Arctic Nursing (BScN)
Specialized nursing education for Arctic communities.
Why choose this program?
Nursing in Canada’s North is rewarding work that is about more than patient care. Arctic nurses provide holistic care that is patient, family, and community focused. In some communities, nurses may be the only health professionals, allowing them to use a wide range of skills and practice in a variety of areas.
Dalhousie partners with Nunavut Arctic College to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Arctic Nursing) in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The program emphasizes primary health care, awareness, and respect for the Inuit culture. The skills you gain will prepare you to be a leader in the Northern health care system, and across Canada.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
The Bachelor of Nursing (Arctic Nursing) degree is granted by Dalhousie, but applications to this program are submitted to the Nunavut Arctic College.
Visit the Nunavut Arctic College admissions page to learn more.
Applicants to the BScN (Arctic Nursing) program must meet the following criteria:
Be 18 years of age or older.
Have an academic grade 12 diploma with a 70% overall average and with credits in Math, Science and English (minimum 70% in subject areas)
Be a resident of Nunavut for at least 1 year.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
The Arctic Nursing program is offered through the Nunavut Arctic College, but many courses are offered remotely online. The exception are the hands-on clinical experiences that will make up a big part of your program and prepare you for practice.
Your clinical experiences will take place in various locations and health care settings. In your third-year, you will have the opportunity to travel to Halifax and be partnered to complete clinical placements at a hospital and a mental health facility. Your fourth-year placement will be in a smaller community in Nunavut. This placement will allow you to become more independent and exercise critical thinking skills in a remote community where resources may be limited.
The following Nursing program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Health. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Nursing (Arctic Nursing)
What you will learn
The curriculum for the Arctic Nursing program follows the curriculum standards for Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with a special emphasis on Inuit culture and community.
Beyond studying human anatomy and physiology, you'll explore the broad spectrum of nursing—from proper hygiene practices and mobility protocols to legal issues and medical ethics.
Sample courses may include:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Arctic Nursing) program will have the necessary knowledge, judgement and skills to write the National Council Licensure Examination- Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN graduates are eligible for registration in any province or territory.
Careers
For nurses, no two days are alike — and that is especially true for Arctic nurses. The scope of nursing covers a broad range of health-care settings. Arctic nurses have a role in advocating for patients and their communities, while improving health and well-being.
Nurses are in demand across the world, but this is especially true in Canada’s North. As an Arctic nurse, you might find yourself practicing in the following areas:
Your degree in nursing lays the groundwork for graduate programs in nursing, health administration and interdisciplinary studies.
