Nursing MScN (FNP) and MScN Programs
- Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Program (MScN (FNP))
- Master of Science in Nursing Program: Thesis or Project Option (MScN)
Tina Fraser, Acting Chair
Davina Banner-Lukaris, Associate Professor
Shannon Freeman, Associate Professor
Caroline Sanders, Associate Professor
Sarah Dewell, Assistant Professor
Rae Marceau, Assistant Professor
Catharine Schiller, Assistant Professor
Erin Wilson, Assistant Professor
Penny Anguish, Adjunct Professor
Sylvia Barton, Adjunct Professor
Jennifer Beaveridge, Adjunct Professor
Julie Bickford, Adjunct Professor
Sheila Blackstock, Adjunct Professor
Helen Bourque, Adjunct Professor
Garrit Clements, Adjunct Professor
Lisa Creelman, Adjunct Professor
Tracey Day, Adjunct Professor
Heidi Dunbar, Adjunct Professor
Celia Evanson, Adjunct Professor
Rosemary Graham, Adjunct Professor
Monica Gregory, Adjunct Professor
Kelly Gunn, Adjunct Professor
Connie-Marie Lapadat, Adjunct Professor
Rose Perrin, Adjunct Professor
Kristine Roswell, Adjunct Professor
Ann Syme, Adjunct Professor
Denise Tarlier, Adjunct Professor
Cathy Ulrich, Adjunct Professor
Lela Zimmer, Adjunct Professor
Deb Carter, Senior Lab Instructor
Amanda De Smit, Senior Lab Instructor
Heidi Dodenberg, Senior Lab Instructor
Ngoc Huynh, Senior Lab Instructor
Lauren Irving, Senior Lab Instructor
Gwen Keeler, Senior Lab Instructor
Lena MacBlain, Senior Lab Instructor
Breanna Pon, Senior Lab Instructor
Amy Klepetar, Senior Instructor
Linda Van Pelt, Senior Instructor
Erika Giesbrecht, Instructor
Sarah Hanson, Instructor
Tami Rowe, Instructor
Farah McKenzie, Lecturer
Jeff Straw, Lecturer
Websites: www.unbc.ca/nursing/family_nurse_practitioner_program.html
www.unbc.ca/nursing/master_of_science_nursing.html
The Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Program is a practice-oriented, theory-based degree that prepares graduates to be autonomous practitioners, leaders, role models, and educators in primary health care. The focus of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program is general family practice—that is care for individuals, families, groups and communities across all life stages. Family Nurse Practitioners are health professionals who have achieved the advanced nursing practice competencies at the graduate level of nursing education. Nurse Practitioners, who are regulated by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, provide health care services from a holistic nursing perspective, integrated with the autonomous diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, including ordering diagnostic tests and prescribing medications.
The Master of Science in Nursing Program (Thesis or Project) leads to an advanced nursing practice degree that focuses on preparing graduates across a range of areas and specialties to act as autonomous practitioners. In addition, this program aims to prepare graduates as inter-professional collaborators, nurse researchers, leaders, educators, change agents, and role models. Graduates of this program work in a variety of health care settings as clinical nurse specialists, educators, administrators, and researchers, and work with diverse populations across all age groups.
Both programs focus on the preparation of graduates for advanced nursing practice in rural and northern communities. Courses address the following: community and program development and evaluation; debates influencing health care policy; application of research and evidence-based practice; promotion of the health of Indigenous Peoples; and development of nursing knowledge in relation to advanced practice nursing.
Required courses for the MScN (FNP) and MScN are available by distance, with some on-site (face-to-face) requirements and required clinical practice in the MScN (FNP) Program. The programs are designed to allow professional nurses to complete their degree on a full-time or part-time basis.
Clinical Practica Scheduling and Expectations
The MScN (FNP) Program focuses on practice in rural and northern settings. Clinical practica at sites across British Columbia are arranged by the School of Nursing. Students must be prepared to complete clinical hours where and when assigned.
