Nursing in Professional Practice Leadership (M.Sc.N.)
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.Sc.N.) in Professional Practice Leadership is leading the way for the next generation of nursing leaders to drive, influence and navigate the demands of Canada’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The M.Sc.N. program is aimed at registered nurses seeking to develop their leadership skills, and is delivered online, providing flexibility for active professionals with high work demands. Graduates will play a critical role as the healthcare landscape undergoes unprecedented change and will be prepared to take on challenges through leadership development, research skills, and expertise in areas that include healthcare informatics and health and public policy.
Students can shape their educational path by specializing in professional practice leadership, mental health and addictions or dementia care as part of this innovative program. This program offers two completion pathways:
Thesis Stream
The thesis stream is for students who would like to engage in and learn more about research, as well as students with academic career aspirations (e.g. teaching, pursuing further graduate education)
Project-based Stream
Project stream students will develop projects with real-world impact supported by the identification of an onsite mentor who will assist with project guidance
Join the next generation of nursing leaders. The healthcare sector is undergoing a transformation. This innovative degree is designed to prepare graduates to be leaders who can ensure and implement expert practice, facilitate professional development, and provide leadership within Canada’s dynamic healthcare system.
Experiential learning is fundamental to graduate studies. In the MScN program, courses are designed to prepare and augment students' leadership skills and training.
Trent has been home to 2 Nobel Prize winners
10 Canada Research Chairs conduct innovative research at Trent
We are proud to be one of the top 3 greenest campuses in Canada
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. in Nursing or equivalent
- Minimum B (73%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- RN in good standing with the province/country in which you work
Applicants who are registered nurses and do not hold a B.Sc.N.:
- Must be a registered nurse with ten or more years of experience
- Must be registered in good standing with the licensing body in the applicant’s current regulatory jurisdiction
- Will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- May be required to complete additional courses before starting the M.Sc.N.
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. in Nursing or equivalent
- Minimum B (73%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- RN in good standing with the province/country in which you work
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our How to Apply: International page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
Applicants who are registered nurses and do not hold a B.Sc.N.:
- Must be a registered nurse with ten or more years of experience
- Must be registered in good standing with the licensing body in the applicant’s current regulatory jurisdiction
- Will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- May be required to complete additional courses before starting the M.Sc.N.
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement: 1-2 pages outlining your objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests, relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included
- Writing Sample: A sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. The preferred submission format is PDF. Good choices for writing samples include: an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a masters thesis, or a published article.
- Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate)
- Supervisor: A potential supervisor must be chosen as an admission requirement for this program. Please list your supervisor on your OUAC application and discuss this in your plan of study. Please visit the program's Faculty and Research page for a listing of faculty and areas of research. Applicants are responsible for reaching out to a faculty member
For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply: Domestic or International pages and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Learn more about tuition & fees
Professional programs do not offer funding as part of the letter of offer. It is expected that graduate students in these programs, will have funds to support themselves for the duration of their studies.
Financial Aid can provide information about provincial loan programs for domestic students, as well as bursary opportunities for both domestic and international students.
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
The MScN program was offered full-time online through Trent University. This was beneficial for me, as I worked full-time as a registered nurse while in school. The program focused on professional practice leadership, which I was interested in. It allowed me to complete a research thesis as part of the program. I was surprised by how supportive the professors are. They are there to help your learn, and want to hear about your experiences and life.
Ellen’s research focuses on rural health, particularly around the social determinants of health and health equity. Her recent projects explored the experience of rural homelessness, integration of services for people who are unhoused and using substances into primary care, and use of motels as homeless shelters across rural Ontario.
Dr. Omar's research interests include high-risk pregnancy and activity restriction, students' mental health, and the use of innovative technology in healthcare.
