The Indigenous Nursing Entry Program (INEP) is an eight-month program intended for learners of North American Indigenous ancestry who have not met the regular or mature learner entry requirements for the Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) program at Lakehead University. The INEP is designed to provide the necessary skills and academic preparation for a successful transition into Nursing studies. Successful completion of INEP (with a minimum 70% average) will ensure your eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing degree program at Lakehead University. INEP learners who attain an overall average of 80% or higher will be eligible for the 3-year compressed BScN program.
You can realize your dreams to become a qualified nurse by beginning your studies with the INEP here at Lakehead University.
Our innovative programming honours and celebrates Indigenous heritage while providing culturally appropriate support and services. Academic counselling and tutoring are available, as well as other supports, such as Elder visits, cultural activities, personal counselling, and assistance with community connections for services such as housing and child care.
The program consists of the following courses:
(a) Nursing 1110, 1120, 1130
(b) Chemistry 1050 and 1070
(c) English 1012 and English 1015
(d) Mathematics 1135 and 1136
(e) UNIV 1016
The INEP Program combines traditional and western medical practices.
The program is based on two semesters of twelve weeks each.
With the support of faculty, staff, peers, and the community, your successful completion of the program (with a minimum 70% average) will ensure your eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing degree program at Lakehead University.
The Indigenous Nursing Entry Program (INEP) is designed to provide Indigenous learners with the necessary skills and academic preparation for successful transition into the BScN program. You must be fluent in English to participate in this program.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the INEP, you must be of North American Indigenous descent and be:
- A high school graduate (completed OSSD) who does not meet the specific prerequisite courses for the BScN program, or
- A mature, extraordinary learner or college/transfer student NOT meeting the required admission criteria outlined in the Lakehead University calendar (see regulations in Lakehead University calendar), or
- A health care worker (for example, a Community Health Representatives (CHR) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) who has a minimum of Ontario Grade 10 or equivalent).
All applicants are required to have completed Grade 11U or 12C Chemistry within the last 5 years. Applicants will be required to submit proof of upgrading for the following courses: Gr. 11 U or 12 C Chemistry, or the equivalent.
Mature Student - definition
A mature student is Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has not been engaged in full-time studies for at least two years and has completed less than one year at a community college. They have never attended a university and do not meet the general admission requirements.
Extraordinary Admissions
Extraordinary admission may be considered for applicants who have been away from formal education for at least two years at any time because of reasons beyond their control.
Important Deadline Dates
Status of Application |
Open (currently accepting applications for next academic year) |
Deadline to Submit Copies of Transcripts |
Two weeks after Application (Upgrading may be “in progress”) |
Please complete and submit the application package. There is no cost to apply!
Download the Application Package
With the application package, you will submit:
- application form
- personal statement
- two personal references
- resume
- transcripts from high school and post-secondary institutions attended
Please submit your application package directly to the Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator by email or fax, as directed in the package. Applicants may submit a partial application, while awaiting personal references.
Copies of your official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities that you have attended, if applicable, are required. You can upload copies using your myInfo student portal. You gain access to myInfo shortly after applying. We will send you your username and temporary password in our acknowledgement email. If you encounter issues with accessing myInfo, try to recover your account.
Alternatively, you can mail your application and copies of your official transcripts to Lakehead University. Our mailing address is:
Lakehead University
Enrolment Services - Undergraduate Admissions
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 5E1
If you need assistance with getting copies of your transcripts from your previous institutions, please contact Lisa Primavesi, the Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator, at coordinator.iap@lakeheadu.ca.
What Happens After I Apply?
Applicants gain access to myInfo, which is Lakehead University’s student portal, shortly after applying. Your username and temporary password are included in our acknowledgement email.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the program or your application, please contact Lisa Primavesi, the Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator, at coordinator.iap@lakeheadu.ca.
Contact Lakehead University’s Student Central
For questions relating to admissions requirements and academic course registration, please contact the dedicated, cross-trained Student Central Professionals at Lakehead University’s Student Central.