Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1. Can I come to CAEN directly from high school to begin my nursing career?
Yes. Eight of the nine partner sites offer the beginning of the program and take students directly from high school. The University of Victoria (UVic), does not offer the first five semesters of the program so you would transfer at the end of Semester 5 from one of the partners to complete your degree at UVic.
Q. 2. What pre-requisites do I need for the nursing program?
Check with the CAEN partners for the pre-requisites required at each of the institutions. Successful completion of the first five terms of the program at a participating partner is required before entering UVic.
Q. 3. Can I specialize?
CAEN offers a generalist degree and does not offer specialization courses.
Q. 4. Can I work and go to school at the same time?
Many of our students do work outside of school time. You are cautioned that this is a full-time program and each school expects that being in class and completing assignments on time will take priority.
Q. 5. Can I choose my practice placement?
Generally not. You will work in partnership with our practica co-ordinators to ensure that you have had placements in a variety of areas and are confident in all aspects of nursing. You are welcome to discuss suggestions with the practica co-ordinator but placements are dependent on what is available at the time of your request.
Q. 6. Where are my placements going to be?
Placements could be in any of the health care agencies within the region where the college, university-college, or university is situated. You will work with the practica co-ordinator on selection of placements with geography being one consideration. Check each of the partners for information on their practice areas.
Q. 7. What does CAEN mean?
The Collaboration for Academic Education in Nursing (CAEN) is a partnership of nine Schools of Nursing in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. The participating colleges and university-colleges believe in the same principles and present the same curriculum. Please note that sequencing of courses may be different at each institution.
Q. 8. What does my GPA need to be?
You need 60% to pass any course in the program and you must maintain a 65% cumulative average (approximately C+). To transfer to UVic upon completion of Term 5 your GPA will need to be 3.0 on the UVic 9.0 scale. This is a C+.
Q. 9. I completed several terms of nursing education in another province. Is it transferable to CAEN?
You will need to check with the participating institutions for assignment of transfer credit.
Q. 10. Can I do the program part-time?
Yes. UVic offers a part-time option.
