will receive advanced credit for previous university courses?
University transcripts, which should be submitted with your application, will be assessed for advanced credits by mid-July.
Is CPR certification required prior to starting the RPN to BScN program?
Yes. Students must have current C.P.R. Health Care Provider (BLS-C) Heart & Stroke certification upon entry into the program.
Your admission letter will outline all the non-academic requirements that need to be completed prior to the start of the program.
Where do I go to take a CPR (Level C) course?
Mohawk College Continuing Education, St. John's Ambulance, YMCA and most municipal recreation departments offer these courses. All expenses related to CPR certification must be absorbed by the applicant.
Am I eligible for a student rate when using Hamilton bus system (HSR)?
Yes. Students attending the Mohawk-McMaster Institute and enrolled in a full-time course load are eligible for a U-PASS. There is no additional cost for a U-PASS as this has been included in your tuition fees and it covers unlimited travel on the Hamilton bus system for 8 months.
Can I play varsity sports and intramurals at Mohawk College or at McMaster University?
You may try out for varsity sports at either Mohawk College or McMaster University. RPN to BScN students can participate in intramural sports at both the College and University.
Can I use McMaster University's recreation facilities?
Yes, All BScN students may use both McMaster and Mohawk's recreation and fitness facilities.
Do I get both a Mohawk and McMaster ID card?
Yes. You will get a photo ID card from both the university and the college. Both cards must be in your personal possession when you are on campus.
We're here to assist you! Please visit or contact us:
Academic Advisor BScN (phone): 905-525-9140 ext. 27369 (email) bscnadvisemohawk [at] mcmaster.ca (bscnadvisemohawk[at]mcmaster[dot]ca)
Counselling Mohawk College: 905-575-1212 ext. 6107 (to book an appointment)
Visit Mohawk College Off-Campus Housing
Visit the McMaster University Off-Campus Resource Centre
For more information please visit or contact us:
Mohawk College Admissions
ask [at] mohawkcollege.ca (ask[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)