Program Overview

Practical Nursing Program

Overview

The Practical Nursing program at St. Lawrence College prepares graduates to practice in accordance with the Entry to Practice Competencies and Standards as established by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Graduates become eligible to write the national registration exam, and successful candidates will attain the designation of Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) in Ontario and can seek reciprocal registration in other Canadian provinces.

Program Details

• Program Code: 0491
• CIP Code: 51.3901
• Start Date: September 2026
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 2 Years (5 full-time semesters)

Program Highlights

• 5 full-time semesters
• Placements in diverse healthcare settings, including a 400-hour clinical consolidation placement in the final semester
• Practical, hands-on simulated learning experiences in a simulation lab
• Eligibility to write the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Registration Exam upon graduation

Program Outline

Semester 1

• NURS 1600: Nursing Foundations 1
  Introduces essential nursing knowledge and skills, focusing on health assessment and promoting health across the lifespan.
• NURS 1601: Principles of Nursing Practice
  Covers clinical safety, accountability, and cultural competence essential for nursing practice.
• NURS 1602: Professionalism and Nursing Practice
  Explores nursing principles, the therapeutic nurse-client relationship, and the importance of communication in patient care.
• PHYS 1200: Human Anatomy and Physiology
  Focuses on the structure and function of body systems and their roles in maintaining health.
• COMM 110: Communications for College
  Develops foundational communication skills necessary for college and professional environments.

Semester 2

• NURS 1610: Nursing Foundations 2
  Advances knowledge in the nursing process and patient care for diverse populations.
• NURS 1603: Professionalism and Transformative Practice
  Examines the dynamic healthcare landscape and the nurse's role in diverse settings.
• PHYS 1001: Physical Assessment
  Provides practical experience in physical assessment techniques and documentation.
• GENE 20: Developmental Psychology
  Studies human development across the lifespan.
• PHAR 1011: Pathopharm 1
  Integrates pathophysiology and pharmacology focused on disease manifestations and nursing roles.

Semester 3

• NURS 2600: Nursing Foundations 3
  Builds on previous knowledge to address complex nursing care scenarios across the lifespan.
• NURS 2602: Professionalism and Critical Inquiry
  Explores the evolution of nursing knowledge and the role of evidence-based practice.
• NURS 2605: Alterations in Mental Health
  Focuses on mental health nursing, therapeutic approaches, and patient-centered care.
• PHAR 2011: Pathopharm 2
  Continues the study of pathophysiology and pharmacology with a focus on practical nursing applications.

Semester 4

• NURS 2610: Nursing Foundations 4
  Covers nursing care for childbearing individuals and children with health variations.
• NURS 2603: Professionalism and Leadership
  Examines sociopolitical nursing issues and prepares students for leadership roles.
• PHAR 2012: Pathopharm 3
  Focuses on advanced pathophysiological processes and their implications in nursing.

Semester 5

• NURS 3600: Pregraduate Clinical
  A capstone course for hands-on practice in healthcare settings to prepare for transition to professional nursing.
• NURS 3604: Professionalism and Transition to Practice
  Prepares students for the transition into professional nursing roles, emphasizing mentorship and career planning.

Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U, or M level, including:
  • Grade 12 English at the C or U level
  • Grade 12 Math at the C or U level
  • Grade 12 Chemistry at the C or U level (or SCH3U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology at the C or U level
• Competitive program; all applications must be submitted by February 1 to be considered.

Health Requirements

• Immunization and Communicable Disease Requirements:
  • Completion of a Pre-Placement Health Form is mandatory.
  • Required immunizations include TB Screening, MMR, Varicella, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and COVID-19 as required by agencies.
• Other Placement Requirements:
  • Standard First Aid/CPR certification
  • Vulnerable Sector Police Check
  • N95 Mask Fit for approved models

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $2,775.78 CAD
• Program Fees: $370.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $1,626.89 CAD
• Total: $4,772.67 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $17,427.60 CAD
• Program Fees: $370.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,389.26 CAD
• Total: $20,186.86 CAD

Career Opportunities

Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) can find employment across a range of healthcare environments, including acute care, rehabilitation services, long-term care, and community health. They may work in specialties such as pediatrics, maternal and child care, mental health, and more, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Other Information

Legislation Regarding Registration for Nurses

To register as a nurse in the Province of Ontario, applicants must demonstrate Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, complete a declaration concerning criminal offenses, and pass an enhanced security clearance for clinical placements.

Related Programs

• Practical Nursing
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• Practical Nursing
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