Looking to study an accelerated nursing program in schools in Ontario? This blog will cover the top 23 accelerated nursing programs in Ontario in 2022.
The purpose of this article is to help you find a program that meets your needs, whether you’re looking for a fast-tracked program or one that offers scholarships.
You can expect to learn about:
- What accelerated nursing programs are, and how do they work.
- Why accelerated nursing programs are beneficial for students (and healthcare workers) looking to advance their careers quickly and efficiently.
- The types of schools that offer accelerated nursing programs in Ontario – include universities with respected reputations as well as private schools with small class sizes.
Each school will be described briefly so readers know what they’re getting into before making an application submission.
Schools Offering Accelerated Nursing Programs (BSN & MSN) in Ontario
At the time of writing this blog, there are 23 accelerated nursing programs in Ontario. Some of these programs include MSN (or MScN), while others don’t. Also, some of these programs are offered collaboratively between nursing schools in Ontario for better standards.
Equally, some of these programs are relatively cheaper than others. Of the 23 schools offering accelerated BSN nursing programs in Ontario, only 10 of these nursing schools in Ontario have MSN/MScN/MN programs available (online and on-campus).
For context in usage throughout this article, BSN/BScN/BN refers to a degree called ‘Bachelor of Science in Nursing’ and refers to the same thing.
Likewise, MSN/MScN/MN refers to ‘Masters of Science in Nursing.’
| S/N | Program type | Number of programs/schools in Ontario 2022 |
| 1 | Accelerated/Compressed/Second entry BSN or RPN-BSN program | 13 |
| 2 | MScN nursing program (online and on-campus) | 10 |
| 3 | Total number of accelerated nursing programs in Ontario | 23 |
What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, but don’t have the time to wait four years for a traditional program to complete, an accelerated nursing program in Ontario might be the best option for you.
Accelerated nursing programs are designed for people who want to become nurses as soon as possible. These programs typically last about one or two years, rather than four years like a traditional degree program does.
An accelerated nursing program differs from a traditional nursing degree by its length and academic rigor. While most traditional degrees are four years long (eight semesters), accelerated degrees only take two or three semesters (four or six quarters).
Accelerated degrees also require students to complete more coursework than they would during the same amount of time on a standard degree track because they must develop their knowledge base quickly to meet graduation requirements within their short timeframe.
If you would like to apply for an accelerated degree in any nursing school in Ontario, here are some typical requirements you must know about (taken from Trent Fleming College BScN requirements).
- Students must have completed all prerequisite courses before entering into core classes such as Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BIO101), Microbiology & Immunology (IMI102), Histology & Embryology (HIS103), and Anatomy & Physiology I&II(ANP103&104).
- Students must have completed a high school diploma including six Ontario 4U or 4M credits (or equivalent), which must contain English (ENG4U minimum 75% required) plus one 4U credit in each of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Students must possess a minimum average of 75%, including the required courses, to be considered for acceptance into the program.
- Students will be required to present necessary documentation of medical records required by the school.
- Two-step TB tests or clearance.
- Current CPR Certification.
Additionally, here is what you will learn in an accelerated nursing program in Ontario, according to Queens University.
Employment Outlook for Nurses With BSNs in Ontario
As the population ages, there has been a notable increase in the demand for nurses in Ontario.
The nursing shortage is especially acute in rural areas where qualified candidates are hard to come by. This has led to better-paid opportunities and more job security for registered nurses who have completed their BSNs in Ontario.
Nurses with bachelor’s degrees have higher salaries than those without them and also enjoy increased job stability; according to recent research, graduates from accelerated programs are twice as likely to find employment within four months of completing their studies than those who attend traditional university programs.
In addition, many employers pay tuition fees for employees who complete their degrees through such programs – meaning that you could benefit from low-cost degree completion at no upfront cost.
Why You Should Consider Getting a BSN?
The increased job opportunities and salary that come with an accelerated BSN are only the tip of the iceberg, however.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of more advanced training and education than you could otherwise, giving you access to specialty fields such as maternal-child health or neonatal nursing.
