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Why choose Bridge to Canadian Nursing?
Gain the knowledge, clinical skills and confidence to become a registered nurse in Canada.
For internationally educated nurses, this program offers the support and guidance you need to build confidence and develop the skills to adapt and thrive in the Canadian healthcare system. MRU’s Bridge to Canadian Nursing program helps you strengthen your nursing knowledge, critical thinking and nursing communication skills while introducing you through the academic, cultural and professional competencies needed to meet Canadian nursing standards. It’s designed to help you feel ready and prepared for your RN license in Canada.
Program highlights
- Complete a clinical placement to apply your skills in Canadian healthcare settings
- Learn Canadian healthcare systems, patient care standards and professional communication
- Prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam with mentorship, support and practical experience
- Strengthen critical thinking and assessment skills in simulation labs and clinical placements
Career possibilities
What jobs can I get with a bridging program in Canadian nursing?
Graduates are thoughtfully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for RN registration in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada. Once licensed, you can explore a variety of rewarding career opportunities, including:
* additional education, experience and/or training required
Curriculum and courses
What courses will I take in the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program?
Explore Canadian healthcare systems, patient care and regulatory standards with a supportive and practical approach.
Explore full curriculum and coursesRequired courses
Experiential learning
Gain hands-on experience and confidence through practical placements and simulation labs designed for your success.
- Mentorship and feedback help improve communication and collaboration within Canadian healthcare teams
- Gain the knowledge you’ll need to take the national Nursing Exam
- Conduct comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments to guide care
- Build therapeutic relationships and collaborate effectively with patients and healthcare teams
Admission requirements
Requirements can vary, so it’s important to review what’s needed for your area of interest.
What are the requirements for the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program?
Prospective students apply for the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program using the standard Mount Royal Application for Admission form. For some applicants, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) determines which courses are required. Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who are registered nurses in Canada can also self-select to take any Bridge to Canadian Nursing (BCN) courses. Domestically educated nurses wishing to return to practice as a Registered Nurse can also complete the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program to refresh their skills before applying to CRNA for licensure.
To be eligible for admission to the program you must meet:
- Provide evidence of a recognized credential that is equivalent to a 3- or 4-year degree in Canada with a focus on nursing. This credential must have a graduation date within the last ten years before the start of the program, or
- If the graduation date exceeds ten years before the start of the bridging program, applicants may present, in addition to their post-secondary credentials, RN licensure that has been active within the last ten years before the start of their bridging program
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet two separate English requirements to be admitted to Mount Royal:
- You’ll need to successfully complete an English course if it’s part of your program’s admission requirements
- Show that you meet Mount Royal’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements
Admission deadlines
Fall 2026 intake
Early admission
Oct. 1, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026
Ongoing admission based on program space and availability
Feb. 2, 2026 - programs closed
What is early admission?
During the early admission period, all applications are treated as though they were received at the exact same time. This means all competitively qualified applicants will be accommodated. At MRU, we actually receive most of our applications and fill many of our programs from applications submitted during early admission. It is an ideal time to apply and helps expedite the process so you hear back earlier too.
Early admission deadlines
Fall Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Feb 1.
Winter Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1.
Costs
We know your investment in post-secondary education is a big deal. Make sure you’re on the right financial track by reviewing the costs, scholarships and financial support available.
How much does the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program cost?
The cost of your studies depends on a few things, like the program you choose and whether you’ll live at home or in Residence.
To get a better idea of what you might spend, try using our first-year student budget estimator. It gives a detailed breakdown of estimated costs.
You can also visit our tuition and costs page for full details on tuition and fees for a full year.
Does MRU offer scholarships or financial aid?
At Mount Royal, we want you to focus on your education, not worry about how to pay for it. There are many ways to help cover the cost of your studies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Mount Royal gives out over $5 million each year in scholarships and bursaries! These awards look at things like your grades, financial need and your involvement in school or the community.
Financial aid
There are financial aid options from the provincial and federal governments for both full-time and part-time students. These include student loans, grants and bursaries.
Other resources
You can also explore other ways to pay, like using RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plans) or CPP (Canada Pension Plan) benefits.
How do I apply for scholarships and bursaries?
To be eligible for scholarships and bursaries, you must apply for Early Admission from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries from Nov. 1 to March 1.
Have questions?
Our info sessions are a great way to explore MRU programs, learn how to apply and connect with people who are here to help.
Book an info sessionConnect with the Admissions and Recruitment Office for more one-on-one support.
Contact us
Why MRU
At MRU, learning is about more than lectures and textbooks. It’s about evolving through experience. With small class sizes, supportive faculty and hands-on opportunities, students are encouraged to think critically, push boundaries and uncover what they’re capable of. MRU helps students build the skills, confidence and curiosity to shape meaningful futures in Calgary and beyond.
Discover why MRULearn about the additional supports and services we have available specifically for:
International students Indigenous studentsFaculty of Health, Community and Education
Mount Royal's Faculty of Health, Community and Education is pleased to offer the Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing, and the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program through the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Virtual information sessions
Select a session that suits you. Choose from general information, specific by program, drop in Q&A, or attend an Indigenous or international student session.
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