Nursing (PN & BScN) Tutoring for Mature Students

Why Nursing Matters

Nursing is one of Canada’s most respected and in-demand careers. Whether you are aiming for a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), strong foundations in Math and Science are critical to admission and program success.

Nursing Admission Requirements

Most Canadian nursing programs expect applicants to have recent high school or equivalent credits:

➤ Grade 12 English (U or C) – 65% or higher
➤ Grade 12 Math (U or C) – 65% or higher
➤ Grade 11 or 12 Biology & Chemistry (mandatory for most BScN programs)
➤ Physics (optional but recommended)

Why Mature Students May Lack These Requirements

➤ Completed high school years ago without sciences or math.
➤ Studied outside Canada where transcripts don’t align with Ontario standards.
➤ Career or family responsibilities prevented completion or upgrading.
➤ Need to refresh knowledge after a long academic gap.

Admissions Assessments

If you don’t meet the requirements, colleges may ask you to write an Admissions Assessment. It typically includes:

➤ Math: dosage calculations, ratios, algebra, problem solving
➤ English: comprehension, grammar, writing clarity
➤ Science: human biology, chemistry basics

Tutoring prepares you with targeted practice and confidence to clear these assessments.

Your Questions Answered

Who Can Take a Pre-Health Science Course?

Pre-Health Science is not just for mature students. It’s open to:

➤ Recent high school graduates who don’t meet admission requirements for Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Paramedic, or other health programs.
➤ Mature students (19+) who finished school years ago, studied outside Canada, or need academic upgrading.
➤ Career changers who want to move into the health care field but lack the right science or math background.

Why Take a Pre-Health Science Course?

Health care programs in Ontario are highly competitive. Pre-Health Science provides:

➤ Missing prerequisites (Biology, Chemistry, Math, English).
➤ Improved grades if high school marks are too low.
➤ Study skills and confidence, especially for those returning to school after years away.
➤ Guaranteed or preferred admission pathways into Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Paramedic, and other advanced programs through articulation agreements.

Why Not Directly Apply to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)?

Direct entry into a BScN program has stricter requirements:

➤ Grade 12U Biology & Chemistry (typically 70–75%+).
➤ Grade 12U English (65–70%+).
➤ Grade 12U Math (sometimes required).

If you’re missing these courses, your marks are below the cut-off, or your transcript is outdated, you may not qualify. Pre-Health Science offers a second pathway, allowing you to build the required foundation and prove academic readiness before applying to Nursing or other health sciences.

1) How do I know if I’m missing requirements?

Check program pages for required high school courses. Nursing and Dental Hygiene usually need Grade 12 English, Math, Biology, and Chemistry. If you never took these, your marks are below the cut-off, or your transcript is old/international, you’re considered missing requirements. Admissions staff or guidance counsellors can confirm this.

2) When should I prepare to enroll for Pre-Health Science?

Students can apply during Grade 12 if unsure about meeting admission cut-offs, or after high school if they miss requirements. Mature students (19+) can apply anytime. Many apply to both Nursing/Dental and Pre-Health as a backup to ensure a pathway into health care.

3) What grades should I aim for during Pre-Health Science?

Strong Pre-Health grades open doors to advanced programs:

➤ Practical Nursing (PN): 65–70%+ average.
➤ BScN (Nursing degree): 75–80%+ average, especially in sciences.
➤ Dental Hygiene, Paramedic, Lab Tech: Generally 70%+ in relevant subjects.

The higher your Pre-Health grades, the more competitive programs you qualify for.

Tip: Think of Pre-Health Science as your stepping-stone. It’s not just about admission — it’s about building the skills, grades, and confidence to succeed in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and other health careers.

Top Nursing Programs in Canada

Institution	Program	Highlights
Toronto Metropolitan (Ryerson)	BScN Collaborative Nursing	Highly ranked; partnerships with hospitals in GTA
University of Waterloo	BScN (joint with Conestoga)	Research-driven; modern labs and hospital placements
University of Toronto	BScN	One of Canada’s most prestigious nursing faculties
McMaster University	BScN	Pioneered problem-based learning in health education
George Brown College	Practical Nursing Diploma	Strong clinical placements in Toronto hospitals
Mohawk College	Practical Nursing Diploma	Hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations

Success Spotlight

We’ve supported mature students in preparing for Pre-Health and Nursing pathways. With step-by-step tutoring in Math, Biology, and Chemistry, many successfully transitioned into PN and BScN programs across Ontario.

More success stories from Nursing students will be shared here soon — real experiences that highlight how dedicated tutoring can make the journey smoother for mature learners.

Nursing Career Pathway

Pre-Health Science

Pathway for mature students

Practical Nursing (PN)

2-year diploma, career entry

BScN

4-year degree; advanced practice & leadership

Career

Hospitals · Clinics · Research · Public Health

Start Your Nursing Pathway Today

Get the tutoring support you need to clear admissions tests and build confidence in Math, Biology, and Chemistry for Nursing success.

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