Second Degree Entry Option (NEPS)
The Second Degree Entry Option (NEPS) is not a separate program, but rather an option within the existing Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan. Regulations, other than those that follow, apply to both Regular and Second Degree Entry Options of the NEPS. The purpose of the Second Degree Entry Option is to recognize previous university achievements of qualified students and provide them with the opportunity to receive a B.S.N. in a shortened period of time. It is available to students who have completed a baccalaureate degree, or have made significant progress toward a degree in another field. The option provides an opportunity for full-time intensive study with program completion in two calendar years. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saskatchewan and are eligible to apply for licensure with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA) and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS).
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a completed baccalaureate degree of at least 90 credit units from a post-secondary institution recognized by the University of Saskatchewan, OR they must have made significant progress toward a degree (completed 90 credit units of recognized post-secondary study by April 30th of the admission year, with at least 36 credit units at the senior level). Senior level courses are defined as comparable to courses at the 200 level and beyond at the University of Saskatchewan.
Admission is competitive. A minimum average of 70% is required. A competitive average will be calculated on post-secondary coursework completed before December 31 of the academic year in which the applicant applies. Both an overall average, and an average on the last 60 credit units will be calculated and the most advantageous average will be used. Applicants with averages less than 70% will not be considered.
Although coursework completed between January and April of the term in which the applicant is applying will not be used in the competitive admission average, the coursework will count toward admission and pre-requisite requirements, and the applicant will be required to maintain a 70% average.
The following courses are pre-requisites to the Second Degree Entry Option. Applicants may be admitted with a maximum of two pre-requisite deficiencies which must be addressed as noted below. Applicants should contact the College of Nursing regarding acceptable pre-requisite courses.
Prerequisite Deficiency Allowed? Deficiency must
be cleared by:
Humanities, 3 credit units No
Social Science 9 credit units Yes, 3 credit units only End of Term E
STAT 3 credit units Yes End of Term B2
NUTR 3 credit units Yes End of Term B2
ACB & PHSI 6 credit units No
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. Please contact the program for specifics.
Applicants should be in good health. Applicants with disabilities must consult with the program prior to application. Once accepted into the option, students are required to obtain CPR Level “C” and a Standard First Aid Certificate. Results of a criminal records check must be provided no later than July 31 of the year of entry.
For the May start date, applications for admission will be accepted between October 1 and January 15.
Program of Study
Year 1
NEPS 150.3, 151.3,152.3, 153.3, 154.1, 155.3, 250.2, 251.3, 252.3, 253.3, 254.3, 255.3, 350.3, 351.3*, 352.3, 353.3*, 354.3
Year 2 NEPS 355.3, 356.3*, 357.3, 450.3, 451.3*, 453.3, 454.3, 455.3, 456.6*, 457.6*, Nursing Elective (3 credit units)**
*Students are expected to have at least one clinical experience outside of Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert.
**Nursing Elective (3 credit units) – Students will choose one of the eligible nursing electives offered in that particular academic year.
Requirements for Completion of the Degree
All courses to be counted for the degree must be completed within three years of enrolment in the program.
Withdrawals
Before withdrawing from a course students are encouraged to seek advisement from their faculty advisor.
Supplemental Final Examinations (Second Degree Entry Option (NEPS))
- 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 Second Degree Entry Option (NEPS) 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 SDEO (NEPS) each term has varying lengths of time (e.g., Term C1)