Nursing - BScN Degree | Mohawk College

What does collaborative program mean?
Students are taught collaboratively by both Mohawk College faculty and McMaster University faculty in each year of the four year program. This includes both nursing and non-nursing courses.

How do the BScN programs offered by Mohawk College and McMaster University compare?
The McMaster University Baccalaureate Nursing Programs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program) includes a Basic, Accelerated and Post Diploma RPN Stream. The basic stream is offered at all sites. The Accelerated stream is only offered at McMaster university. The Post Diploma RPN stream is offered at the college sites only. The basic program of studies (curriculum), including the core courses in nursing and health sciences, are the same. Graduates of both programs, regardless of the site, will be granted the same BScN degree by McMaster University.

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?
15 units of electives are required with a minimum of 6 units from courses designated as Level 2 or above and a maximum of 6 units from NURSING or HTHSCI courses. Mohawk students also have the option to take Level 1 electives and COLLAB elective courses available at their 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 35-40 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 of Applied Health Sciences on the McMaster campus.

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 an opinion paper, a presentation or a simulation.
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. For example, first year students will need to purchase a standardized student uniform, stethoscope and nursing kit for practice of clinical skills while in the program. First year Nursing kits cost is $150. Second and third year nursing kits costs are $60- $130. In addition, you will need to pay the cost of CPR certification / recertification and any non-academic requirements such as police check and fitting for a facial mask. Mask fitting costs $40.00 and is required prior to commencing clinical placement practice experience. Mask fitting is available through Preplacement Services at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences and must be renewed every two years. For questions please contact preplacementservices [at] mohawkcollege.ca (preplacementservices[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).

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:

New building officially opened in September 2000
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
Nursing professors teach both classroom theory and applied clinical courses
Registered Nurse technologists to assist with clinical skills

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

Teaching methodology:

Small group, self-directed, problem based learning is integrated throughout the program.

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. There is also information available regarding off-campus housing on the Off-Campus Housing page.

Is there any way to complete the Collaborative BScN program in less than 4 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 four years. Applicants who already have already completed at least two years of university study (four full terms) may apply to the Accelerated (F) Stream consists of five consecutive terms of study and is offered only at the McMaster site with an application via McMaster university.

How do I find out if I will receive advanced credit for previous university courses?
Students who have completed courses at the university level prior to commencing studies in the BScN Program may be eligible to receive transfer credit/course exemptions for requirements of their program. In order to be assessed for transfer credit/course exemptions, students must make a request to their Academic Advisor prior to August 1. Transfer credit and course exemption request forms can be found here on the McMaster University Nursing website. University transcripts, which should be submitted with your application, are required in order to make the assessment.

Is CPR certification required prior to starting the BScN program?
Yes. Students must have current C.P.R. Health Care Provider (BLS-C) Heart & Stroke certification upon entry into 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 Mohawk College. Mohawk BScN students can participate in intramural sports at only Mohawk College.

Can I use McMaster University's recreation facilities?
No, BScN students may not use McMaster'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.