External Recognition

Upon graduation from this program you will be recommended to the College of Nurses to write the registration examinations. Successful completion of these examinations and compliance with the Regulated Health Professions Act will entitle you to become a Registered Practical Nurse and thus a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Please note: The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the body responsible for regulating nursing in Ontario, sets entry to practice requirements that nurses and practical nurses must meet to become registered in Ontario. CNO's mission is to regulate nursing to protect the public interest. Among CNO's entry to practice requirements are provisions specifically intended to enhance public safety. These provisions require that applicants for registration in Ontario:

a) have not been found guilty of a criminal offence or an offence under the Narcotic Control Act (Canada) and the Foods and Drug Act (Canada);

b) not have been the subject of a finding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, whether in Ontario or in another jurisdiction and whether in relation to the nursing profession or another health profession;

c) not currently be the subject of proceedings for professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, whether in Ontario or in another jurisdiction and whether in relation to the nursing profession or another health profession;

d) not be suffering from a physical or mental condition that makes it desirable to the public interest that he or she not practice.

An applicant for registration who does not meet one or more of these requirements must inform CNO and provide details about the incident or situation. The applicant will not be necessarily refused registration because CNO's Registration Committee will review information about the incident or situation to determine if an exemption from the requirement(s) will be granted. An applicant for registration who does not inform CNO, may have the application for registration cancelled, or any certification of registration which may have been issued revoked.

Applicants who apply for registration with CNO on, or after, January 1, 2005 require a Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Criminal Record Synopsis as part of the registration process. The CPIC check provides evidence that an applicant has met the requirements of registration related to good character and suitability to practice. For more information see

If you have any questions about these registration requirements, please contact CNO at (416) 928-0900, or 1-800-387-5526, ext. 6249.

You are encouraged to become a member of the professional organization, the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario.

Admission Requirements

Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma - 30 credits) or equivalent. Applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C), or (U), (ENG 4C, ENG 4U), any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP 4C or MCT 4C) or any Grade 12 University Mathematics, Grade 12 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Chemistry (SCH 4C, SCH 4U, SCH 3U) OR Grade 12 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Physics (SPH 3U, SPH 4C, SPH 4U) and Grade 11 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Biology (SBI 3C, SBI 3U, SBI 4U)

It is required that students have 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. Students are asked to submit a copy of their current Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid certificate to the program coordinator during the first week of classes.

Applicants must have up-to-date immunization records (Clinical Preparedness Permit) 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.

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 do not have the right to return to the program. They must apply for reinstatement. The program will consider space available and the likelihood of success in considering the application. Please refer to the Georgian College Calendar for the Academic Policies & Procedures.

Completion of Program

The Practical Nursing Program is 5 semesters in length and you must complete your program of study within four calendar years.

Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.

Selection Process

Applicants must also complete a standardized test as part of the selection process. Applicants will be assessed and ranked based on the results of their testing and their academic background.

Graduation Requirements:

24 Mandatory courses

2 Communications courses

4 General Education courses

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.

Mandatory

BIOL1001 Anatomy and Physiology - Introductory Concepts

BIOL1002 Anatomy and Physiology - Advanced Concepts

NRSG1001 Nursing Professional Practice: Fundamental Healing Arts

NRSG1004 Health and Healing

NRSG1005 Development of Self as Nurse

NRSG1006 Health and Healing: Life Transition

NRSG1007 N.P.P.: Life Transition Community Experience

NRSG1009 N.P.P.: Advanced Healing Arts

NRSG1011 Nursing Professional Practice: Community Experience

NRSG1012 Nursing Professional Practice: Agency Experience

NRSG1013 Math for Meds

NRSG1014 Math/Pharmacology

NRSG1015 N.P.P.: Life Transition Agency Experience

NRSG2000 Development of Professional Self

NRSG2001 P.N. Health and Healing 3

NRSG2002 Processes of Human Disease: Introductory Concepts

NRSG2003 Health Assessment

NRSG2004 P.N. Professional Practice 3

NRSG2005 P.N. Professional Practice 4

NRSG2006 Development of Nurse Within the Profession

NRSG2007 P.N. Health and Healing 4

NRSG2008 Processes of Human Disease: Advanced Concepts

NRSG2009 Nursing in the Community

NRSG2010 Practical Nursing Praxis

Communications

COMM1000 College Communications

COMM1001 Communications at Work

COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communications

COMM1006 Professional Writing

COMM1007 Oral Presentations

COMM1012 Visual Analysis in Communication

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BIOL1001 Anatomy and Physiology - Introductory Concepts - 42 Hours

This course is the study of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an orientation to the body and continuing through the cell, and four of the major systems: the integumentary system, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and the endocrine system. An introduction to microbiology is included. Three unifying themes, the interrelationship of body organ systems, homeostasis, and the complementarity of structure and function, will provide the basis of understanding the workings of the human body.

