Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS)
The Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan is a collaborative venture of the Nursing Division, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (Kelsey and Wascana Campuses), First Nations University of Canada (First Nations University), and the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan. The complete program is offered in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert. Students in Regina attend The University of Regina as visiting University of Saskatchewan students in order to take their non-nursing courses. There are special agreements in place that affect the general policies and practices of the University of Saskatchewan as described elsewhere in this
Calendar. Applicants admitted to this program receive a student handbook outlining specific policies and regulations.
The program is a four-year degree program. Part-time study is an option. All courses must be completed within seven years of commencing the program. Graduates of the four-year program may apply for licensure with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS). Graduates must be of good character and must pass a national registration exam before they are eligible to practice.
Although the program is designed for completion in four years, in Saskatoon and Regina there are two options for students who have completed their non-nursing courses prior to the end of Year 3 of the program. One option allows students to complete the program in 3 1/2 years, finishing in December of their 4th year. The second allows students to complete the program in a little more than 3 years, finishing at the end of September of the 4th year. Space may be limited in these options. Years three and four are taught by the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, at all three sites.
Years one and two are taught by the Nursing Division, SIAST, in Saskatoon and Regina, and by First Nations University Northern Campus in Prince Albert.
For additional information please contact the College of Nursing at 306-966-6221.
Admission Requirements
This program is open to applicants who present official evidence of having the required academic standing. Enrolment in the program is limited to the number that can be accommodated in class and clinical practice. Every effort will be made to accommodate qualified applicants but applicants should not assume that admission is assured because their average exceeds the minimum.
For admission to NEPS, an applicant must have a complete secondary standing (24 credits) in Saskatchewan or equivalent with a minimum 70% average based on the required subjects: English A 30, English B 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Mathematics at the 30 level.
Special Admission is available for applicants who do not meet the Regular Admission requirements and who are at least 19 years of age and are Canadian citizens or Landed Immigrants. All applicants require Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.
Heart Saver CPR Level C with AED and a Standard First Aid Certificate may be obtained before the start of the program but must be obtained by December 15 of the first year.
Applicants interested in NEPS should contact the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan; SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina; SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon; or First Nations University in Prince Albert, for information and application forms. Applications for admission will be accepted between October 1 and January 15.
Aboriginal Ancestry and Persons with Disabilities
A number of seats in NEPS are reserved for persons of Aboriginal ancestry and persons with disabilities.
For persons of Aboriginal descent, applicants may compete within this category, not against the entire applicant pool. Applicants should identify themselves as Aboriginal on the application for admission. Applicants with disabilities must consult with the program prior to application. To qualify for one of these seats applicants must self identify on the application for admission, and provide documentation to verify their status.
Registration
Students are responsible for the continuing completeness and accuracy of their registration(s).
Students accepted for admission to NEPS are required to provide the results of a criminal records check as part of their registration process. Students failing to do so will be excluded from contact with clients and may be
Required to Withdraw from the program.
With the exception of second year NEPS and term one of fourth year, students are not usually permitted to register in more than 15 credit units per term. Permission to take an extra course may be given in special situations and is limited to students with a Cumulative Weighted Average of 70% or over.
Program of Study
Year 1
ENG (3 credit units); NEPS 112.3, 113.3, 114.3, 115.3, 116.3, 118.3, 119.3; Social Science (3 credit units); NUTR 120.3
Year 2
NEPS 211.3, 212.3, 216.3, 218.3, 220.3, 221.3, 222.3, 223.3, 233.6*, 291.3, 292.3, 293.3, 294.3
*NEPS 233.6 is a combined 8 week practicum offered in May and June. Students may be expected to have clinical experience outside of Saskatoon, Regina, or Prince Albert.
Year 3
NEPS 300.3, 301.3, 302.3, 303.3, 317.3, 323.3, 325.3, 327.3; Statistics (3 credit units); Social Science (3 credit units)*
*HSC 120.3 is not acceptable.
Year 4
NEPS 400.3, 417.3, 421.6*, 425.6*, 427.3, 428.3; Open Elective (3 credit units); Social Science (3 credit units)
*Students may be expected to have clinical experience outside of Saskatoon, Regina, or Prince Albert in NEPS 421, 425, and 428.
Requirements for Completion of the Degree
Students with prior university credit(s) are advised to contact the College of Nursing to ensure proper sequencing and granting of transfer credit(s). Students wishing to take a course from another post-secondary institution must obtain written permission from the College of Nursing. This regulation does not apply to NEPS students enrolled at the Regina site or Prince Albert site taking required courses from The University of Regina or First Nations University.
All courses to be counted for the degree must be completed within seven years of enrolment in the program.