This degree also offers opportunities for further specialization in areas like clinical research or healthcare leadership.
In addition to being well suited toward specific careers within nursing, earning an accelerated BSN can also make nurses more valuable employees by making them eligible for higher paychecks and leadership positions within their organizations.
Furthermore, if you decide later on that your career path requires further study (e.g., if you decide that you want your master’s degree), then any credits earned while working towards your bachelor’s will transfer over into your graduate program; this means less money wasted on paying tuition fees twice.
Upon completion of any of the accelerated nursing programs in Ontario on this list, graduates become eligible to sit for the National Council Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
How Much Do Registered Nurses (RPNs) Make in Ontario?
The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $85,322 per year. However, Incredible Health estimates that registered nurses (with Bachelor’s degrees) make as much as $111,700, making them one of the highest-earning health professionals in the world.
The List of Schools Offering Accelerated Nursing Programs in Ontario
There are 23 accelerated nursing programs in Ontario that offer a variety of options for students. There are both private and public institutions offering these programs.
Below is a list of all the schools that offer an accelerated nursing program in Ontario, along with the name of their program and how long it takes to complete.
McMaster University
- Location: Hamilton, Ontario.
- Program Type: Nursing program, accelerated stream (BScN), and MScN.
- Program Duration: 20 months.
- Estimated tuition cost: $6042.60 .
Please note that the tuition fees provided for all the nursing schools in Ontario on our list are based on estimates found on source data on the internet, and the schools’ websites. These figures are subject to change.
McMaster University offers an accelerated BScN program for students who have already completed a non-nursing university degree. The program is designed to take 20 months to complete and includes three semesters of full-time study.
The accelerated BScN program is offered on McMaster’s main campus in Hamilton, Ontario. It can be completed while working part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule and personal circumstances.
Additionally, McMaster University has a fully approved (by the CNO) Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN/MScN) course for health professionals looking to advance their careers, and gain prominence in their jobs. It is one of the 10 nursing schools in Ontario offering a Master’s program.
Queens University
- Location: Kingston, Ontario.
- Program Type: ABSN and online MSN program.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $832 per credit hour.
Queens University offers a 2-year accelerated nursing program that is perfect for those who want to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on a tight schedule.
The program is called the Second Entry BSN (Accelerated Stream Track) and is available full or part-time. In addition, Queens University also has one of the 10 MSN accelerated nursing programs in Ontario.
However, their Master’s Nursing program is only available online, and you contact the admissions unit to learn more about their schedule in the coming months.
University of Toronto
- Location: Toronto, Ontario.
- Program Type: BSN and MSN.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $8,190 (BSN), and $12,180 (MN).
The University of Toronto offers a two-year accelerated nursing program, which means you can complete your Bachelor of Nursing degree in just four semesters. They also offer an MSN program which is delivered online.
An accelerated nursing program at UToronto includes the following components:
- Pre-requisite English (Online).
- Nursing foundation skills (Online).
- Critical thinking and problem-solving Skills (Online).
- Pharmacology and Medication Management (Onsite at UToronto Scarborough).
University of Ottawa
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario.
- Program Type: BSN for pre-health education entry specified. MSN program is also available.
- Program Duration: 24 months.
- Estimated tuition cost: $2,825.
The University of Ottawa, situated in Ontario’s capital city, is a bilingual school that offers courses in English and French. The university also boasts a wide variety of degrees including business, law, medicine, and engineering.
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has been accredited by the Canadian Association for Health Services Accreditation (CAHSA) since 2004 and was recently reviewed again in 2013 with no changes made to its accreditation status.
This demonstrates that this accelerated nursing program is one of the best available in Canada today.
Here are the requirements to study an accelerated nursing program at the University of Ottawa, as taken from their website:
- At least 60 credits of university-level studies, including:
- At least 6 credits in human anatomy and physiology (courses must cover all major body systems) (courses equivalent at the University of Ottawa ANP1105, ANP1106, and ANP1107 = 9 credits).
- 6 credits in social sciences.
- 3 credits in statistics.
- 3 credits in arts and humanities.