BIOL1002 Anatomy and Physiology - Advanced Concepts - 42 Hours

This course is the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is a study of the following major body systems: circulatory system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, urinary system and reproductive system. Three unifying themes, the interrelationships of body organs systems, homeostasis, and the complementarity of structure and function, will provide the basis of understanding the workings of the human body.

COMM1000 College Communications - 42 Hours

Effective communication skills are essential for success in college and career. This entry-level course promotes development of college level skills related to information literacy and current communication technology. Students focus on writing, researching, presenting, editing and proofreading. They incorporate writing conventions, analyze and evaluate information, and prepare and deliver ideas orally. In addition, they edit and proofread their own and others' writing.

COMM1001 Communications at Work - 42 Hours

Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.

COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communications - 42 Hours

Computers are revolutionizing our ability to communicate for the purposes of learning and conducting business. This project-based course develops skills to communicate effectively using electronic media. Hands-on experience is combined with an examination of the characteristics of computer-mediated communication, its role in society, and its use in the workplace. Prior experience with basic Internet functions and Web page construction is strongly recommended. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

COMM1006 Professional Writing - 42 Hours

Professional writing skills are required in all service, technical, and business environments. In this advanced course, students develop researching, planning, designing, and writing skills used to prepare workplace materials. Individually and collaboratively, they learn and practise the processes involved in producing such information as policies, written instructions, training materials, and online help. Experience with word processing is expected. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

COMM1007 Oral Presentations - 42 Hours

This advanced communications course is designed to further students' proficiency in verbal communication in both individual and group presentations. Students develop their delivery and presentation skills while working on a range of oral communication activities that start with short, informal introductions and comments and work up to more researched, persuasive, multimedia presentations. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

COMM1012 Visual Analysis in Communication - 42 Hours

In the modern visual world, the way messages are viewed and disseminated has changed dramatically with technological advances. In this course, students develop their theoretical and practical communication skills at an advanced level by investigating the power of visual imagery. Students focus on interpreting, analyzing, and critiquing a broad range of visuals in terms of intention and effectiveness. In addition, students complete research projects including presentations.

NRSG1001 Nursing Professional Practice: Fundamental Healing Arts - 70 Hours

This course explores the theory and practice of fundamental nursing skills. The theoretical principles related to fundamental nursing skills will be discussed in the classroom. Students will observe and practice nursing skills in a simulated practice environment using skill critique to ensure safe practice.

NRSG1004 Health and Healing - 42 Hours

Students will explore aspects of health and healing in the context of diversity, values, lifestyle choices and environment. The focus will be on the maintenance and promotion of health and healing for self and others.

NRSG1005 Development of Self as Nurse - 42 Hours

This course is an introduction to nursing as a culture of caring. Beginning with a focus on self in comparison to others, students explore the meaning of lived caring experiences. Students will explore ways of nursing as caring beings and then within the role of the nurse. Throughout the course students will develop knowledge and skills related to information literacy, Human Science theories, and the professional, legal and ethical dimensions of nursing.

NRSG1006 Health and Healing: Life Transition - 42 Hours

This course will provide the student with the opportunity to explore various health challenges in populations experiencing life transitions. The emphasis is on planning caring/health activities to enhance the health of individuals and families in selected populations.

NRSG1007 N.P.P.: Life Transition Community Experience - 56 Hours

This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore the lived experience and health needs of well seniors in the community. Students will learn about charting systems and documentation standards while developing medical terminology. Interactive review process including portfolio will be further developed.

NRSG1009 N.P.P.: Advanced Healing Arts - 70 Hours

This course explores the theory and practice of advanced nursing skills. The theoretical principles related to advanced nursing skills will be examined in the classroom. Students will observe a demonstration and practice advanced nursing skills in a simulated nursing environment using skill critique to ensure safe practice.

NRSG1011 Nursing Professional Practice: Community Experience - 28 Hours

This course gives the student the opportunity to explore the lived experience of individuals within families and groups in the community with health and wellness. Growth and development and resources to meet health needs will be examined.

NRSG1012 Nursing Professional Practice: Agency Experience - 42 Hours

This course gives the student the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to maintain and promote health and healing with individuals in nursing practice settings. The students will learn and practice healing actions.

NRSG1013 Math for Meds - 28 Hours

This course will provide students with the mathematical skills and practice necessary in preparation to perform drug calculations. Opportunities will be provided to use mathematical concepts in the context of estimation and problem solving.

