Ontario College Diploma | 4 semesters | Barrydowne Campus
If providing care and helping to improve the lives of others is your passion, consider a career as a registered practical nurse (RPN). Cambrian's program, which is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), offers you hands-on experience, smaller class sizes, and unique placement opportunities. You'll practice clinical skills in our high-tech nursing labs and advance your skills by working alongside healthcare professionals in the community.
Program Highlights
- 2 years – 4 semesters
- Clinical placements in a variety of different settings
- Hands-on training in Cambrian's high-tech nursing labs
- Graduates can apply to write the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) certification exam
Program Approval
Cambrian's program is currently approved (Category 1) by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.
Capped Enrolment
Quick Links
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.
Recommended:
- Computer competency in relevant software
Missing an Admission Requirement? We can help! APPLY NOW!
Visit https://www.cambriancollege.ca/upgrading/ for more information about our FREE Academic Upgrading Program.1
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 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 2 measles vaccinations
- Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended but not require
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.
APPLY NOW!
1 Please note Academic Upgrading is only available for domestic students.
Program Delivery
2023-2024
This program will be delivered in the following terms:
Winter Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Winter 2024
- SEMESTER 2 Spring 2024
- SEMESTER 3 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 4 Spring 2025
2024-2025
This program will be delivered in the following terms:
Fall Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Fall 2024
- SEMESTER 2 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
- SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026
Winter Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 2 Spring 2025
- SEMESTER 3 Winter 2026
- SEMESTER 4 Spring 2026
For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.
Program of Study for 2024-25 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PND 1001 | Technical Concepts Health Care | 3 |
| PND 1105 | Human Relations | 3 |
| PND 1015 | Nursing Practice I | 3 |
| PND 1003 | Nursing Theory I | 3 |
| PND 1004 | Professional Growth I | 3 |
| PND 1000 | Health Assessment | 4 |
| BIO 1035 | Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nursing | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| PND 1212 | Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan | 3 |
| PND 1213 | Nursing Practice II | 4 |
| PND 1008 | Pharmacology I | 3 |
| PND 1214 | Clinical Practicum I | 6 |
| PTH 1210 | Pathophysiology for Practical Nursing I | 3 |
| PND 1215 | Nursing Theory II | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| PND 1315 | Nursing Practice III | 4 |
| PTH 1310 | Pathophysiology for Practical Nursing II | 3 |
| PND 1316 | Nursing Theory III | 3 |
| PND 1317 | Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| PND 1011 | Pharmacology II | 3 |
| ENG 1121 | Research & Writing/Health Sciences | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| PND 2325 | Professional Growth II | 3 |
| IND 1062 | Indigenous Perspectives on Care | 3 |
| PND 1410 | Nursing Practice IV | 4 |
| PND 1412 | Clinical Consolidation | 12 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Total Credits | 97 | |
- 1
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition and Ancillary Fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books & Supplies
The cost of books and supplies for Year 1 is approximately $2,000. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.
Graduate Options
Employment Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:
- Hospitals
- Community
- Long-term care facilities
- Health care facilities, services, and programs
Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Advanced Standing Opportunity
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 3. 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.
College/University Degree Opportunities
Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.
Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.