Applying to a Graduate Nursing Program

Applications are due February 1. This means that all application documents ( transcripts, letters of reference, and supplemental materials) must be received by February 1.  Review of complete files by the Graduate Admissions Committee begins February 1 and continues until spaces in each program are filled. Incomplete files cannot be reviewed. Late applications will be reviewed only if there is space in the program.


Applicants are advised to begin the application process early to ensure that all materials are received by the School of Nursing by February 1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application file is complete. 

PhD applicants may be interviewed by a panel of core faculty as part of the application process. It is expected that applicants will make themselves available for the interview.

1. Choosing Your Program

Western is a research-intensive university and each of the 3 graduate nursing programs includes a focus on research and scholarship. However, each program has unique goals and varies in the degree of emphasis placed on research and the extent to which advanced clinical practice is considered. See the links below for a description of each program:

2. Admission Requirements

Both general and program-specific requirements must be met to be considered for admission. All programs have one intake annually, beginning in September.

General Admission Requirements (all programs)

  • A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (or equivalent)
  • An average of at least  B+ (78% or higher) on the last 10 courses completed.
  • Completion of half-courses (one term) in both undergraduate research and statistics
  • RN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (except international students)
  • Current membership in the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (except international students)
  • International students must meet English language fluency requirements.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
    • Congruence of applicants' research interests with faculty programs of research
  • Master of Nursing (MN)
    • Evidence of the equivalent of two years full-time nursing clinical practice experience within the past five years
  • Doctoral Program in Nursing (PhD)
    • A master’s degree (in Nursing or another field) from an accredited program
    • Graduate (master’s level) preparation in research and statistics
    • Completion of a master’s thesis/research project; Applicants from non-thesis master's programs will also be considered and will complete a Qualifying Research Project early in their program of study (see program requirements)
    • Agreement for supervision from a faculty member whose research aligns with the applicant's interests and who has been approved to supervise PhD students. Faculty research and supervision.

Fast Track Option (PhD)

Outstanding MScN students may apply to fast track directly from the MScN program after the first year of full-time study, without completion of a master’s thesis if they meet the following requirements:

  • Be recommended by their supervisor
  • Have completed core and Qualifying Research Project course requirements for the master’s degree
  • Agree to complete a research project of limited scope (eg. pilot study or secondary analysis) under the supervision of their advisor, normally during the third semester of enrolment

3. Application Requirements

The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents (i.e. transcripts, letters of reference, test results, essays, certificates) are submitted as instructed. Applications will be reviewed when they are complete. Applicants to the MScN and PhD programs are encouraged to contact individual faculty members to discuss their research interests and possible research projects. As noted above, PhD students must have an agreement for supervision in place to be offered admission to the program.

4. Apply

Please be aware there are two steps to the application process.

1. Access our online application to apply to our MN*, MScN or PhD programs instantly through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

    * If you are interested in applying for the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program and you do not have already a graduate degree, please apply for the MN program and in step 2 fill out the supplemental application for the MN Full Program.

If you already have a graduate degree, you may use this application to apply to the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, and follow the sequence below:

  • All other undergraduate applicants (OUAC 105)
  • Browse University programs
  • By university
  • The University of Western Ontario
  • Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program

In step 2 please fill out the Supplemental Application for the NP certificate.

 

2. Please note that some supporting documents or materials should be submitted directly to the Graduate Program Assistant in the School of Nursing. These materials vary by program as noted below:

Please address and mail all correspondence to:

Graduate Programs Assistant
Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing
Room HSA132, Health Science Addition
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario N6A 5C1
CANADA

5. Accept Your Offer of Admission

The Graduate Program Admissions Committee reviews all applications and determines whether to offer admission based on a number of factors including: past academic achievement; clarity and fit of the student’s goals with the program goals; evidence of leadership; quality of sponsors’ assessments; quality of oral and/or written communication; alignment of the student’s research interests with areas of strength in the school.

Offers of admission are sent out as applications are considered, with the first offers made in April.

Successful applicants may accept their offers of admissions online.

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities.