Practical Nursing (PNDP)

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

How to Apply

Health Sciences, Nursing, and Emergency Services

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

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!

Program Delivery

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2024
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2024
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2025

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2024
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2024
3. SEMESTER 3 Winter 2025
4. SEMESTER 4 Spring 2025

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2023-24 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid

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 1411	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.