Complete Nursing Program Prerequisites for Mature & International Students
Mature students who want to complete the nursing requirements for an Ontario Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) often face a unique challenge: they need specific high school credits that they missed or outdated transcripts that don’t cover. The same goes for international students seeking missing credits to complete nursing prerequisites – you may have finished high school abroad, but Ontario nursing programs have their own requirements. The good news? You can earn those missing credits online through Canadian Virtual School (CVS), a leading private online high school in Ontario, and get one step closer to your nursing career goals. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain why Ontario BScN programs require courses like math and science, how CVS helps mature and international learners succeed, and what steps you can take to complete missing science courses online. We’ll also share success stories, answer frequently asked questions, and provide plenty of tips – all in a friendly, encouraging tone to help you feel confident about going back to school and achieving BScN eligibility in Ontario.
Why Do Ontario Nursing Programs Require Math and Science Prerequisites?
If you’re surprised that nursing program requirements in Ontario include high school math and science courses, you’re not alone. Many international education systems (and even some older Canadian ones) don’t mandate subjects like Grade 12 Chemistry or advanced math for nursing pathways. However, Ontario’s nursing schools (both colleges and universities) insist on these prerequisites for good reasons:
- Strong Foundation for Nursing Curriculum: Nursing is a science-based field. Courses like biology and chemistry give you an essential background in human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Math skills are crucial for dosage calculations and interpreting data. By requiring these subjects, nursing programs ensure that all students start with a baseline of knowledge. (Think of how a nurse calculates medication doses – without solid math, patient safety could be at risk!)
- Program Accreditation Standards: The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and educational authorities set high standards. Requiring specific Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits (or equivalents) in sciences and math helps maintain a rigorous and accredited nursing curriculum. It shows that incoming students have proven competencies in critical thinking and scientific concepts.
- Admissions Competitiveness: Nursing programs are competitive. Having completed courses like Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U) and Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U) with good grades demonstrates your academic ability in relevant areas. Programs want to admit candidates who are most likely to excel. These prerequisites act as checkpoints in the admissions process. According to Ontario college admissions guidelines, all entry-level nursing programs require an OSSD or equivalent with Grade 12 English, and specific math/science credits are often mandatory or considered strong assets (this includes subjects like Biology and Chemistry) – it’s a way to ensure fairness and preparedness for all applicants.
- Global Differences in Education: In some countries, students specialize early or may not take chemistry or advanced math if they’re on a humanities track. Ontario doesn’t assume you’ve had those by default. OSSD nursing prerequisites fill the gaps. For example, an internationally educated student might have completed high school without taking Grade 12 chemistry because it wasn’t required for their local curriculum. But in Ontario, that student would need to add Chemistry to meet BScN eligibility in Ontario. The extra coursework might seem like a hurdle, but it ultimately equips you with knowledge you’ll draw on throughout nursing school.
In short, Ontario nursing schools aren’t trying to make your life harder – they want you to have the tools to succeed in a demanding nursing program. Now that we understand why these credits are needed, let’s look at how you can get them conveniently, especially if you’ve been out of school or are coming from abroad.
Complete Nursing Program Prerequisites Online: Earning Missing Credits with Canadian Virtual School
So, how can mature students and international students secure those all-important credits in math and science? The answer is flexible online learning. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an Ontario Ministry–inspected private online high school that specializes in helping non-traditional learners earn OSSD credits from anywhere in the world. Whether you need one course or several, CVS makes it possible to complete missing nursing prerequisites without attending a physical school. Here’s how:
- Flexibility for Busy Schedules: As a mature student, you might be juggling a job, family responsibilities, or other commitments. CVS’s online format is self-paced and available 24/7. You can study full-time to fast-track or take your time – whatever suits your schedule. The curriculum is delivered through engaging multimedia lessons and 500+ interactive labs and modules, so it feels far from the dry lectures you might remember from traditional school. This flexibility and comprehensive support are exactly what mature students who want to complete the nursing requirements need to thrive. You won’t have to sacrifice your current life situation to go back and pick up these credits.
- Accessible Worldwide – No Study Permit Needed: If you’re an international student currently overseas, you can enroll with CVS and complete courses entirely online from your home country. You do not need a Canadian study permit to take online courses at CVS because you’re completing a distance learning program (the Canadian government does not require a study permit for fully online studies). This is a huge advantage – it means you can get the nursing program prerequisites Ontario demands without the delay or expense of moving to Canada first. As soon as you finish your courses and meet requirements, you’ll be ready to apply to BScN programs. In fact, many international students use CVS to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or specific credits to qualify for Canadian colleges and universities.
