Faculty of Health
Some programs in the Faculty of Health have been established to meet the needs of the Maritime or Atlantic provinces. Admission of applicants outside the preferred region may be limited.
Equitable Admissions Policy
The Faculty of Health recognizes that deliberate Equitable Admissions processes are required to increase the admission of students who self-identify as belonging to historically underrepresented groups: persons of Indigenous ancestry (especially Mi’kmaq), members of racialized groups, persons of African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), Acadians, persons with dis/Abilities, and persons belonging to minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI) groups. Each School/College in the Faculty will develop and implement Equitable Admissions policies and processes consistent with the NS Human Rights Act.
As a matter of priority, the Faculty will develop strategies to identify and create recruitment and support systems, plus complementary policies and practices that create an inclusive, equitable learning and working environment, to attract and support members of under-represented groups to enter and succeed in Faculty of Health Programs.
Statement Regarding Criminal Records Check
The Faculty of Health of Dalhousie University does not require a Criminal Records Check or other screening procedure (e.g. Vulnerable Sector Screen) as a condition of admission into its programs. However, students should be aware that such record checks or other screening procedures will be required by facilities outside the University used for clinical, fieldwork or co-op placements or experiences related to an academic course assignment which in some instances, may be a requirement for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to have such procedures completed.
Such facilities may refuse to accept students on the basis of information contained in the record check or other screening procedure. If the student is unable to complete a clinical requirement due to a failure to meet the record check or screening requirements of the facility, or if the student is refused access to the facility on the basis of the information provided, such a student may fail the course, and as a result in some instances, may not be eligible for progression or graduation.
Students should check with their School/College for details concerning any record checks or screening requirements relevant to clinical, fieldwork, or placements in their particular program. Note that facility requirements may change from time to time and are beyond the control of the University.
Students should also be aware that some professional regulatory bodies may require a satisfactory record check as a condition of professional licensure.
Deposit
Due to the large number of applications, a non-refundable deposit of $200 (applicable to tuition fees) is required on admission. For transfer students, this deposit is payable within three weeks of notification of acceptance.
School of Health and Human Performance
Admission to programs offered by the School of Health and Human Performance is limited. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements for admission can be accepted.
Bachelor of Health Promotion
High School Applicants:
Satisfactory completion of grade 12 or equivalent, with a minimum average of 70% in at least five academic university-preparatory courses including:
- English (minimum 70%)
- Four other acceptable university-preparatory courses
Transfer Applicants
- Satisfactory completion of the required grade 12 academic subjects as outlined or university level courses in these subject areas.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.3 scale)
- Experienced persons in the workplace may be admitted as mature students.
Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology)
High School Applicants:
Satisfactory completion of grade 12 or equivalent, with a minimum average of 75% in at least five academic university-preparatory courses including:
- English (minimum 70%)
- Academic Mathematics (minimum 70%)
- Three other acceptable university-preparatory courses
- Students are encouraged to have grade 12 courses in Biology or Chemistry or Physics.
Transfer Applicants
- Satisfactory completion of the required grade 12 academic subjects as outlined or university level courses in these subject areas.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of at least 2.3 (on a 4.3 scale)
Bachelor of Science (Recreation)
High School Applicants:
Satisfactory completion of grade 12 or equivalent, with a minimum average of 70% in at least five academic university-preparatory courses including:
- English (minimum 70%)
- Four other acceptable university-preparatory courses
Transfer Applicants
- Satisfactory completion of the required grade 12 academic subjects as outlined or university level courses in these subject areas.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.3 scale)
Bachelor of Science (Recreation)/Bachelor of Management
A five year combined degree program is offered with a primary focus on Recreation Administration.
High School Applicants:
Satisfactory completion of grade 12 or equivalent, with a minimum average of 70% in at least five academic university-preparatory courses including:
- English (minimum 70%)
- Academic Mathematics (minimum 70%)
- Three other acceptable university-preparatory courses
Transfer Applicants
- Satisfactory completion of the required grade 12 academic subjects as outlined or university level courses in these subject areas.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.3 scale)
School of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Health Science (Four-Year Entry-Level Program)
Since all professional streams of the BHSc are limited enrolment programs, these requirements define eligibility. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be accepted into the program.
Requirements differ based on the previous education and background of the applicant.
Selection criteria
The selection criteria used by the Admissions Committee include:
- Place of residence
- Academic performance
- Non-academic performance
Place of Residence
Priority consideration is given to permanent residents of the Maritime Provinces (NS, NB, PE), then to permanent residents of other Canadian provinces/territories and finally to all other applicants.
Applicants are considered to be from the Maritime Provinces if:
- The principal residence of the applicant’s parent(s) or guardian is located in the Maritime provinces; or
- If the applicant is independent of his/her parent(s) or guardian, he/she must have lived and worked on a full-time basis in the Maritime Provinces for a minimum of one full year and not have attended school on a full-time basis.
Assessment of Academic Performance
Assessment of academic performance based on the applicant’s transcripts accounts for 80% of the applicant’s overall total score.
High School Applicants
- Completion of academic Grade 12 with at least five Grade 12 university preparatory courses, including:
- English
- Academic Math
- Two Sciences:
- Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound: Biology, Physics
- Nuclear Medicine Technology: Physics, Chemistry
- Radiological Technology: Physics and either Biology or Chemistry
- Respiratory Therapy: Chemistry and either Biology or Physics
- One other acceptable university-preparatory course
- Overall average of 75% in the five university preparatory courses used to meet admission requirements
- No grade lower than 70% in the five courses
Applicants with Previous Post-Secondary Experience
- Completion of courses in English, Math and two sciences as outlined above for high school applicants. If these courses were not taken as part of post-secondary study, they must be at the academic Grade 12 level with a minimum grade of 70%.
- A minimum grade of C in the required subjects if taken at the post-secondary level.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or in most recent year of full-time studies
Assessment of Non-Academic Performance
Assessment of non-academic performance accounts for 20% of the applicant’s overall total score.
A letter of intent and resume (with two contact references) are required.
Forms and detailed instructions can be found on the School of Health Sciences website www.dal.ca/SHS.
Applicants will be assessed on the following non-academic criteria:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the selected health profession
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Teamwork
Special Circumstances
In exceptional situations, special consideration may be given by the Admissions Committee to applicants who do not meet all admissions requirements. Applicants will be required to submit a letter stating reasons for special consideration.
Personal Suitability
Students in the professional streams included in the BHSc program work with clients who trust them to provide safe and competent care. A criminal records check will be required for only those students accepted into the BHSc program.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
The School of Health Sciences is committed to increasing the admission of and number of graduates from underrepresented groups: Indigenous peoples, African Canadians, and Persons with (dis)Abilities.
Applicants wishing to apply under the EDIA Policy must indicate on the self-identification section of the application form. Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements.
Application Submission
Application form, fee and all official transcripts should be sent to the Registrar’s Office.
All other supporting documents should be sent directly to the School of Health Sciences.
Application deadline is February 15.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form and fee
- For high school applicants, an official high school transcript
- For other applicants, an official transcript from all previous post-secondary institutions
- Letter of intent
- Resume (with two contact references)
Forms and detailed instructions on the School of Health Science website www.dal.ca/SHS
Notification
Each applicant is notified of the status of their application by email, normally by the end of April. Those applicants who are put on the waiting list may expect to hear about acceptance as late as September.
Deposit Fee
A non-refundable deposit of $200 (applicable to tuition fees) is required within three weeks of receipt of written notification of acceptance in order to reserve a place in the program. For High School students the $200 is payable by May 15 in order to reserve a place in the program.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Post-Diploma Program)
The Bachelor of Health Science, Post-Diploma program, is a configuration of the BHSc developed for practitioners in the following professional streams:
- Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound*
- Emergency Medical Services Management*
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiological Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
The objective of the post-diploma program is to provide registered technologists and therapists the opportunity to obtain a degree in health science. It is not intended as an opportunity to merely refresh skills or competencies.
The program comprises 60 credit hours of university study (equivalent to two years full-time study). In recognition of the reality that potential students are likely to be working full-time, the program is available on a part-time basis.
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of a diploma program in the profession for which you are applying*
- Two years of post-diploma work experience in that profession **
- Evidence of good standing with the applicable Canadian professional association or college.
* For Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, completion of advanced training in ultrasound following a diploma in another allied health profession, plus at least two years work experience in ultrasound, may be substituted.
* For Emergency Medical Services Management, successful completion of an Advanced Care Paramedic program from an organization accredited by Accreditation Canada (incorporating programs formerly accredited by the Canadian Medical Association).
**For Emergency Medical Services Management, 2 years FTE professional experience as an Advanced Care Paramedic is required.
Documentation Required
- Completed Dalhousie application form plus application fee (see Application for Admission form)
- Official transcript of diploma program, plus official transcripts from any other post-secondary institution attended.
- Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of the relevant Canadian licensing/certification exam
- Current registration number with applicable Canadian professional association or college, or photocopy of current membership card
- Letter of intent
- Resume with two contact references
Guidelines for Letter of Intent
This letter provides the opportunity for applicants to expand upon their experience, any advanced or specialty education they may have and their interest in undertaking university studies.