- 3 credits in research methods.
- The anatomy, physiology, and statistics courses must have been completed six years before admission to the program.
Ontario Tech University
- Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
- Program Type: Collaborative RN-BScN program. MSN available.
- Program Duration: 24 months.
- Estimated tuition cost: $6,100 yearly.
Ontario Tech University offers a collaborative accelerated nursing program with Durham College that offers degrees in both Psychiatric and Psychosocial Nursing, as well as Family Practice.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the field of healthcare.
In addition, students learn how to navigate social and cultural issues, recognize psychological symptoms, and effectively treat patients with mental illness.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits over 2 years (60 credits per semester). In addition to their general education courses (which include topics such as math fundamentals or introduction to nursing), they take courses specific to their chosen degree.
For example, students enrolled in the Psychiatric & Psychosocial Degree Program take classes like Advanced Health Assessment, Psychosocial Disorders, Diagnosis & Assessment, Mental Illness, Therapeutic Communication Skills, Social Determinants of Health, Nursing Perspective, Medical Terminology for Professionals, and Medical-Surgical Nursing I/II.
The application process is competitive—applicants must submit transcripts from previous post-secondary institutions along with letters of reference from former professors/supervisors who can attest to their academic abilities or professional experience.
Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University)
- Location: Toronto, Ontario.
- Program Type: BSN program with pre-health education entry specified. MSN is also available.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $7,082 – $7,573 for domestic students.
See tuition range for part-time and international students.
Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) is a public university that has a long history of nursing education.
It started in 1852 as the Free School of Medicine and Surgery, which became part of the University of Toronto in 1884.
The faculty offers an accelerated BSN program to give students who already have another degree or diploma a way to earn their BSN in just over 15 months at Ryerson’s downtown campus.
York University
- Location: Toronto, Ontario.
- Program Type: Collaborative BSN program. MSN available.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $7,123 – $10,020.
York University is located in Toronto, Ontario. It’s the second-largest university in Canada with more than 52,000 students enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
The accelerated BSN nursing program at York University is a collaborative program with Seneca College.
It is one of the best accelerated nursing programs in Ontario that provides you with two years of intensive training, allowing you to complete your degree faster than traditional programs.
With this accelerated program, you can finish your Bachelor of Science (Nursing) degree in just 26 months while taking classes full-time on campus instead of online.
This means that by the time you graduate from this top school, you will have earned your Bachelor’s degree as well as some valuable experience working within the health care system.
The course load is rigorous but manageable if taken seriously. During each semester (2 semesters per year), there will be approximately 36-40 credits required for completion during each semester.
University of Windsor
- Location: Windsor, Ontario.
- Program Type: BScN and MScN programs are available.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $4,252.
The University of Windsor offers an accelerated BScN program that can be completed in eight semesters.
This is one of the accelerated nursing programs in Ontario that focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills required to be a nurse, but also allows for specialization in areas such as primary care, mental health nursing, and pediatrics.
Graduates are eligible for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario upon graduation.
Applications are accepted three times per year: May 1–30; September 1–30; January 31–February 28.
To apply, you’ll need to submit your transcripts showing completion of at least one year (or two years part-time) of university studies at another institution.
Nipissing University
- Location: North Bay, Ontario.
- Program Type: Post-RPN with pre-health education entry specified.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $317 per credit.
Nipissing University is one of the schools in the province of Ontario to offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
As with most nursing programs, you will be expected to complete classroom-based learning activities that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, psychology, and mental health nursing.
However, unlike traditional BSN programs, this accelerated nursing program in Ontario allows you to bypass these courses by completing them at another post-secondary institution first before transferring into Nipissing’s accelerated program right away!
This means less time spent on your studies overall making room for more electives or extra credit opportunities down the line.
Lakehead University
- Location: Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, Ontario.
- Program Type: Compressed BScN program.
- Program Duration: 3 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $7,305.29 yearly.
Lakehead University is in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has a three-year accelerated nursing program in Ontario and offers accelerated programs that allow students to complete the program in two years (special request).
