Evaluation of a Redesigned Canadian Undergraduate Nursing Program: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the degree to which the educational outcomes of the accelerated, redesigned bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at The British Columbia Institute of Technology are similar to those of its previous program. Method: A prospective cohort study compared outcomes for the first two classes of students in the redesigned program with those of the final class of students in the original program. Data were gathered from administrative records, focus group discussions, and online surveys for BSN students (later, graduates), faculty, and staff, a focus group discussion with Specialty Nursing faculty, and interviews with program leadership and representatives of provincial health authorities. Results: No differences were found between the two programs for most outcomes. Conclusion: Although hindered by some low response levels, the evaluation data indicate that the British Columbia Institute of Technology's redesigned BSN program's educational outcomes are largely similar to those of its predecessor.