6 Top Fast-Track Nursing Programs in Ontario

Top Ontario Colleges and Universities Offering Fast-Track BScN Programs

• Program: Accelerated Two-Year BScN
• Duration: 2 years (full-time, including summers)
• Location: Toronto, ON

• Overview: Ranked among the top 10 nursing schools globally, U of T’s accelerated BScN is renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum and clinical placements at top hospitals.
• Prerequisites:
  • Minimum 10 full-course equivalents (20 half-courses) from a recognized university.
  • Completed courses in human physiology, life sciences, social sciences, humanities, and statistics (minimum 75% or 3.0 GPA in final two years).
  • High school biology and chemistry may be required if not taken at university.
  • English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5) for non-native speakers.
• Admission Process:
  • Apply via OUAC 105 by February (deadlines vary: December-March).
  • Submit transcripts, a personal statement, and references.
  • Competitive GPA: typically mid-to-high 80s.
• Curriculum:
  • Courses cover health assessment, pharmacology, and community nursing.
  • Clinical placements start in the first year, with 800+ hours by graduation.

  • All courses are compulsory; withdrawal extends completion beyond 2 years.
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Pass all courses (including clinical components) with a minimum grade.
  • Complete 800+ clinical hours.
  • Meet CNO entry-to-practice competencies.

• Cost: ~$7,000-$9,500/year (domestic); ~$50,000/year (international).
• Why Choose?: World-class faculty, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and strong NCLEX pass rates.

2. Queen’s University – School of Nursing

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science – Accelerated Standing Track (AST)
• Duration: 2 years (full-time, including summers)
• Location: Kingston, ON

• Overview: Queen’s boasts a 97.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate, the highest in Ontario, with a patient-centered curriculum and early clinical exposure.
• Prerequisites:
  • At least 10 full-course equivalents (60 credits) from a recognized university.
  • Courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics (minimum 75% or 3.0 GPA).
  • English proficiency for international students.
• Admission Process:
  • Apply through OUAC by February 1.
  • Submit transcripts and a supplementary application (personal statement).
  • Competitive GPA: high 70s to mid-80s.
• Curriculum:
  • Includes nursing fundamentals, health assessment, and clinical practice.
  • Clinical placements begin in winter of year one, with community rotations in year two.

  • Simulation labs at the GSK Clinical Education Centre.
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Complete all in-person courses (no online option).
  • Pass 1,000+ clinical hours.
  • Meet CNO competencies and prepare for NCLEX-RN.
• Cost: ~$6,500-$9,000/year (domestic); ~$45,000/year (international).
• Why Choose?: High NCLEX success, dedicated advisors, and options for certificates in business or law.

3. Western University – Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing

• Program: Compressed Time Frame BScN (CTF)
• Duration: 19 months (Regular CTF or RPN Stream A); 22 months (RPN Stream B)
• Location: London, ON

• Overview: Western’s CTF program, offered with Fanshawe College, is ideal for students with university credits or RPNs seeking a BScN.

  
• Prerequisites:
  • Regular CTF: 2 years of university (10 full courses) with a 75% GPA; courses in biology, physiology, and statistics.
  • RPN Stream A: Ontario Practical Nursing diploma (75% GPA), 1 year of university, and RPN registration with CNO.
  • RPN Stream B: 2 years of full-time RPN experience (3,640 hours), Ontario PN diploma, and CNO registration.
  • English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL 90) for international students.
• Admission Process:
  • Apply via OUAC by February.
  • Submit transcripts, proof of RPN experience (if applicable), and a supplementary form.
  • Competitive GPA: mid-80s for Regular CTF.
• Curriculum:
  • Covers nursing theory, research, and clinical skills.
  • Includes 700+ hours of clinical placements in diverse settings.
  • Simulation suites for hands-on practice.
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Pass all courses and clinical components (pass/fail basis).
  • Complete within 4 years from initial registration.
  • Meet CNO competencies.
• Cost: ~$6,000-$8,500/year (domestic); ~$40,000/year (international).
• Why Choose?: Flexible streams for RPNs, immersive labs, and strong employer connections.