Information to be included:
- Work experience
- Educational initiatives undertaken since diploma completion
- Other professional activities, e.g. in professional association
- How applicant thinks this program will contribute to her/his professional development
- Personal and professional motivation
- Readiness for university education
Application deadline dates for the Post-Diploma Program are June 15 for September enrollment and October 15 for January enrollment.
School of Health Administration
Diploma in Health Services Administration
Applicants must meet the Dalhousie University undergraduate admission requirements. It is recommended that students not apply directly from High School and have work or volunteer experience in the Health Services industry. A complete application consists of the following documents:
- Application and fee
- An official transcript from High School and previous post-secondary institutions
- One letter of reference
- Resume
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. See General Admission Requirements.
Final Dates for receipt of Applications for Admission
- March 1 for September start
- November 15 for January start
Diploma in Emergency Health Services Management
Applicants must meet the Dalhousie University undergraduate admission requirements. It is recommended that students not apply directly from High School and have work or volunteer experience in the Health Services industry. A complete application consists of the following documents:
- Application and fee
- An official transcript from High School and previous post-secondary institutions
- One letter of reference
- Resume
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. See General Admission Requirements.
Final Dates for receipt of Applications for Admission
- March 1 for September start
- November 15 for January start
- March 15 for May start
School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
Admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing program is limited. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements can be accepted.
Requirements differ based on the previous education and background of the applicant.
Selection criteria
The selection criteria used by admission include:
- Place of residence
- Academic performance
- CASPer test
Place of Residence
Owing to the limited enrolment and the large number of applicants, this program primarily serves permanent residents of Nova Scotia but each year a limited number of places are also available for well-qualified residents of other Canadian provinces and international students.
Applicants are considered to be from Nova Scotia if:
- The principal residence of the applicant's parent(s) or guardian is located in Nova Scotia; or
- If the applicant is independent of his/her parent(s) or guardian, he/she must have lived and worked on a full-time basis in Nova Scotia (not attending school on a full-time basis) for a minimum of one full year; or
- The applicant, or his/her parent(s), guardian or spouse does not meet the preceding requirements as the direct result of a recent employment transfer in or out of Nova Scotia.
Academic performance
High School Applicants (Semester 1 Entry - 3 year)
- Satisfactory completion of grade 12 or equivalent with at least five academic university preparatory courses including:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Academic Math
- One other acceptable university-preparatory course
- A minimum grade of 70% in the required subjects.
- A minimum overall average of 70% in the five university preparatory courses used to meet admission requirements
Applicants with Previous Post-Secondary Experience (Semester 3 Entry - 2 year)
- A minimum grade of C in each of the required subjects at the Post-Secondary level:
- ANAT (Anatomy) 1010.03 or equivalent
- PHYL (Physiology) 1010.06 or (PHYL 1010.03 and Biological Science .03)
- STAT (Statistics) 1060.03 or equivalent
- MICI (Microbiology) 1100.03 or equivalent
- ENGL (English) 1100.03 or equivalent
- Science elective .03
- Open electives .09
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 based on overall Post-Secondary career or most recent year of studies (30 credit hours)
Please Note: LPN applicants must meet the Advanced Standing admission requirements outlined above. Competitive applications will be assessed within the total pool of applicants each year. No seats will be reserved for LPN applicants. Approved bridging courses may help LPN applicants meet some of the above requirements, however it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met. Information on approved LPN bridging courses can be found at https://www.dal.ca/academics/programs/undergraduate/nursing/program-overview/advanced-standing-option.html.
CASPer Test
In addition to the academic requirements outlined above, all Bachelor of Science (Nursing) applicants must complete the Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personality Characteristics (CASPer) test and have their results sent to Dalhousie University. CASPer test results will be used in combination with academic performance for admission assessment. More information about the CASPer test requirement can be found at dal.ca/studynursing/casper.
Special Cases
In exceptional circumstances, special consideration may be given by the Admissions Committee to applicants who do not meet all admission requirements. These decisions are at the discretion of the Admissions Committee and are not subject to appeal.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
The School of Nursing has an EDIA Policy for residents of Nova Scotia who belong to the indigenous Black and Aboriginal/Indigenous populations. Applicants wishing to apply under the EDIA Policy must indicate on the self identification section of the application form. Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements.
Final Date for Receipt of Applications for Admission
February 15
Notification
Each applicant is notified of the status of their application by email, normally by the end of May. Those applicants who are put on the waiting list may expect to hear about acceptance as late as September. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (Arctic Nursing)
A program for Inuit is available. Please contact the School of Nursing for information.