Degrees with Distinction
The B.S.N. degree with Distinction will be awarded to NEPS students whose Cumulative Weighted Averages are between .70 and 1.5 standard deviations above the mean of the 4-year averages for their graduating year and who have 4-year averages greater than 75%. The B.S.N. degree with Great Distinction will be awarded to NEPS students whose Cumulative Weighted Averages are more than 1.5 standard deviations above the mean of the cumulative averages for their graduating year and who have cumulative averages greater than 80%.
Progress and Graduation Policies
- Progress towards completion of the program will be monitored on an annual basis. Students are required to maintain an annual minimum weighted average of 60% overall and an annual minimum weighted average of 60% in nursing courses.
- Students are required to maintain current Heart Saver CPR Level C with AED certification throughout the program.
- Normally a student will be allowed no more than 2 opportunities to attempt a course (including clinical courses).
- To graduate, students must have passed all required courses with a minimum Cumulative Weighted Average of 60% overall and a minimum Cumulative Weighted Average of 60% in nursing courses.
- The University of Saskatchewan will award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to graduates upon successful completion of the program. Students must complete an Application to Graduate form.
Failure to Meet the Requirements for Progress or Graduation If a student has not met the above requirements, a course of action deemed appropriate to the degree of failure to meet the standards for progress or graduation will be determined by the NEPS Administrative Committee. The course of action required of the student may include one or more of the following:
(a) If a supplemental examination is granted, pass that examination.
(b) Repeat the failed course(s).
(c) Take those courses deemed advisable by the program to constitute a make-up year.
(d) Repeat some or all courses taken during the year.
(e) Be placed on
Probation under the conditions determined by the Administrative Committee.
(f) Discontinue studies in the program for one academic term or year.
(g) Discontinue studies in the program.
Attendance and Discipline Regular and punctual attendance is expected of students in all courses, laboratories, and practice periods for which they are registered. During periods of clinical experience students are subject to the general rules and regulations of the agencies in which they are placed. Students are expected to give first priority to scheduled periods for clinical nursing practice and may not plan to take other courses, part-time work, or attend student meetings which would interfere with the clinical practice. Students must comply with standards relating to dress, appearance, and behaviour appropriate for professional nurses. Immunization must be up to date for all students before clinical practice. Students may be
Required to Discontinue their studies at any point in their nursing program for reasons other than academic, if it is considered in the best interests of the individual, the Program, and/or the profession.
Guidelines for Student Responsibility The College of Nursing adheres to the procedures and policies as set out by the University of Saskatchewan. If a student feels aggrieved by a decision of the College/Program Committee, recourse is available.
Student Appeals in Academic Matters,
Student Appeals in Non-Academic Matters and
Student Academic Dishonesty are available from the Office of the University Secretary and at the
website. In addition, it is expected that nursing students will practice nursing within the bounds of the philosophy of the program and the CNA Code of Ethics for Nursing, 2002. The application of the code stipulates that student-teacher and student-client encounters should be conducted in accordance with ethical nursing practices.
Nursing students will provide safe care by refraining from putting clients in jeopardy through knowingly committing acts of commission or omission. Failure to meet the expected standard of care will be dealt with by the College.
Student Appeals
In the first two years of the program, student appeals are conducted according to SIAST or First Nations University regulations (see
NEPS Student Handbook). For students in years 3 and 4, appeals are conducted according to University of Saskatchewan regulations (refer to University of Saskatchewan procedures).
Grading
See the
NEPS Student Handbook for a full explanation of the grading system and the literal descriptors associated with percentage grades.
Tuition and Fees
See the
Tuition and Fee Information section of the
Calendar.
Withdrawals (NEPS Years Three and Four)
Students may withdraw from a course at any time, but should note carefully that a first-term course dropped after November 15 (or February 15 for a course extending over both, or after March 15 for a second-term course) is regarded as a failed course (withdraw/fail). In the calculation of the student's average, the earned grade (maximum of 49%) will be used for withdraw/fail.
Before withdrawing from a course students are encouraged to discuss this action with their faculty advisor and notify the College of Nursing's Academic Advisor, Tel: 306-966-6231.
Supplemental Final Examinations (NEPS Years Three and Four)
- Supplemental examinations are not granted for clinical nursing courses.
- No supplemental will be granted in a course that has not had a final examination.
- To be eligible to apply for a supplemental final examination, a student must have obtained a final mark of 40-49% in the course. In addition, the student must have a weighted overall average and weighted nursing average of at least 60% for the academic term.*
- Supplemental examinations must be applied for within three (3) weeks of the end of the examination period.
Note: Applications for the supplemental examinations for the NEPS Second Degree Entry Option courses has a shorter time frame. Please contact the Assistant Dean Undergraduate Programs or Program Head as appropriate. - University level policies related to supplemental examinations are outlined in the University Council Regulations on Examinations (1.4.6).
*Within the NEPS SDEO each term has varying lengths of time (e.g., Term C1)