Red Deer Polytechnic offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing in collaboration with the University of Alberta. Applicants meet specified high-school course minimums and compete for admission through GPA ranking. Learning combines classroom study, simulation and clinical placements across central Alberta.
- Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Credential
- BScN
- Location
- Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
- Casper
- Not required
- Interview
- No interview
- Length
- Four years
Casper Requirement for Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing
Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is waived for this BScN intake.
Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- ApplyAlberta for domestic and transfer applicants; Red Deer Polytechnic online application for international applicants.
- Application fee
- International application: $150, non-refundable; qualifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants receive an application-fee waiver.
Submit official or in-progress transcripts by the BScN transcript deadline for consideration for the next academic year; later transcripts determine waitlist position. Check the program page for the application window.
Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing Admissions Statistics
- Designated Indigenous seats: Six BScN seats for qualified First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants.
Eligibility Requirements for Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing
- Degree / credits
Meet the four specified Alberta Grade 12 course requirements or accepted equivalents; a prior degree is not required.
- Residency
No Alberta residency preference is stated in the published BScN admission criteria.
- Citizenship
International students can apply.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through qualifying Canadian English-language studies or an approved test.
Admission pathways
- Academic Upgrading: If prerequisites are missing, apply to the RDP Academic Upgrading program and achieve minimum grades before the application deadline.
- Mature students: Mature students over 21 without a diploma may qualify through prior learning assessment or equivalency exams.
Check RDP international admissions. Meet equivalency for diploma exams.
Other requirements
- Clinical-placement documentation: After admission, submit HSPnet and POPA consent forms; meet immunization, vulnerable-sector-check, AHS training, BLS and respiratory-fit-test requirements for program progression.
- International clinical placement: Students on study permits need medical authorization for applicable clinical placements; the program requires a co-op work permit.
Selection Factors Red Deer Polytechnic Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Biology 30 or equivalent | required Minimum 70%. |
| Chemistry 30 or Science 30, or equivalent | required Minimum 60%. |
| English Language Arts 30-1 or equivalent | required Minimum 60%. |
| Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2, or equivalent | required Minimum 60%. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
High school: four required courses, using corresponding 20-level grades if required courses are in progress. With at least 18 Canadian post-secondary credits: all credits from the most recent term plus highest grades from the preceding term, to 18 credits. With fewer: combine post-secondary and required high-school coursework to 18 credits.
- Minimum
- Biology 30: 70%; Chemistry 30 or Science 30, English Language Arts 30-1, and Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2: 60% each, or equivalent courses.
Admission is competitive; meeting the course minimums does not guarantee an offer.
Admissions tests
- English-language proficiency (required for some applicants): Accepted tests: Duolingo 130; IELTS Academic 7.0 overall and at least 6.5 per band; Oxford ELLT 8 overall and at least 7 per band; TOEFL 92 iBT or 580 PBT.
Experience and volunteer hours
Not required.
No volunteer or healthcare work-hour requirement is listed for direct BScN admission.
How applicants are ranked
Applicants meeting admission requirements are ranked by GPA. Offers go to the highest-ranked applicants until the program is full; qualified applicants not initially offered a seat are waitlisted. Casper is waived for this intake.
Interview Format at Red Deer Polytechnic
Format: No interview
No BScN admission interview is listed in the published selection process.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing
- Program length
- Four years
- Structure
Concept-based learning and intentional clinical education, focusing purposeful skill development from year one. Classroom instruction covers foundational sciences, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory, transitioning to supervised clinical placements in acute care, community health, and mental health settings.
- Campuses
- Red Deer
Years 1-3 are completed at RDP. Students apply during Year 3 for fourth-year University of Alberta admission, then continue studying at RDP while registered with the university. Graduates receive a University of Alberta BScN.
Campus and facilities
The main campus in Red Deer, Alberta, houses modern nursing labs with high-fidelity simulators for skills practice. Clinical affiliations span central Alberta hospitals, ensuring diverse rotation sites. The polytechnic is expanding its practical nursing program to Camrose, Alberta, increasing access for regional students. Housing options include on-campus residences at $4,500-$6,000 per year for undergraduates.
Tuition and Funding at Red Deer Polytechnic
- Domestic Year 1 estimated tuition: $8,880
- Domestic Year 2 estimated tuition: $7,920
- Domestic Year 3 estimated tuition: $7,200
- International Year 1 estimated tuition: $31,080
- International Year 2 estimated tuition: $27,720
- International Year 3 estimated tuition: $25,200
RDP's posted figures are tuition estimates based on recommended course loads; additional fees and equipment costs apply. Consult the University of Alberta for Year 4 tuition.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a collaborative environment where voices influence program improvements, with recent changes addressing instructor-student dynamics. Nursing cohorts build tight-knit communities through study groups and clinical teams. Extracurriculars include health fairs and student nursing associations. Recent students note the program's evolving structure, advising incoming cohorts to connect with peers on forums for real-time insights. Global trips like St. Lucia enhance resumes and cultural competency.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing Application
- Check the four course requirements and each course minimum.
- Submit official or in-progress transcripts by RDP's BScN transcript deadline.
- Check RDP's program page for the application window.
- If applicable, prepare acceptable English-proficiency evidence.
- After admission, plan for clinical-placement documentation, certifications and travel.
More About Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing
- Associate Dean
Under the Associate Dean of BScN, faculty teach intentional clinical approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing
Does Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing require Casper?
No. Red Deer Polytechnic waives Casper for this BScN intake.
What is the minimum GPA for Red Deer Polytechnic BScN?
Biology 30 requires 70%; Chemistry 30 or Science 30, ELA 30-1, and Math 30-1 or 30-2 each require 60%, or equivalent courses. Eligible applicants are ranked by GPA.
Does Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing have interviews?
No admission interview is listed in RDP's published BScN selection process.
How competitive is Red Deer Polytechnic BScN admission?
Meeting the course minimums does not guarantee admission. Applicants are ranked, offers go to the highest-ranked candidates until seats are filled, and other qualified applicants are waitlisted.
What are Red Deer Polytechnic BScN prerequisites?
Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Science 30, ELA 30-1, and Math 30-1 or 30-2, or accepted equivalents, with the published minimum for each course.
Can international students apply to Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing?
Yes. RDP accepts international BScN applicants; they must meet course-equivalency and applicable English-proficiency requirements.
What is the Casper test like for Red Deer Polytechnic BScN?
Casper is waived for this BScN intake; there is no Casper test to book.
How often do waitlists move at Red Deer Polytechnic Nursing?
Qualified applicants not initially offered a seat are placed on a waitlist. RDP does not state how often BScN seats become available.
Sources
- rdpolytech.ca: bachelor science nursing
- rdpolytech.ca: rdps practical nursing student benefits international opportunity
- rdpolytech.ca: admission requirements
- alis.alberta.ca: d7986a7f be43 40a4 a4cb a12700c5f314
- casn.ca: BScN Posting on CASN
- loaportal.com: bachelor of science in nursing 22774
- rdpolytech.ca: licensed practical nurse lpn bsc nursing bscn transition program
- applyboard.com: university transfer studies bachelor of science in nursing collaboration with university of alberta
- glassdoor.ca: Red Deer Polytechnic Interview Questions E495667
Last updated: September 26, 2026