Iiyikinaami (Spirit Helper)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program is a unique collaboration between UCalgary Nursing and Natosapi College (OSCC). Named “Iiyikinaami” (Spirit Helper) in a traditional Blackfoot ceremony, it bridges modern Western healthcare with Indigenous ways of knowing, including Siksika traditions.
Career Paths
Graduates are prepared for various nursing roles, including:
- Community health care
- Home care
- Acute care
- Outpatient services
- Nurse educators
- Public health nurse
- Occupational nurse
- Continuing care
Program Structure & Delivery
This is an expanded five-year program that includes a foundational upgrading year on-campus at Natosapi College. Subsequent courses are delivered through a blend of:
- In-person classes at both Natosapi College and UCalgary
- Online learning
- Clinical labs at Natosapi College and within the community.
Course Overview
The program covers a wide range of nursing and foundational subjects, including:
- Prerequisites: Englsh 30-1, Science 30, Math 30-2, Biology 30, and Siksika Knowledge 200.
- Core Nursing: Anatomy & Physiology, Indigenous Health Studies, Foundational Professional Concepts, Community & Population Health, Family Nursing, Acute Care, Chronic Illness, Leadership, and extensive clinical practicums.
- Academic Skills: Academic Writing, Statistics.
Iikikinaami Student Testimonials
Program Sequence
Old Sun Community College and University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing
Iiyikinaami Spirit Helper - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Indigenous Community Route)
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Foundational Year Foundational Learning/Academic Upgrading, also known as academic upgrading, is a pathway designed to help prospective students meet the admission requirements for entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. |
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| English 30-1 | Science 30 |
| Mathematics 30-2 | Biology 30 |
| Year 1 - Fall | Year 2 - Fall Core Skills/Community Health |
Year 3 - Fall 2025 Acute Care |
Year 4 - Fall 2025 Leadership |
| NRSG 203 - Anatomy and Physiology I | NRSG 285 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing I - Foundational Professional Concepts (3 units) | NRSG 485 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing III - Furthering Inquiry & Scholarship in Nursing (3 units) | NRSG 585 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing V - Preparing for Professional Role Transition (3 units) |
| ACWR 303 - Academic Writing | NRSG 287 - The Science of Health I - Communities & Populations (3 units) | NRSG 487 - The Science of Health III - People Experiencing Life Threatening Health Challenges (3 units) | NRSG 589 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise V - Learning, Praxis & Scholarship in the Practicum Setting (6 units) |
| NRSG 201 - Introduction to Nursing (3 units) | NRSG 288 - Supporting Health I - Communities & Populations (3 units) | NRSG 488 - Supporting Health III | People with Life Threatening Health Challenges (3 units) | NRSG XXX |
| Either Fall or Winter: Siksika Knowledge 200 4 junior options (options can include OSCC Siksika Knowledge courses with transfer credit) | NRSG 289 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practises I - Learning, Praxis & Scholarship in the Practicum Setting (6 units) | NRSG 489 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practises III - Learning Praxis & Scholarship in the Practise Setting (6 units) | NRSG XXX |
| Year 1 - Winter | Year 2 - Winter Family Nursing |
Year 3 - Winter Chronic Illness |
Year 4 - Winter Knowledge Synthesis |
| NRSG 204 - Anatomy and Physiology II | NRSG 385 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing II - Interprofessional Practise & Professional Accountability (3 units) | NRSG 495 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing IV - Understanding the Challenges of Leadership Systems of Care (3 units) | NRSG 599 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise VI - Transition to Nursing Practise (15 units) |
| Statistics 205 | NRSG 387 - The Science of Health II - Families in Transition (3 units) | NRSG 497 - The Science of Health IV - People Experiencing Chronic Health Challenges (3 units) | |
| NRSG 202 - Indigenous Health Studies | NRSG 388 - Supporting Health II | Families in Transition (3 units) | NRSG 498 - Supporting Health IV | People with Chronic Health Challenges (3 units) | |
| Either Fall or Winter: Siksika Knowledge 200 4 junior options (options can include OSCC Siksika Knowledge courses with transfer credit) | NRSG 389 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise in the Practicum Setting II - Clinical Practicum (6 units) | NRSG 499 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise IV - Learning Praxis & Scholarship in the Practicum Setting (3 units) |
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma and/or Post-Secondary Transcripts.
- Mandatory Upgrading Year (Year 1) at OSCC if you haven’t met the high school requirements (English 30-1, Math 30-2, Chemistry/Science 30, Biology 30) with an overall average of 70% or higher. OSCC offers this upgrading pathway.
- Applicants must self-identify as an Indigenous person of Canada (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). Preference is given to Siksika Nation members.
- Applicants must reside in Alberta within 120 km of Old Sun College.
Financial Aid & Funding (For Foundational Upgrading Year)
Funding for the first (upgrading) year may be available through:
- Foundational Learning (formerly Alberta Works) / UCEP
- Siksika Post Secondary Student Support Program – OSCC
- RBC Indigenous Student Support Fund
- UCalgary Faculty of Nursing Student Awards Fund
- Siksika Treasury Administration
Important Dates & How to Apply
- Application deadline for the BScN program is March 1 annually.
- Deadline to register for Upgrading at Natosapi is June 15th annually.
How to Apply
- Email the Iiyikinaami – Spirit Helper BScN Coordinator, Debbie Smith, with your high school and any post-secondary transcripts for review.
- Student advising on course needs will be coordinated through UCalgary’s Faculty of Nursing.
- If you need upgrading, register for those courses at Old Sun Community College via the OSCC Registrar by June 15th.
- Once upgrading requirements are met, you can apply directly to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at OSCC. The Coordinator and UCalgary Student Advising will help with this. (Students who already meet the requirements can bypass the upgrading year.)
Program Contact
For more details, contact Debbie Smith at debbie.smith@oldsuncollege.ca