- Accredited and Recognized Credits: Canadian Virtual School is accredited to grant OSSD credits, which are accepted by all Ontario post-secondary institutions. The transcript you earn from CVS is equivalent to any public high school credit. That means a Grade 12 Chemistry credit from CVS carries the same weight as one from an in-person school in Toronto. Admissions committees will see it as meeting the requirement. The courses adhere to the Ontario curriculum and standards, so you’re truly bridging any gaps in your education to align with local expectations.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Online doesn’t mean alone. CVS provides certified teachers for every course who give feedback on assignments, answer questions, and support your learning. As a returning learner or someone adjusting to a new education system, you’ll appreciate having Guidance available. There are also student success advisors and a Student Success & Guidance team who can help with course planning – for example, advising which math option is best for a future nursing student. The platform is user-friendly, and you’ll find lots of resources, like practice quizzes and review materials, to help you master the content. In addition, if you have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or need accommodations, CVS can provide support so that you can learn effectively.
- Fast-Track Options: Are you in a hurry to apply for an upcoming admission deadline? CVS offers a Fast Track option, allowing you to compress a course into as little as 4 weeks (versus the usual several months) by working intensively. This is perfect for mature students who decide to apply to a nursing program last-minute and realize they are missing one credit, or for international students who need to quickly meet a prerequisite for visa or application timing. You can enroll at any time of year – no need to wait for a semester start – and begin right away. Finish the course on your schedule, and once you have your final grade, CVS will issue an official report card and add it to your transcript.
- Opportunity to Upgrade Marks: Perhaps you took some of these subjects long ago but didn’t achieve the grade now required for nursing entry. (For example, many nursing programs require a minimum of 70% in each prerequisite.) As an online school for adults, CVS lets you retake courses to improve your marks. You’ll benefit from updated course content and new learning strategies that might not have been available when you first studied. We’ve seen students go from just passing science in their teens to earning 80s and 90s as motivated adults – an achievement that boosts not only their transcript but also their confidence. If you’re determined to get into nursing, upgrading through CVS can strengthen your application and show admissions committees your commitment.
Mature students can succeed through online courses while balancing other responsibilities. Many CVS learners are in their 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond – some pursuing a career change, others fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. They often find that the online format allows them to re-engage with education at their own pace. You might study after the kids are in bed, on weekends, or whenever you have a spare moment. And unlike a physical adult school or night school, there’s no commute or fixed class time.
For international students seeking missing credits to complete nursing prerequisites, CVS offers an accessible bridge into the Ontario education system. You’ll become familiar with Canadian-style coursework and terminology (for instance, learning what terms like “ENG4U” or “MCV4U” mean), which will help you transition to college/university smoothly. Plus, you’ll improve your academic English skills, especially if you take a course like Grade 12 English online – valuable practice before entering an English-language nursing program.
In the next section, we’ll outline the specific courses you may need and how to select and enroll in them.
Which Courses Do You Need? (OSSD Credits for Nursing School Admission)
Ontario BScN programs typically specify certain Grade 12 “U” level courses as prerequisites. While exact needs can vary by institution, most nursing programs require the following high school credits at a minimum:
- Grade 12 English (ENG4U) – required by all nursing programs for communication skills.
- Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U) – required by all, provides knowledge of human biology essential for nursing.
- Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U) – required by most nursing programs (some may accept Physics 12 (SPH4U) as an alternative, but chemistry is more commonly expected).
- Grade 12 Mathematics (U level) – required or highly recommended. Often, any 12U Math will fulfill this requirement (common choices are Advanced Functions or Data Management). Some programs specifically list acceptable courses or even allow a Grade 11 U math in lieu (e.g., one program might accept Grade 11 Functions MCR3U), but having a 12U math is safer and more competitive.
At Canadian Virtual School, you can enroll in all of these courses online. Here are some of the relevant science and math courses offered that align with nursing prerequisites (with their course codes):
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English (University Prep) – Develops critical reading, writing, and communication skills.
- SBI4U – Grade 12 Biology – This covers biochemistry, human anatomy, genetics, and more.
- SCH4U – Grade 12 Chemistry – Explores chemical reactions, equilibrium, organic chemistry, etc.
- SPH4U – Grade 12 Physics – (If needed as an alternate science or for specific interests; includes motion, energy, medical physics applications).
- MHF4U – Grade 12 Advanced Functions – Pre-university math focusing on functions and algebra (often acceptable for nursing).
- MDM4U—Grade 12 Data Management—This university-prep math course focuses on statistics and data, making it a popular choice for non-math-intensive programs like nursing.
