Challenge for credit in Canadian university nursing programs

This study describes the opportunities for advanced placement available to registered nurses who are entering Canadian university baccalaureate nursing programs, and the criteria used to decide whether courses may be challenged for credit. Of the 28 Canadian university schools of nursing, 25 (89%) agreed to participate in the study. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives from each of the schools. All provided access to baccalaureate education for registered nurses and some form of recognition for their diploma. Formal or informal challenge opportunities were available in 48% of the schools. There was no consistency in criteria for challenge among the schools. Although respondents reported that challenge opportunities had merit, they questioned whether challenge was useful for measuring the advanced critical thinking skills required of baccalaureate nurses. Further research in this area is warranted.