Clinical practica sites are based on availability as well as student learning needs towards achieving Entry-Level Competencies for Nurse Practitioners in Canada.
Attendance for all 752 clinical hours is required through 12 credit hours of practicum and 9 credit hours of consolidating internship. Students who do not complete their total required hours in each semester are at risk of failure. Students who are unable to attend their practicum for any reason must contact their clinical faculty and preceptor or site contact with as much notice as possible.
For those in the MScN (Thesis or Project option): NURS 701-6 Advanced Clinical Practice Nursing clinical hours and practice sites are tailored to the specific clinical focus.
Program Costs
Costs associated with study in the MScN (FNP) Program or the MScN Program — Thesis or Project Option are the responsibility of the individual student, including transportation costs, and any expenses involved in academic studies, lab, and clinical practica. These expenses may include travel, accommodation, and living expenses associated with required clinical practice or travel to campus for required face-to-face (on campus) coursework. See the Fees section in this calendar.
Criminal Records Search
All students in the Master of Science in Nursing program are required to submit a Criminal Record Check search prior to the first day of classes in the entry semester and prior to the commencement of their first clinical courses.
Domestic applicants must supply a Criminal Record Check search result after receiving an offer of admission and before the first day of classes; the search result is not required with the application. International applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check search result completed by their local police authority upon application, and are also required to submit a British Columbia Criminal Record Check if offered admission. The Office of the Registrar provides instructions to domestic and international applicants who have accepted offers of admission on how to complete a British Columbia Criminal Record Check.
Immunizations
All students undertaking clinical learning experiences must submit records of current status of the following immunizations prior to commencement of the clinical courses: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, and COVID-19. A Mantoux test (PPD) for tuberculosis is also recommended within one month of entering the clinical setting. Failure to have up-to-date immunizations may result in the student not being permitted to practice in a clinical setting.
CPR Certification
All students undertaking clinical learning experiences must provide proof of current CPR certification, level C, prior to commencement of the clinical courses.
British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals Requisite Skills and Abilities
All students who apply to the UNBC MScN (FNP) and MScN Programs must demonstrate the capacity to meet British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) Requisite Skills and Abilities, and sign the BCCNM form attesting to that capacity.
Standards of Professional Conduct
In addition to fulfilling all University and Program expectations, all students are expected to abide by professional standards as set forth in the current BCCNM Professional Standards for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses. Violation of professional standards may result in suspension or dismissal from the program or the educational institution.
Misconduct
Any conduct that violates the ethical or legal standards of UNBC or BCCNM, particularly those related to academic dishonesty and professional conduct, are considered serious offences. Academic misconduct and/or professional misconduct may result in the student being required to withdraw from the MScN Program and possibly the University. Satisfactory academic performance is not the sole criterion for progression or graduation. The UNBC School of Nursing reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the student’s program if the student is considered to be unsuited to proceed with the study or practice of advanced practice nursing.
Academic Performance
All MScN students must adhere to all Graduate Program Admissions and Regulations as outlined in the UNBC Graduate Calendar. Students may be removed from a clinical learning experience or setting due to “unsafe or unprofessional” performance or conduct and may receive a final grade of F in that course.
