
Find your calling with a health-care career in practical nursing
Practical Nursing Ontario College Diploma program
Caring, committed faculty. More clinical time to build your skills. State-of-the-art facilities. Our students excel on provincial exams!
Part-time
Program information
Program description
Students engage with philosophy and curriculum that incorporates and utilizes the concept of caring as the basis of nursing practice. Students work with experienced, caring faculty to gain the knowledge, skills and judgment required to work in today’s complex health care system. Students learn how to engage in safe, competent professional practice with high expectations of accountability, collegiality, collaboration, leadership and ethical care.
Students experience high-quality, innovative nursing education both in the classroom and simulation laboratory settings. Engaging in a mix of individual and team learning activities, students focus on the lived experiences of individuals, families, groups and communities. Through our partnerships, clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings are offered in all five semesters and allow students to integrate their knowledge into the care of clients across the lifespan. In order to provide quality practicum placements, students have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of agencies in the region.
The Practical Nursing program is currently approved (Category 1, the highest ranking) by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario.
This program is highly competitive. Learn about admission requirements for highly competitive programs.
Intake information
Start date | Campus |
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Fall 2021 | Barrie, Owen Sound |
Winter 2022 | Barrie, Orangeville, Owen Sound |
Tuition and fees
- Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
- You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.
Work integrated learning
This program includes a clinical placement component where you will gain practical work experience under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional.
What are the admission requirements for the Practical Nursing program?
Practical Nursing admission requirements
OSSD or equivalent with
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
- Grade 12 (C) or Grade 11 or 12 (U) Chemistry OR Grade 12 (C) or Grade 11 or 12 (U) Physics
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
Pathways
Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit Transfer Centre website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/
Selection Process
Applicants will be assessed and ranked based on academic grades. A minimum grade of 75% in each pre-requisite subject is recommended.
Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.
NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.
Admission details
It is required that students have a completed and verified Clinical Preparedness Permit in order to be eligible for practicum placements. Requirements for the permit include:
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A mask fit test, renewed every two years (will be done at the College in Semester One);
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Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid prior to commencing the program (On-line courses are not acceptable). It is the student’s responsibility to renew their Level HCP CPR certification annually while in the program;
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Up-to-date immunization records in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Completion and submission of this record is required during the first week of classes in order to ensure your placement in clinical and field placement facilities;
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An up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screen (renewed regularly so that it is never more than 6 months old).
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference no more than three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.
NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.
Applicants are encouraged to obtain volunteer or work experience in a health or human service field to assist them in making a career choice.
Re-application to Program
Suspended students must reapply for re-entry to this program and will be considered based on eligible space and likelihood of success. Please refer to the Georgian College Calendar for the Academic Policies and Procedures.
What career paths can I take as a practical nurse?
Your Practical Nursing diploma gives you many career opportunities
Graduates of the Practical Nursing diploma program are qualified to work as Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) upon completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE).
The graduate may find employment opportunities in hospitals, long-term care settings, clinics or community health services.
Your future career in nursing
- Case Manager
- Community Health Nurse
- Health Administration
- Health Care Coordinator
- Home Health Care Nurse
- Personal Support Worker
- Policy Development
- Practical Nurse
- Wellness Nurse
Accreditation
Become a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario
Georgian’s licensed practical nurse course gives you the in-depth knowledge and skills you need to practice as a Registered Practical Nurse!
The Practical Nursing program at Georgian College is currently approved (Category 1, the highest ranking) by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Current graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) in Ontario.
Practical Nursing graduates are also qualified to become a member of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO), also known as WeRPN.
Flex MORE. Study Practical Nursing part-time
Benefits of studying part-time:
- Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go
- Online and evening courses that fit your schedule
- MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.
What you need to know:
Next steps:
What courses are included in the Practical Nursing diploma program?
Course overview
20 Program Courses
5 Clinical Placements
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
Program-specific courses
Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Practical Nursing program outline.
- BIOL 1001 – Anatomy and Physiology – Introductory Concepts
- NRSG 1004 – Introduction to Health and Wellness
- NRSG 1005 – Profession of Nursing 1
- NRSG 1025 – Fundamental Healing Arts
- NRSG 1026 – Clinical Preparations
- NRSG 1024 – Clinical Experience 1
- Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
- Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.
Do you have questions about Practical Nursing? Contact us!
Thinking about applying to Georgian?
Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.
- 705.722.5152
- recruitment@georgiancollege.ca
Already applied to Georgian?
Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.
- 705.722.1511
- registrar@georgiancollege.ca
Are you an international student?
Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian.
- 705.728.1968, ext. 1218
- international@georgiancollege.ca
Ways to connect
Attend our virtual event series to find out about all things Georgian!
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