The accelerated 2-year (6 terms) 2nd Entry Nursing program is designed for university applicants with at least 60 credits from an accredited university.
Study topics such as health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, the Canadian healthcare system, episodic and common health challenges, trends in healthcare and more. Blend academic excellence with immersive, hands-on training in our Nursing Simulation Centre and clinical practicums to build the knowledge and skills to excel in diverse healthcare settings. Explore specialized nursing practice with optional streams in High Acuity and Critical Care, Mental Health, Illness, and Addiction, and Nursing Leadership and Care of the Older Adult.
The 2nd Entry Nursing program is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), enabling graduates to write the registration exam approved by the College’s Council, which leads to the designation of Registered Nurse. To qualify to write the registration exam, graduates must provide proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada). Any further queries about CNO registration requirements are best directed to CNO.
Eligibility Requirements for Fall 2026
The 2nd Entry Nursing program is only open to applicants with at least 60 credits (typically 2 years of full-time study) from an accredited university. All applicants to the 2nd Entry Nursing program must therefore be university applicants.
The minimum admission requirements for the 2nd Entry Nursing program are:
- Completion of at least 60 credits at a recognized university prior to admission. There is no disciplinary requirement.
- Overall average of at least a B or better (3.0 or better on a 4-point scale)
- In the last year of study (the last 30 credits), overall average of B+ or better (3.3 or better on 4-point scale)
- Pre-requisites taken at an accredited university:
- 6.0 credits in Psychology (Psychology Statistics and Research Methods do not fulfill this requirement) with at least a B
- 6.0 credits in Human Anatomy and Physiology with at least a B OR 3.0 credits in Human Anatomy with at least a B and 3.0 credits in Human Physiology with at least a B
- 3.0 credits in Statistics with at least a B
- 3.0 credits in Microbiology with at least a B
The sample list of course equivalencies for Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, and Microbiology can provide guidance on courses that could satisfy the above minimum pre-requisite if you were to achieve a B. Please note that these courses are a sample only and not an exhaustive list. The list is also subject to change. The Office of Admission and the School of Nursing cannot pre-assess transcripts nor pre-requisites for admission prior to application.
For Fall 2026, this program is open to:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent Residents
- Protected persons
- International applicants
Please note that the 2nd Entry Nursing program is very competitive with many more qualified applicants than available spots. It is important to review the eligibility and admission requirements carefully before submitting an application. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission; Applications are reviewed in the context of the minimum admission requirements and the applicant pool of that year. Competitive applicants would meet, if not exceed, all admission requirements and submit all required supporting documentation before the application deadline.
Learn more about the eligibility and admission requirements and common questions answered on the 2nd Entry Nursing website.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn and develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence in a combination of theory, lab, and clinical courses.
In your first year, you will learn about wellness and health challenges, assessment skills, professional development and issues, knowledge of nursing, thinking, communicating and relating in the context of nursing, applied pathophysiology, and ethical ways of knowing as well as courses in biochemistry and pharmacology.
In your second and final year, you will explore additional layers of complexity in nursing practice with courses focusing on nursing research and inquiry, advanced professional issues, nursing in a global context, and nurses as leaders of change.
You will practice, develop, and build confidence in your practical skills in a 5,000 sq. ft. Nursing Simulation Centre, featuring a Nursing Skills Lab equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and a 2,000 sq. ft. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality lab for immersive, self-paced learning.
You will master your practical skills in patient care in clinical placements in hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings with partners in Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga, Newmarket, Vaughan, Durham, Barrie, and Oakville. You will have the opportunity to rotate through various specialties to gain broad exposure such as medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternity and obstetrics, mental health, community health, critical care or emergency nursing, and long-term care.
Some Courses You’ll Take
- Health Assessment
- Introduction to Social Justice and Advocacy in Nursing Practice
- Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Knowledge Integration
- Leadership, Change and Innovation
- Episodic and Common Health Challenges
- Development as a Professional Nurse
- Acute & Complex Health Challenges
- Trends in Healthcare Delivery
Visit the 2nd Entry Nursing website to learn more and for common admission queries answered.
Not sure if this is the right Nursing program for you? Take our Which Nursing Program is Right for You? Quiz.
Are you an Ontario high school student? You may be interested in the Direct Entry Nursing program.
If you do not have prior university studies but are interested in 2nd Entry Nursing, you may wish to use another York U program such as Kinesiology and Health Science or Global Health as a pathway to the 2nd Entry Nursing program.
Have you previously worked as a Registered Nurse outside of Canada? You may be interested in the Post-RN for Internationally Educated Nurses program.