Davina Banner-Lukaris, Associate Professor
Shannon Freeman, Associate Professor
Caroline Sanders, Associate Professor
Sarah Dewell, Assistant Professor
Rae Marceau, Assistant Professor
Catharine Schiller, Assistant Professor
Erin Wilson, Assistant Professor
Penny Anguish, Adjunct Professor
Sylvia Barton, Adjunct Professor
Jennifer Beaveridge, Adjunct Professor
Julie Bickford, Adjunct Professor
Sheila Blackstock, Adjunct Professor
Helen Bourque, Adjunct Professor
Garrit Clements, Adjunct Professor
Lisa Creelman, Adjunct Professor
Tracey Day, Adjunct Professor
Heidi Dunbar, Adjunct Professor
Celia Evanson, Adjunct Professor
Rosemary Graham, Adjunct Professor
Monica Gregory, Adjunct Professor
Kelly Gunn, Adjunct Professor
Connie-Marie Lapadat, Adjunct Professor
Rose Perrin, Adjunct Professor
Kristine Roswell, Adjunct Professor
Ann Syme, Adjunct Professor
Denise Tarlier, Adjunct Professor
Cathy Ulrich, Adjunct Professor
Lela Zimmer, Adjunct Professor
Deb Carter, Senior Lab Instructor
Amanda De Smit, Senior Lab Instructor
Heidi Dodenberg, Senior Lab Instructor
Ngoc Huynh, Senior Lab Instructor
Lauren Irving, Senior Lab Instructor
Gwen Keeler, Senior Lab Instructor
Lena MacBlain, Senior Lab Instructor
Breanna Pon, Senior Lab Instructor
Amy Klepetar, Senior Instructor
Linda Van Pelt, Senior Instructor
Erika Giesbrecht, Instructor
Sarah Hanson, Instructor
Tami Rowe, Instructor
Farah McKenzie, Lecturer
Jeff Straw, Lecturer
Websites: www.unbc.ca/nursing/family_nurse_practitioner_program.html
www.unbc.ca/nursing/master_of_science_nursing.html
The Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Program is a practice-oriented, theory-based degree that prepares graduates to be autonomous practitioners, leaders, role models, and educators in primary health care. The focus of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program is general family practice—that is care for individuals, families, groups and communities across all life stages. Family Nurse Practitioners are health professionals who have achieved the advanced nursing practice competencies at the graduate level of nursing education. Nurse Practitioners, who are regulated by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, provide health care services from a holistic nursing perspective, integrated with the autonomous diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, including ordering diagnostic tests and prescribing medications.
The Master of Science in Nursing Program (Thesis or Project) leads to an advanced nursing practice degree that focuses on preparing graduates across a range of areas and specialties to act as autonomous practitioners. In addition, this program aims to prepare graduates as inter-professional collaborators, nurse researchers, leaders, educators, change agents, and role models. Graduates of this program work in a variety of health care settings as clinical nurse specialists, educators, administrators, and researchers, and work with diverse populations across all age groups.
Both programs focus on the preparation of graduates for advanced nursing practice in rural and northern communities. Courses address the following: community and program development and evaluation; debates influencing health care policy; application of research and evidence-based practice; promotion of the health of Indigenous Peoples; and development of nursing knowledge in relation to advanced practice nursing.
Required courses for the MScN (FNP) and MScN are available by distance, with some on-site (face-to-face) requirements and required clinical practice in the MScN (FNP) Program. The programs are designed to allow professional nurses to complete their degree on a full-time or part-time basis.
Clinical Practica Scheduling and Expectations
The MScN (FNP) Program focuses on practice in rural and northern settings. Clinical practica at sites across British Columbia are arranged by the School of Nursing. Students must be prepared to complete clinical hours where and when assigned.
Clinical practica sites are based on availability as well as student learning needs towards achieving Entry-Level Competencies for Nurse Practitioners in Canada.
Attendance for all 752 clinical hours is required through 12 credit hours of practicum and 9 credit hours of consolidating internship. Students who do not complete their total required hours in each semester are at risk of failure. Students who are unable to attend their practicum for any reason must contact their clinical faculty and preceptor or site contact with as much notice as possible.
For those in the MScN (Thesis or Project option): NURS 701-6 Advanced Clinical Practice Nursing clinical hours and practice sites are tailored to the specific clinical focus.
Program Costs
Costs associated with study in the MScN (FNP) Program or the MScN Program — Thesis or Project Option are the responsibility of the individual student, including transportation costs, and any expenses involved in academic studies, lab, and clinical practica. These expenses may include travel, accommodation, and living expenses associated with required clinical practice or travel to campus for required face-to-face (on campus) coursework. See the Fees section in this calendar.