NRSG1014 Math/Pharmacology - 42 Hours

This course will provide the student with the opportunity to develop the calculation skills necessary for the safe administration of medications and to explore the concepts of pharmacology. There will be special emphasis on the role of the nurse in the administration of medications. Interaction of drugs, psycho social aspects of drug use, legal control over drugs, health teaching and pharmacotherapeutics will be presented in a variety of learning activities.

NRSG1015 N.P.P.: Life Transition Agency Experience - 84 Hours

The student will interact with individuals and families experiencing life transitions and health challenges in nursing practice setting(s) to promote health and healing. The student will apply the theories and concepts examined and explored in the co-requisite Health and Healing and other courses. The students will learn and practice healing actions.

NRSG2000 Development of Professional Self - 42 Hours

This course will further develop caring nursing theory. Caring for families and groups and understanding diversity will be explored. The student will explore the health care environment in which nursing is practiced. The role will be examined in relation to professional organizations, regulatory responsibilities, quality assurance and conflict management. Critical thinking and nursing knowledge will be used in planning care and practice scenarios.

NRSG2001 P.N. Health and Healing 3 - 42 Hours

This course focuses on the behaviours of individuals experiencing common health challenges. Using stories of client's lived experiences throughout the life-span, students will determine the implications of health challenges. As the understanding of nursing knowledge and human experiences of health and healing increases, students will develop practices to enhance and support the needs of clients and their families.

NRSG2002 Processes of Human Disease: Introductory Concepts - 42 Hours

This course will be an introduction to human disease and will focus on the fundamental principles of homeostatic mechanisms. The student will explore how alterations in homeostatic mechanisms will disrupt the human body. Overall mechanisms of disease will be studied by systems and have been categorized into concepts. These concepts will be examined for the effect that they produce on the structure and function of the body. Common diseases will be used to illustrate each concept.

NRSG2003 Health Assessment - 70 Hours

This course will expand on the basic assessment skills developed in Year 1. Students will develop focused assessment skills related to the physical and psychosocial aspects of the individual. Students practice interviewing and history-taking skills as well as psychomotor skills such as inspection, percussion, palpation and auscultation using relevant technology. The concepts of holistic nursing practice and transcultural considerations will be included.

NRSG2004 P.N. Professional Practice 3 - 168 Hours

This course will provide the student with a variety of nursing practice settings where they can interact with clients and families experiencing common health problems. The student will promote health and healing for clients and families both independently and in consultation with others. The student will apply the theories and concepts examined and explored in the co-requisite Practical Nursing Health & Healing 3 and other courses.

NRSG2005 P.N. Professional Practice 4 - 168 Hours

This course provides students with the opportunity to interact with clients and families experiencing life transition and more complex health problems. The student will use healing practices to promote health for clients both independently and in consultation with others. The student will investigate the leadership/management role, as well as applying other theories and concepts examined and explored in the co-requisite Practical Nursing Health and Healing 4 and other courses.

NRSG2006 Development of Nurse Within the Profession - 42 Hours

This course will explore the role of the nurse related to meaningful relationships, client advocacy and empowerment. Integrating critical thinking and different ways of knowing using practice scenarios will be developed. Principles of leadership, management systems and nursing informatics are examined. Positive influencing the profession through involvement in change and political process is explored.

NRSG2007 P.N. Health and Healing 4 - 42 Hours

This course builds on the previous Health and Healing courses. The experiences of individuals and families living with mental health challenges and life transition such as childbearing/childrearing will be examined. Students will integrate previous nursing knowledge and explore healing practices in planning holistic care.

NRSG2008 Processes of Human Disease: Advanced Concepts - 42 Hours

This course will build on the Processes of Human Disease: Introductory Concepts course. The student will continue to explore the concepts of pathology and the effect on the structure and functioning of the body. Overall mechanisms of disease have been categorized into concepts and these concepts will be examined for the effect that they produce on each of the body systems. Common diseases will be used to illustrate each concept.

NRSG2009 Nursing in the Community - 42 Hours

This course focuses on community-based nursing. In community-based nursing the client is in his/her own natural environment, in the context of the family and communities. The goals of care focus on maximizing the client's quality of life. Students will examine the various roles, concepts and theories of community-based nursing practice.

NRSG2010 Practical Nursing Praxis - 450 Hours

This consolidation experience will take place in a nursing practice setting which will be selected through a collaborative approach to meet the student's learning needs. The focus will be to consolidate previously learned nursing skills and knowledge and to function both independently and in collaboration with others when caring for individuals, families and groups. Prior to entering the practice setting, students will attend classroom sessions with faculty in order to prepare for praxis, develop learning plans and portfolios, and to write and take up mock examinations. Additional classroom time will occur at the end of praxis where the focus will be portfolio completion/review and additional practice and preparation for the College of Nurses registration exams. Upon completion of the consolidation period the student will be ready to graduate as a caring, competent practitioner.