(Not sure which math to choose? Data Management (MDM4U) is frequently chosen by nursing applicants as it develops statistics skills that are useful in healthcare research and is seen as very manageable even if math isn’t your strength. Advanced Functions (MHF4U) is more theoretical but also meets the requirement – some students take it if they plan to pursue further studies where advanced math might help, though for nursing specifically, MDM4U is perfectly suitable. CVS offers both, and a guidance counselor can help you decide based on your goals.)
Before enrolling, double-check the exact prerequisites of the nursing programs you intend to apply to. For example, one university might say “ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, and one of MHF4U/MCV4U/MDM4U” as required courses. Another college nursing program might require Biology and Chemistry and any Grade 12 math (or allow a Grade 11 math). It’s important to meet the highest requirement among your choices to keep all your options open. In general, if you complete the list above, you’ll be covered for virtually any Ontario nursing program admission.
What if you’re missing a Grade 11 prerequisite for one of these Grade 12 courses? Don’t worry – CVS offers the Grade 11 University Preparation sciences and maths too. For instance, to take Chemistry 12, you should have Chemistry 11 (SCH3U) first; similarly, Biology 11 (SBI3U) sets you up for Biology 12. Many mature or international students might not have those either, especially if it’s been a long time since high school or their previous schooling didn’t include them. You can take the Grade 11 course with CVS and then proceed to Grade 12. Since courses are self-paced, motivated students can sometimes complete grades 11 and 12 in succession within a short timeframe (for example, it’s not unheard of to finish SCH3U in two months and then tackle SCH4U right after, finishing both in less than half a year). This means that even if you’re essentially starting from scratch in a subject, you can still catch up and apply to a nursing program within a reasonable timeline.
Success Stories: From Missing Credits to Nursing School
To inspire you further, let’s look at a couple of success stories of students who completed credits at CVS and went on to enter nursing programs in Ontario. These examples show that it’s truly never too late – and no distance is too far – to achieve your academic and career dreams!
1. Maria – A Dedicated Mother Turned Future Nurse: Maria finished high school 20 years ago in another Canadian province but never took Grade 12 Chemistry or Biology since she originally pursued business. Now in her 40s and living in Calgary, she decided to follow her passion for healthcare. To apply for a collaborative BScN program at an Ontario college, Maria discovered she needed both SBI4U and SCH4U, as well as to upgrade her math. Working full-time and raising two children, Maria chose Canadian Virtual School for its flexibility. She enrolled in Biology and Chemistry, studying on evenings and weekends. Initially nervous about being a student again, Maria was thrilled to find interactive lessons that made complex topics understandable. Her CVS science teachers provided frequent feedback and study tips. Maria also took the Data Management 12 course to refresh her math skills – doing it online meant she could pause and review concepts as much as needed, which built her confidence. Within 8 months, she had completed all three courses, earning over 80% in each. With her new transcript in hand, Maria applied to the nursing program at a college in Ontario. She was accepted into the BScN program at Humber College and will be starting nursing school next semester! Maria credits CVS with helping her achieve the prerequisites while balancing her busy life. “If I can do it, anyone can,” she says. “CVS made going back to school in mid-life so much less intimidating – and even fun. Now I’m on my way to becoming a registered nurse!”
2. Suraj – An International Student Bridging the Gap: Suraj completed his high school in India with strong grades, but when he set his sights on nursing education in Ontario, he encountered a hurdle: his transcript wasn’t considered equivalent to the OSSD in certain key subjects. Ontario universities required ENG4U (Grade 12 English) and one 12U math, neither of which were part of his secondary school focus (his schooling emphasized biology and physics, but advanced calculus wasn’t taken, and English was taught as a second language). Rather than spending an extra year in a Canadian high school, Suraj took matters into his own hands. He registered with the Canadian Virtual School as an international student. From his home in New Delhi, he took Grade 12 English online with CVS to polish his academic English reading and writing skills. He also enrolled in MDM4U (Data Management) since he needed a 12U math credit. The online platform allowed Suraj to study in the evenings, which actually aligned well with the time difference (evening in India was morning in Toronto, so CVS teachers were often available for questions during his live study time). Suraj appreciated the self-paced aspect; he accelerated through the parts he found easy and spent more time on challenging assignments, with support from the instructor. In just 5 months, Suraj finished both courses. CVS sent him an official OSSD transcript crediting him with ENG4U and MDM4U. Suraj then applied to several universities in Ontario. Not only was he accepted to his top choice (York University’s Collaborative BScN program), but the strong grades he earned at CVS boosted his admission average and helped him win an entrance scholarship! Suraj is now preparing to move to Canada to study nursing. He says, “CVS was a game-changer. I could get the credits I was missing without a study permit and without flying to Canada first. It saved me time and money, and I felt supported the whole way. The courses were engaging – nothing like the rote learning I was used to. They actually improved my understanding of the material in a way that I know will help me at university. I’m so grateful I found this path.”