Lakehead University is known for its research, which means there are many opportunities for students to get involved with research projects.
Research experience can be helpful when you apply to be a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist later on in your career.
Lakehead University has a good reputation for nursing because it offers an accelerated option that allows students to earn their degree faster than most other universities in Ontario, which offer only four-year programs.
Canadore College
- Location: North Bay, Ontario.
- Program Type: RN-BScN program.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
Estimated tuition cost: $4,308.32 in the first year, and $5,858.48 in the second year. Fees may be higher for international students.
Canadore College offers a variety of nursing programs that are accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD), including associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
The following programs are available for those interested in accelerated nursing:
- Diploma in Nursing (Residential) – Accelerated Program.
- Diploma in Nursing (Long-Term Care) – Accelerated Program.
- Associate Degree in Nursing – Accelerated Program.
Brock University
- Location: St. Catharine’s, Ontario.
- Program Type: Concurrent BN/MN.
- Program Duration: 5 terms (20 months).
- Estimated tuition cost: $6,489 – $8,727.
Brock University’s Accelerated BSN program is a full-time, four-semester program that provides students with a bachelor of science in nursing (BN) degree.
This is one of the accelerated nursing programs in Ontario that accepts applicants who have completed an Honors Baccalaureate or other undergraduate degree from an accredited university. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the Brock accelerated BSN program.
The accelerated BSN curriculum includes courses on anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and caregiving principles; it also includes field placements at local hospitals where students can apply their theoretical knowledge in clinical settings.
Laurentian University
- Location: Greater Sudbury, Ontario.
- Program Type: BScN, MScN.
- Program Duration: 2 years (BScN).
- Estimated tuition cost: $6,000 – $7,304.
If you’re looking for a nursing program that will help you get into the field quickly and smoothly, Laurentian University is one of the places to be.
Laurentian University’s nursing program is a direct-entry, full-time program.
The first year consists of general studies courses that are common across all of their programs (humanities classes such as history and social sciences).
The second-year consists mainly of science classes with some required clinical rotations thrown in there as well.
Humber College
- Location: Etobicoke, Ontario.
- Program Type: Second entry BSN.
- Program Duration: 6 semesters.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,372 per semester.
Humber College has one of the best-accelerated nursing programs in Ontario. It offers a second-entry accelerated nursing program.
The Humber College Accelerated Nursing Program takes three years of study to complete and graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam (CRNE) after completing their studies.
Trent/Fleming School of Nursing
- Location: Peterborough.
- Program Type: Compressed BScN program.
- Program Duration: 3 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $8,929.
If you want to study at Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, you’ll be able to choose from four different campuses: Peterborough, Durham Region (Bowmanville), Haliburton, and Lindsay.
You can also study on campus in Cobourg if that appeals more to your lifestyle. This program features a corrosive curriculum that focuses on clinical experience and hands-on training for nurses.
Seneca College (Collaborative Nursing Program With York University)
- Location: North York, Ontario.
- Program Type: BScN with pre-health education entry specified.
- Program Duration: 8 semesters.
- Estimated tuition cost: $10,791.
Seneca College’s nursing program is a collaborative program with York University. It is one of the popular accelerated nursing programs in Ontario.
Students are admitted to the partner university, and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree.
The program is only offered at Seneca’s King campus and can be completed full-time or part-time over eight semesters.
Centennial College
- Location: Scarborough, Ontario.
- Program Type: RN-Perioperative Nurse program.
- Program Duration: 1 year/2 semester.
- Estimated tuition cost: $6,223.09.
Centennial College offers an accelerated BSN program that is completed in two semesters.
The program is open to students who have been enrolled in prior nursing studies at other post-secondary colleges, or have to experience in the nursing health sciences field.
Students interested in applying must meet the following criteria:
- CAT (Canadian Academic Test) score of at least 70% (not required for applicants with previous post-secondary education).
- minimum GPA of 2.5 on 4 full-course equivalents (FCE).
Loyalist College
- Location: Belleville, Ontario.
- Program Type: RPN-BSN program with pre-health education entry specified.