4. York University – School of Nursing

• Program: Second-Entry BScN
• Duration: 2 years (full-time, including summers)
• Location: Toronto, ON

• Overview: York’s patient-centered program emphasizes diversity and social justice, preparing RNs for innovative healthcare roles.
• Prerequisites:
  • Minimum 10 full-course equivalents (60 credits) with a 75% GPA.
  • Courses in human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics.
  • English proficiency for international students.
• Admission Process:
  • Apply via OUAC by February 1; submit Supplementary Information Form by April 1.
  • Competitive GPA: mid-to-high 80s.
  • No transfer credits for prior nursing courses.
• Curriculum:
  • Focuses on client-centered care, ethics, and leadership.
  • Includes 12 weeks of continuous clinical practice in year two.
  • Simulation labs and community placements.
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Complete all courses with a minimum grade.
  • Pass 800+ clinical hours.
  • Meet CNO entry-to-practice standards.
• Cost: ~$7,000-$9,500/year (domestic); ~$35,000/year (international).
• Why Choose?: Focus on human relationships, urban location, and global career prep.

5. Seneca Polytechnic – Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing (Fast-Track)

• Program: BSNF Fast-Track
• Duration: 3 years (8 consecutive semesters, no summer breaks)
• Location: King City, ON

• Overview: Seneca’s BSNF fast-track is a unique college-university hybrid, offering a BScN in three years with extensive clinical practice.
• Prerequisites:
  • 2 years of university (10 full courses) with a 3.0 GPA. (Optional)
  • Grade 12 Courses in biology, chemistry, and math (high school or university level).
  • English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5) for international students.
• Admission Process:
  • Apply through ontariocolleges.ca by February 1.
  • Submit transcripts and a portfolio (if requested).
  • Competitive GPA: mid-80s.
• Curriculum:
  • Covers anatomy, physiology, and clinical reasoning.
  • Includes 1,000+ hours of clinical placements and simulation lab training.
  • Hybrid delivery (some online, some in-person).
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Pass all courses and clinical practicums.
  • Meet CNO competencies and prepare for NCLEX-RN.
  • Complete within 3 years.
• Cost: ~$8,000-$10,000/year (domestic); ~$20,000/year (international).
• Why Choose?: PGWP eligibility, state-of-the-art labs, and pathways to graduate studies.

6. Humber Polytechnic – Bachelor of Science – Nursing (Second-Entry)

• Program: BScN Second-Entry
• Duration: 2.5-3 years (after preparatory semester)
• Location: Toronto, ON

• Overview: Humber’s program includes a preparatory semester for students needing prerequisite courses, followed by an accelerated BScN.
• Prerequisites:
  • 2 years of university (10 full courses) with a 75% GPA.
  • Preparatory semester courses (e.g., anatomy, microbiology, statistics) with 75% minimum.
  • English proficiency for international students.
• Admission Process:
  • Apply via ontariocolleges.ca by February.
  • Complete preparatory semester if prerequisites are missing.
  • Competitive GPA: high 70s to mid-80s.
• Curriculum:
  • Includes pathophysiology, nursing ethics, and clinical practice.
  • 1,000+ hours of clinical placements in GTA hospitals.
  • Simulation labs for skill-building.
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Pass all courses (75% minimum) and clinical components.
  • Meet CNO standards and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
  • Declare no criminal convictions or health issues per CNO rules.
• Cost: ~$7,500-$9,500/year (domestic); ~$18,000/year (international).
• Why Choose?: Flexible entry, strong clinical focus, and high employability.

General Admission Requirements for Fast-Track BScN Programs

• Prior Education: At least 2 years of university (10 full courses or 60 credits) with a minimum GPA of 75%-85%.
• Prerequisite Courses: Human anatomy, physiology, biology, statistics, psychology, and sometimes chemistry or microbiology.
• High School Credits: Grade 12 English, biology, and chemistry (if not taken at university).
• English Proficiency: For international students, tests like IELTS (6.5-7.0) or TOEFL (90-100).
• Application Materials: Transcripts, personal statement, references, and sometimes a supplementary form.
• Deadlines: February 1 for most programs via OUAC or ontariocolleges.ca.
• GPA: Competitive programs require mid-80s; less competitive ones accept high 70s.