These are just two examples – every year, many mature students complete nursing prerequisites through online high school courses and successfully transition to college or university nursing programs. Some were once discouraged, thinking they had “missed the boat” or that their age/previous education would hold them back. But with determination and the right support, they turned things around. Whether you’ve been out of school for two years or two decades or you’re coming from a completely different education system, you can make this work. And CVS is here to help make it as smooth as possible.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions by Prospective Nursing Students
What are the OSSD prerequisites for nursing in Ontario?
Most Ontario nursing programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including six Grade 12 U/M courses. Key prerequisites include Grade 12 English (ENG4U), Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U), Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U), and a senior math (often any Grade 12 U math like Advanced Functions or Data Management). Some programs may accept Grade 11 U math or allow either Chemistry or Physics as the science – but to be safe, plan to have Bio, Chem, and one 12U math, all with at least 70%. Always check the specific requirements of the programs you’re interested in, as there can be slight variations.
Can mature students get into nursing programs in Ontario?
Absolutely! Ontario nursing programs welcome mature students (usually defined as applicants who are not recent high school graduates). As a mature applicant, you still need to have the required high school credits (or equivalents) for admission. The advantage is that you often bring valuable life experience and determination. Many schools consider these qualities positively. Make sure you complete any missing prerequisites (through options like CVS) and meet the grade thresholds. Some universities may also consider additional testing or pathways for mature students, but the core course requirements remain essential. With a complete application, mature students regularly earn spots in BScN programs – there is no age limit to becoming a nurse.
How can international students complete missing nursing prerequisites for Ontario programs?
International students have a few pathways to meet Ontario’s nursing prerequisites. One convenient method is to enroll in an accredited online high school like Canadian Virtual School to take the specific Grade 12 courses you need. You can do this from your home country; since it’s online, you don’t need a visa or study permit. Another option is to attend an adult high school or continuing education program in Ontario if you’re already in Canada. Some students also take equivalent courses at a local college (e.g., in a Pre-Health Sciences program), but those can be longer and more expensive. Online high school courses are flexible, self-paced, and often faster. After completing the courses, you’ll receive an OSSD transcript or report card that you submit with your college/university application to show you’ve met the requirements.
Why do nursing programs require math and science courses?
Nursing is a challenging field that relies on understanding science and using math. Math is critical for tasks like calculating medication dosages and IV drip rates and interpreting statistics in health research. Science courses like biology and chemistry provide foundational knowledge of how the human body works and how different chemicals (like drugs) interact – all vital for safe and effective nursing care. Nursing schools want to ensure that students are prepared for the curriculum, which includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. By completing high school math and science prerequisites, you demonstrate that you have the baseline knowledge and analytical skills needed to grasp complex nursing concepts. It also shows admissions committees that you’re serious and academically ready for a rigorous program.
I finished high school years ago. Do my old credits still count toward nursing requirements?
It depends on what courses you took and the institution’s policies. In general, if you have the necessary courses on your transcript (e.g., you did take Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry, etc.), those credits remain valid. There’s usually no “expiration date” on high school credits. However, the content knowledge might be rusty if it’s been many years, so you may choose to retake or refresh those courses for your own preparation or to achieve higher grades. If your high school was outside Ontario, the university or college will assess your transcript to see if it’s equivalent. Sometimes, an older high school curriculum may not align perfectly with today’s OSSD standards. If they decide something is missing, you’d need to pick up that credit. Many mature students find that even if their old credits are technically accepted, updating a course (like taking the latest Grade 12 Chemistry online) helps them feel more confident entering a modern nursing program. It’s always a good idea to contact the admissions office of the nursing program for a transcript evaluation. And if you do need an additional course, you know CVS is a convenient way to get it done.
Do I need a study permit to take online high school courses from outside Canada?
No – if you are outside Canada and enroll in an online program like CVS, you do not need a Canadian study permit. Canadian immigration regulations specify that a study permit is not required for distance learning (fully online courses). You can complete the courses from your home country. Only when you get accepted into a college/university and plan to come to Canada for that in-person program would you need to apply for a study permit. This is a big benefit of doing your prerequisite courses online, as it simplifies the process for international students. Just make sure the online school is properly accredited (CVS is) so the credits are recognized by the Ontario institutions when you apply.
How long does it take to complete an online course at CVS?