Deposit Fee
Due to the large number of applications a non-refundable deposit of $200 (applicable to tuition fees) is required on admission.
For High School students the $200 deposit is payable by May 15 in order to reserve a place in the program.
For all other applicants the $200 deposit is payable within three weeks of receipt of written notification of acceptance in order to reserve a place in the program.
The following guidelines have been established for the School of Nursing: if the deposit is not received by the deadline the place will be offered to another applicant without further notice. Students who have paid their deposits but who have not appeared at the School of Nursing by the first day of the Orientation Program will be considered to have withdrawn from the School unless they have written permission from the Admissions Committee.
College of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
For admissions to the College of Pharmacy, you must have successfully completed a minimum of one year full time academic study (30 credit hours over the fall and winter terms).
Applicants must achieve a 70% (B-) in each of the following required pre-requisite courses. Equivalent subjects from other universities will be given equal status for the purposes of determining admission:
Applicants must meet the required overall academic performance of 70% (cumulative GPA of 2.70).
Transfer credits will not be granted for students who exceed the minimum admission requirements. The problem-based curriculum which integrates science, pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice requires that students will complete all coursework in the four year program.
Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the deadline, February 1 (see Application Dates for details), will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria used by the Admissions Committee include:
- Place of residence
- Academic performance
- Assessment of non-academic criteria
A score out of 100%, is calculated for each applicant based on academic performance (60%) and assessment of non-academic criteria (40%).
Place of Residence
This program is only available to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada (with current PR status).
This is the only College of Pharmacy for the Maritimes and therefore preference is given to Maritime applicants. Attendance at a Maritime university does not, by itself, constitute having established residence in the Maritime provinces.
Applicants are considered to be from the Maritimes if:
- The principal residence of the applicant’s parent(s) or guardian is located in the Maritime provinces; or
- The applicant (or spouse) has been employed full-time in the Maritime provinces for the preceding 12 consecutive months.
Applicants whose parent(s), guardian or spouse do not meet the residency requirements as a direct result of a recent employment transfer either into or out of the Maritime provinces would not necessarily be expected to conform to the above guidelines.
Exceptions to these guidelines will be considered on an individual basis. Residency will be determined for each applicant on February 1st of the year for which admission is being sought.
A limited number of students from outside the Maritimes are accepted into the first year of the program each year.
Academic Performance
Applicants are chosen for evaluation of non-academic criteria based on an initial screening of academic performance. Academic performance is calculated on cumulative GPA. In the case of academic courses currently in progress, the initial screening will be based on Fall-term grades. The final assessment of academic performance is based on the applicants’ grades and accounts for 60% of the applicants’ overall total score. Applicants should note that admission is on a competitive basis so that the ability to obtain consistently better than average grades would be an asset for the applicant. An academic record containing failures or poor grades makes the prospect of admission very unlikely.
Assessment of non-academic criteria
Only those applicants who have obtained a high level of academic performance on the initial screening are invited for evaluation of non-academic criteria. Applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. Applicants will be assessed on the following non-academic criteria:
- Commitment to Care;
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity;
- Ethical reasoning/integrity;
- Responsibility;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Maturity;
- Motivation to be a pharmacist;
- Conflict resolution;
- Team player;
- Self-awareness;
- Oral communication skills.
The assessment of non-academic criteria accounts for 40% of the applicants’ overall total score.
Admissions Notification
Applicants will be informed of the status of their applications no later than late July. Those applicants who are put on the waiting list may expect to hear about acceptance as late as September.
Deposit Fee
In addition to the deposit requirement, the following guidelines have been established for the College of Pharmacy: if the deposit is not received, the place will be offered to another applicant without any further notice. Students who have paid their deposits but who have not appeared at the College by the first day of the College of Pharmacy Orientation Program will be considered to have withdrawn from the College unless they have written permission from the Admissions Committee.
Equitable Admissions
The College of Pharmacy has an Equitable Admissions Policy those who belong to historically underrepresented groups, including persons of Aboriginal/Indigenous ancestry (especially Mi’kmaq), members of racialized groups, persons of African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), Acadians, and persons belonging to sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI) minority groups. Applicants wishing to apply under the Equitable Admissions Policy must check self-identify to the Admissions Committee using “yes” on the Dalhousie Pharmacy Supplemental Form.
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
The study and practice of social work is intellectually, emotionally and physically demanding. It is important for potential applicants to be familiar with the expectations and ethics of the profession before applying to the Bachelor of Social Work program in order to self assess for readiness. This material can be found on the websites for the Canadian Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.
Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work degree is limited. Not all applicants who meet the admission requirements can be accepted. A specified number of places are offered once a year to the most qualified candidates as selected by the School's Admissions Committee. Equal consideration is given to part-time and full-time applications. Applicants indicate if they are applying for on-site or distance study and the applications for each delivery method are given separate consideration. It is not possible to transfer between on-site and online delivery methods.
Required preparation for Social Work
- Academic requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work degree are the same for the on-campus and the on-line distance delivery method.
- The minimum academic requirement is at least one full year of study in which applicants successfully complete five full credits (30 credit hours) with a minimum 2.70 (B-) average on a 4.3 scale in subject areas other than social work.
- Most applicants apply with two years of university study.
There are no specific course pre-requisites for the BSW program. Potential social work applicants are advised to take social science courses (sociology, psychology, women's studies, are a few suggestions) and a full year writing course (English is preferred).
Application Process
Application and all supporting documents must be received by February 15. Please visit www.socialwork.dal.ca for detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit your application.
Applications for admission are assessed once a year and enrolment is in September only. Each applicant is notified by mail in mid-May of the Admissions Committee’s final recommendation to the University Registrar.
The BSW application is self-administered. The application can be downloaded including detailed instructions and forms for completing the application process. A full application includes the following: (Note: only two out of the three references are required).
- Dalhousie Undergraduate Application for Admission and Application Fee
- BSW Application Information
- BSW Applicant's Checklist
- BSW Form Personal Statement Cover Sheet
- BSW Form Recommendation 1. Academic
- BSW Form Recommendation 2. Work
- BSW Form Recommendation 3. Volunteer
- BSW Form Work & Volunteer Experience Summary
- Official University transcripts
Affirmative Action
The School of Social Work has an affirmative action policy for applicants who are Acadian, Aboriginal, African Canadian, members of other racially visible groups, persons with (dis)Abilities and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirited, Queer and Intersex (LGBTTQI) people. The school is committed to admitting and graduating the highest possible number of students who qualify under this policy. Members of these groups who have five general (non social work) university credits that average B- are encouraged to apply under this policy. Applicants make their request in a place provided on the Social Work Statement cover sheet, which is part of the BSW application package. Each candidate is considered individually on the basis of her/his qualification, rather than in relation to other applicants. The admissions prerequisites and selection criteria are otherwise the same for all candidates.
Selection criteria
The selection criteria used by the Admissions Committee include:
- academic achievement
- social work experience, including work and volunteer
- strength of references
- strength of social work statement
Interviews are not part of the admission process unless specifically requested by the Admissions Committee.
In the assessment of applications, priority is given to those who have completed or who are about to complete an undergraduate degree and who have related work/volunteer experience.
Academic Achievement
An initial screening is made on the basis of academic achievement. Grades from the last 60 credit hours attempted (equivalent to two years of full-time study), including failures, are used to determine the cumulative admission average. Repeated courses with lower grades will be excluded from the GPA calculations. Courses from non-university programs, including college level courses, do not qualify for consideration and are not included in the cumulative university average. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B- or 70%) is necessary for an application to the considered.
Relevant work and/or volunteer experience
Relevant work and/or volunteer experience in areas of social or human services that bear a direct relationship to social work can contribute meaningfully to the applicant's preparedness for social work practice.
References
The BSW application requires two out of the following three reference forms: (academic, work, volunteer). These assist the Admission Committee in assessing the candidate’s personal suitability and readiness for professional education in social work.
Social Work statement
Candidates write a statement that asks them to discuss a current social issue and their motivation to study social work. This also assists the Admission Committee in assessing the candidates’ personal suitability and readiness for professional education in social work.
Canadian Residency Requirement for Distance Study
The online (distance delivery) option is only available to residents of Canada as defined by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
Studying by Distance Delivery
Taking a social work online distance degree in your own community will give you access to a challenging, top quality, accredited education in social work. You will have access to a well-structured web based learning environment and have opportunities to apply new learning in supervised field work.
Distance study is completed on a pre-determined schedule that includes a two week residency period on the Dalhousie University campus. Courses are delivered by Brightspace. This requires students to post comments on the course discussion boards, to respond to other students’ postings, and to work in small groups as required. The web based courses provide the opportunity for a high-level of interactivity amongst students and between students and instructors. Access to a computer with high speed internet is essential for effective interactivity in your courses. For more information on the distance delivery method, including additional course fees associated with this delivery method, please see socialwork.dal.ca.
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