Can I apply to the program if I completed my nursing degree outside of Canada?
All applicants planning to apply to the Master of Nursing program must be registered in a Canadian jurisdiction.
Internationally educated nurses who are not already registered in Canada should consult the College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta for details on how to obtain registration to practice in Alberta.
I have a bachelor’s degree but it is not in Nursing. What are my options?
Applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BN, BScN).
Under some circumstances, bachelor’s degrees from other related disciplines may be considered. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis at the time of application. Applications will be accepted from regulated members in good standing in a Canadian jurisdiction on the Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse, Graduate Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Practitioner Register.
How do I get funding for my program?
Financial support may consist of graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships and fellowships, or external research support. For more information, please consult the School of Graduate Studies Award Opportunities. Funding for Canadian graduate students is also available in the form of student loans and grants. Both the federal and provincial governments offer financial aid to students who qualify.
Is the Master of Nursing program offered online?
Yes, students complete courses, and meetings with instructors, advisors and classmates online.
What courses are required?
The Master of Nursing program consists of the equivalent of 11 courses (33.0 credit hours). Course sequencing will differ by pathway (course-based, thesis, or project route).
Please refer to the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue for a detailed listing of courses required for each option. See MN Program Information & Course Sequencing for course sequencing.
What is the difference between a project and thesis?
The project route is for students who want to make a significant contribution to a nursing practice setting via activities other than a research project. A project involves the application of a variety of nursing evidence into a deliverable that can be readily utilized by nurses or clients in a practice setting. The course NURS 5130: Practice Experience may stimulate possible project ideas. The project will not entail the collection of data from individuals and will not require ethics review. There are many possible formats for a scholarly project.
The thesis route is for students who wish to conduct research. A thesis begins with the posing of a question and requires an in-depth review of the literature, application of clearly described methodology for answering the research question, ethics approval, data collection, description of the results of the work, a synthesis of the research findings with current literature, and implication of the research for both theory and practice. Students should be aware that a thesis requires a large investment in time and energy.
How long does it take to complete the Master of Nursing program at the University of Lethbridge?
For part-time students, the minimum time limit for degree completion shall be 48 months of continuous registration in the program. The maximum time for completion will be three years for full-time study or six years for part-time study.
Can I request an extension if needed?
If needed, a graduate student may apply for an extension up to one academic year.
Where can I look to find in-depth details on the program?
Please read through the School of Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures document and the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue. You will find useful information about the program including degree requirements and courses.