The timeline is very flexible. On average, many students complete a Grade 12 course at CVS in about 8-12 weeks with regular study, but you have up to 12 months to finish if needed. If you want to move faster, you can opt for the fast-track mode or simply dedicate more hours per week to your coursework. Some motivated learners finish a course in just 4-6 weeks. As a mature or international student, your pace might depend on how quickly you grasp the material and how much time you can devote daily. There are no set class times, so you truly set your own schedule. Keep in mind quality over speed – ensure you understand the content well because you’ll need this knowledge in nursing school. But rest assured, if you’re aiming for an upcoming application deadline, many students successfully fast-track courses to meet their timelines.
Can I retake a high school course to improve my marks for nursing admission?
Yes, you can! In fact, it’s common for applicants to upgrade their marks, especially for competitive programs like nursing, where higher averages increase your chances of admission. Canadian Virtual School offers “upgrade courses” which cover the same curriculum but allow you to improve your understanding and assignments to earn a higher grade than you might have years ago. Ontario universities typically take the highest grade if you’ve attempted a course more than once (some may average or have policies – check specifics, but generally, they are okay with upgrades for mature students). Showing a strong grade in a prerequisite like ENG4U or SBI4U will not only help your admission prospects but also give you confidence in that subject. CVS’s format is great for upgrades because you can focus on the areas you struggled with before and benefit from personalized teacher feedback to do better this time around.
Will colleges/universities know I took my prerequisites online? Does it matter?
They will see the school name on your transcript, but it does not negatively affect your application. Admissions committees care about the course codes, grades, and accreditation of the school. Online credits from a Ministry-inspected school like CVS are accepted the same way as any day school credit. In fact, universities and colleges in Ontario regularly accept students with online course backgrounds – some even encourage online summer or night school courses to upgrade. There is no stigma; if anything, completing an online course successfully shows initiative and self-discipline. Just ensure that when you apply through OUAC or OCAS, you arrange for CVS (or its school authority) to submit your official transcript so the institution can verify your credits and marks. If you have both day school and online school credits, they will simply be merged for consideration. Rest assured, having taken your prerequisites online will not disadvantage your application.
How do I register for a course at Canadian Virtual School as a mature or international student?
Registering with CVS is straightforward. You’ll fill out an online registration form on the CVS Registration page. You’ll need to provide some personal details and specify the course(s) you want to enroll in. Since you’re a non-traditional student, you might select options for “adult/mature student” or “international student” in the process. You do not need to obtain a study permit or Ontario residency documents for enrollment – CVS welcomes students from all over. After registering and paying the course fee, you will receive login information to the online learning portal and instructions on how to get started. If you have any previous transcripts or documents, you can submit those too, especially if you’re working toward completing an OSSD or want to see if any past credits can count (for example, some international credits might be evaluated for equivalency via Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition). Once registered, you can begin your course, usually within a day or two. And don’t worry – if you need help at any step, the CVS support team is very responsive to guide you through enrollment, course selection, and getting oriented to the online platform.
Ready to Achieve Your Nursing Dreams?
By now, you should feel empowered knowing that being a mature student or coming from a different educational background is not a roadblock to a nursing career. With determination and the flexible support of an online high school for nursing prerequisites like Canadian Virtual School, mature students who want to complete the nursing requirements can do so on their own terms. The same goes for international students seeking missing credits to complete nursing program requirements – the path is clear and accessible.
If you’re eager to get started, the next step is simple: take action. Identify which credits you need and register for your courses. Visit the CVS course catalog or reach out to our guidance team for advice on course planning. Remember, every journey begins with a single step – in your case, that might be enrolling in that first course (be it Biology, Chemistry, Math, or English). Once you begin, you’ll likely find that the material is engaging, and your study skills will grow week by week. Before you know it, you’ll have those transcripts in hand, ready to apply to the nursing programs of your choice.
Now’s the time to invest in yourself and your future. Nursing in Ontario is a rewarding, in-demand field – and there’s a spot waiting for you once you meet the requirements. Hundreds of students have walked this path before, balancing life’s responsibilities with online studies, and they have gone on to wear the scrubs and name tags of registered nurses across hospitals and clinics. You can join them.
Don’t let missing high school credits hold you back from your calling. Whether you need one course or five, Canadian Virtual School is here to help you succeed. Take the leap today – explore our courses, chat with an advisor, and sign up to earn those missing credits. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Your dream of becoming a nurse is within reach: let’s make it happen!
Ready to get started? Visit the CVS registration page and enroll in the courses you need. If you have questions, our team is just a call or email away. Here’s to your success as a future Ontario nursing student – we can’t wait to see you achieve your goals!