- Program Duration: 2 years (five semesters).
- Estimated tuition cost: $5,545.
If you’re looking for one of the top accelerated nursing programs in Ontario, Loyalist College has one of the best five-semester fast-track programs available.
Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field can complete this program in five semesters.
This program starts with the nursing bridging program, which is designed to teach students about the healthcare system and what it takes to become an RN. You’ll learn about patient care, ethics, communication skills, leadership and management skills as well as how to work within a team environment.
Sault College
- Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
- Program Type: RPN-BScN program.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,486 – $10,272.
Sault College offers an accelerated nursing program. It is one of the most decent accelerated nursing programs in Ontario.
Students will have opportunities to work with diverse populations in many different settings, including community health clinics and hospitals.
As an applicant, you must meet certain entrance requirements.
However, if you do not meet these specifications, then there may be other options available within your institution such as bridging programs or credit transfers from another institution into Sault College’s nursing school after completing prerequisite courses first at another educational facility.
St. Lawrence College
- Location: Kingston.
- Program Type: BScN.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $4,222.32.
The St. Lawrence College Advanced Standing BScN program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and preliminarily approved by the College of Nurses Ontario (CNO).
The two-year, accelerated BScN program offers a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and community service learning.
Students enrolled in this program will earn approximately 60 credits over their first 18 months at St. Lawrence College, which qualifies them to write their CASN exams with advanced standing so that they can begin their clinical practice sooner than those who complete the traditional four-year program.
University of New Brunswick at Humber College
- Location: Humber College campuses.
- Program Type: BSN.
- Program Duration: 2 years.
- Estimated tuition cost: $8,761.50.
The University of New Brunswick (in collaboration with Humber College), offers an accelerated nursing program.
The program offers an advanced fast-track option for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field other than nursing.
Students complete theory courses at the university’s campus in Fredericton, as well as clinical placements within Toronto and New Brunswick.
Applicants must have completed 1 year (30 credits) at an accredited university before applying to this accelerated program.
Upon completion of their studies, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree from UNB along with an Associate Degree from Humber College—affording them eligibility for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
Honorable Mentions:
These are accelerated nursing programs in Ontario that make decent choices for anyone looking to go into the health sciences sector.
These nursing schools offer a collaborative program with other top universities in Canada; making most of these accelerated nursing programs in Ontario credible.
Mohawk College
- Location: Hamilton, Ontario.
- Estimated tuition cost: $7,976.
Mohawk College has been offering accelerated nursing programs since the 1980s.
The college’s online program is offered in collaboration with McMaster University, but it is not a collaborative program like many of the others on this list.
Nor is it an RN-to-BSN program—it’s meant to be taken by students who already have their bachelor’s degree in another field (like Business or Engineering), and they will spend two years at Mohawk completing their accelerated nursing studies before transferring back to McMaster for two more years to complete their BSN degree.
Lambton College
- Location: Sarnia, Ontario.
- Estimated tuition cost: $7,245.96.
Lambton College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in collaboration with the University of Windsor.
The interesting thing about this accelerated program is that it’s offered to students who have already completed an associate degree in nursing.
It’s designed for those who can complete the four-year bachelor’s degree within a shorter time frame due to their experience and knowledge base, but also want to continue to pursue postgraduate studies.
Ranking the Accelerated Programs in Ontario
We’ve ranked the top accelerated nursing programs in Ontario based on their reputation rankings and reviews.
Tuition is a big factor when selecting an accelerated nursing program, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing one.
If you are planning to embark on a career in nursing, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is whether or not you want to pursue an accelerated program. This can be useful if you’re looking for a way to save money on your education expenses and get into the workforce faster than normal.
Wrapping It Up
These accelerated nursing programs in Ontario is the best route to take if you want to earn a BScN in less time. The courses are rigorous and will push you to your limits, but if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be done.
You also need to make sure that your motivation is strong; otherwise, you’ll just end up giving up or not being able to keep up with your assignments.
If an accelerated nursing program sounds like something that interests you and aligns with your career goals, then consider applying for one of these accelerated nursing programs in Ontario.