Criminal Records Search
All students in the Master of Science in Nursing program are required to submit a Criminal Record Check search prior to the first day of classes in the entry semester and prior to the commencement of their first clinical courses.
Domestic applicants must supply a Criminal Record Check search result after receiving an offer of admission and before the first day of classes; the search result is not required with the application. International applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check search result completed by their local police authority upon application, and are also required to submit a British Columbia Criminal Record Check if offered admission. The Office of the Registrar provides instructions to domestic and international applicants who have accepted offers of admission on how to complete a British Columbia Criminal Record Check.
Immunizations
All students undertaking clinical learning experiences must submit records of current status of the following immunizations prior to commencement of the clinical courses: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, and COVID-19. A Mantoux test (PPD) for tuberculosis is also recommended within one month of entering the clinical setting. Failure to have up-to-date immunizations may result in the student not being permitted to practice in a clinical setting.
CPR Certification
All students undertaking clinical learning experiences must provide proof of current CPR certification, level C, prior to commencement of the clinical courses.
British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals Requisite Skills and Abilities
All students who apply to the UNBC MScN (FNP) and MScN Programs must demonstrate the capacity to meet British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) Requisite Skills and Abilities, and sign the BCCNM form attesting to that capacity.
Standards of Professional Conduct
In addition to fulfilling all University and Program expectations, all students are expected to abide by professional standards as set forth in the current BCCNM Professional Standards for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses. Violation of professional standards may result in suspension or dismissal from the program or the educational institution.
Misconduct
Any conduct that violates the ethical or legal standards of UNBC or BCCNM, particularly those related to academic dishonesty and professional conduct, are considered serious offences. Academic misconduct and/or professional misconduct may result in the student being required to withdraw from the MScN Program and possibly the University. Satisfactory academic performance is not the sole criterion for progression or graduation. The UNBC School of Nursing reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the student’s program if the student is considered to be unsuited to proceed with the study or practice of advanced practice nursing.
Academic Performance
All MScN students must adhere to all Graduate Program Admissions and Regulations as outlined in the UNBC Graduate Calendar. Students may be removed from a clinical learning experience or setting due to “unsafe or unprofessional” performance or conduct and may receive a final grade of F in that course.
MScN (FNP): Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Admission to Family Nurse Practitioner Program
In addition to the admission application requirements outlined in Section 1.0 of the Graduate Academic Calendar, applicants for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program are required to submit the following for consideration of admission:
- Three Assessment Reports on Applicant for Admission to Graduate Studies. Letters of reference may accompany the Assessment Reports. At least one of the assessments/letters must be from a health professional from the prospective student’s most recent practice setting;
- An academic transcript showing undergraduate courses in nursing theory, health assessment, community health nursing, and research;
- Nursing practice résumé or curriculum vitae;
- Criminal records searches;
- Successful completion of the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training within the previous two years prior to the semester of admission to the MScN (FNP) Program;
- Evidence of at least two years full-time practice experience, or equivalent, following completion of the Baccalaureate degree;
- Evidence of active registration as a nurse in British Columbia. Note that annual documentation of current, practicing BCCNM licensure is required while enrolled in the program.
Recommendations
The following recommendations, if undertaken, may strengthen applications to the UNBC MScN (FNP) Program, and may be beneficial in preparing applicants for the demands of an MScN (FNP) graduate program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to successfully complete the following within three years prior to the semester of admission to the MScN (FNP) Program:
- an upper-division or graduate-level anatomy and physiology course
- an academic writing course
- a graduate-level research methods course
Application deadlines can be found in the Graduate Programs Admissions and Regulations section of the Graduate Calendar at http://www.unbc.ca/calendar/graduate/admissions.
The MScN (FNP) Program accepts students for the September Semester.
Family Nurse Practitioner Requirements
51 credit hours of MScN and Nurse Practitioner courses are required. On-site instruction is a required component of five courses. Placements for clinical experiences are in rural and northern communities. A final project completes the degree.
