Practical Nursing (PNDP)

Funnel your passion for helping others into a nursing career

Prepare for a career as a registered practical nurse (RPN) with a combination of hands-on training and a strong foundation in nursing theory. Cambrian's program is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (cno.org). Graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario. Our program features smaller class sizes and practical learning in Cambrian’s high-tech nursing labs. 
 
You’ll advance your skills and gain real-world experience by working alongside health care professionals, with over 700 clinical hours in diverse placements in the community. Upon graduation, you can apply to write the CNO registration exam and are eligible to apply to become a registered practical nurse in Ontario. 

Program highlights 

• Capped enrolment 
• Hands-on training in high-tech nursing labs 
• Clinical placements in various settings 
• Grads can apply to write the CNO registration exam and apply to become an RPN in Ontario 
• Free tuition and funding supplies for eligible Ontario residents through the Learn and Stay Grant 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
• Any grade 11 (U) or (C) or grade 12 biology (U)
• Any grade 11 (U) or grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)
• Any grade 11  (C), (U) or (M) or grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U)

Please note: A minimum combined overall average of 70% is required in the prerequisite courses listed above

Note: Cambrian College's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (PHPG) program is the designated preferred preparatory program for admission to Cambrian College's limited enrolment Health Sciences programs. Limited enrolment programs are identified within the detailed program descriptions. The minimum GPA and grades required for successful admission will be determined by the quality and quantity of the applicant pool.

Additional admission requirements

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate Level (HCP) Health Care Provider (must be renewed annually)
• Current Standard First Aid certificate (must be current for entire program)
• Mask testing (for N-95 mask)
• Criminal record check
• WHMIS certification
• Proof of immunization status at registration for the following:
  • Two-step TB test
  • Immunizations: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, polio
  • Current tetanus – diphtheria vaccination
  • Current influenza immunization (when available for season)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination
  • If born after 1970, must have two measles vaccinations
  • Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended but not required
  • COVID-19

Note: Criminal record check, influenza immunization, TB skin test, WHMIS, and Basic Cardiac Life Support certificates must be renewed on an annual basis – there is a fee required for these renewals. Proof of previous varicella infection (chickenpox) must be supplied if not immunized for this disease.

Recommendations

• Computer competency in relevant software

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 4:  Spring 2027

Accreditation

The Practical Nursing program at Cambrian College is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (cno.org). Graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.

Program specific pathways

Graduates from this program (or equivalent) could be eligible for advanced standing in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and receive direct entry into year three.  Students looking to take advantage of this pathway, must complete the PN to RN Bridge program prior to requesting admission to the Nursing degree program.

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

• Hospitals
• Community
• Long-term care facilities
• Health care facilities, services, and programs