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Pathophysiology
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Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
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| NURS 604-3 | The Healing and Well-being of Indigenous Peoples |
| NURS 605-3 | Pharmacological Management and Therapeutic Interventions |
| NURS 606-3 | Developing Nursing Knowledge |
| NURS 607-3 | Appraising and Synthesizing Evidence for Practice |
| NURS 608-3 | Nurse Practitioner Professional Practice |
| NURS 703-3 | Health Program Planning, Community Development and Evaluation |
| NURS 704-3 | Leadership in Health Care and Practice |
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Practicum: Integrating Primary Health Care I
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Practicum: Integrating Primary Health Care II
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Nurse Practitioner Internship
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Nurse Practitioner Project
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MScN Program - Thesis or Project Option
Admission to MScN Program
In addition to the admission application requirements outlined in Section 1.0 of the Graduate Academic Calendar, applicants for the Academic Master's Program are required to submit the following for consideration of admission:
- Three Assessment Reports on Applicant for Admission to Graduate Studies. Letters of reference may accompany the Assessment Reports. At least one of the assessments/letters must be from a health professional from the prospective student’s most recent practice setting.
- An academic transcript showing undergraduate courses in nursing theory, health assessment, community health nursing, and research.
- Nursing practice résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Criminal records searches prior to being admitted.
- Evidence of active registration in the jurisdiction in which the student resides while taking the program. Note that annual documentation of current licensure is required while enrolled in the program.
Application deadlines can be found in the Graduate Programs Admissions and Regulations section of the Graduate Calendar at http://www.unbc.ca/calendar/graduate/admissions.
The MScN Program accepts students for the September and January Semesters.
Thesis Option Requirements
18 credits of MScN courses are required, as well as 3 credits of electives. Students must also complete a 12-credit-hour independent research thesis, for a total of 33 credit hours.
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The Healing and Well-being of Indigenous Peoples
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| NURS 606-3 | Developing Nursing Knowledge |
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Appraising and Synthesizing Evidence to for Practice
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| NURS 618-3 | Research Approaches for Nursing and Health |
| NURS 619-3 | Qualitative Research in Nursing and Health |
| or NURS 620-3 | Quantitative Research in Nursing and Health |
| NURS 704-3 | Leadership in Health Care and Practice |
Electives
At least 3 credit hours of graduate-level study at or above the 600 level are required. The purpose of the electives is to broaden the student’s depth and scope of learning on a particular topic of interest. The supervisory committee will ensure the appropriate selection of relevant elective course(s).
Thesis
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Thesis
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MScN Thesis students must write and defend an independent research thesis. The thesis entails research in a topic area developed in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee. Oral examination is required as per University regulations.
Project Option Requirements
18 credits of MScN courses are required, as well as 9 credit hours of electives. Students must also complete a 6-credit-hour independent project, for a total of 33 credit hours.
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The Healing and Well-being of Indigenous Peoples
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| NURS 606-3 | Developing Nursing Knowledge |
| NURS 607-3 | Appraising and Synthesizing Evidence for Practice |
| NURS 618-3 | Research Approaches for Nursing and Health |
| NURS 703-3 | Health Program Planning, Community Development and Evaluation |
| or NURS 705-3 | Mobilizing Knowledge in Health and Health Care |
| NURS 704-3 | Leadership in Health Care and Practice |
Electives
At least 9 credit hours of graduate-level study at or above the 600 level are required. The purpose of the electives is to broaden the student’s depth and scope of learning on a particular topic of interest. The supervisory committee ensures the appropriate selection of relevant elective course(s).
Project
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MScN Project
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MScN Project students must write and defend an independently completed project. The project entails addressing a topic of concern within nursing practice, education, administration or policy, such as clinical or patient focused outcomes, evidence-informed practice, quality improvement, knowledge translation, or theoretical investigation.
Updated: February 27, 2023
