Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
2026-05-01 | - |
Program Overview
Practical Nursing
Overview
The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare graduates who are able to meet the challenges of the expanding role of nursing in today’s society. As a practical nurse, you will combine your knowledge, skills and judgement to provide safe, competent, ethical nursing care to meet the unique needs of all patients throughout the continuum of care.
Program Details
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Location: Oshawa
- OCAS Code: PNII
- Next Intake: September 2025
- Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)
- Length: Five semesters
- Laptop: Learn more about laptop requirements
- Delivery: Hybrid
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U) (minimum 60 per cent)
- Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U) (minimum 65 per cent)
- Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 chemistry (C, M or U)
Recommended
- Keyboarding/basic computer skills
Tuition
- Year one domestic: $3,985 (CAD)
- Year one international: $16,571 (CAD)
Semester 1 Courses
- Anatomy & Physiology (ANAT 1500)
- Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
- Medical Terminology (NURS 1514)
- Development Of Self I (NURS 1520)
- Health & Healing I (NURS 1521)
- Professional Practice I (NURS 1522)
- Practice Lab I (NURS 2528)
Career Options
- Community service agencies
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospitals
- Industry, clinic or physician’s offices
- Psychiatric and acute care hospitals
Practicum
- Practicum allows students to apply their learning with a variety of clinically supervised practicum experiences that are designed to prepare you to function as a graduate in diverse settings.
- Placements are located at various local hospitals and agencies throughout Durham Region and at times, in the immediate surrounding areas.
- Placements may take place on weekdays or weekends with the exception of Semester 5, Professional Practice V (consolidation), where students are expected to be available to follow their preceptor’s schedule.
Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials
- Qualified graduates may apply to take Durham College’s Addictions and Mental Health or Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate programs.
- Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.
Tech Requirements
- A laptop is required for this program.
- Most students tend to use Windows-based computers.
- Some prefer to use an Apple (Mac) device.
- Either platform can work within the Faculty of Health Sciences Practical Nursing program.
Suggested Minimum Laptop Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 must have the latest updates installed
- Processor Type: Core i5 or Higher Processor
- Memory: Minimum 8GB RAM
- Hard Drive: Minimum 250GB
- Graphics Card: Intel Integrated Graphics or better
- Wireless Network Card: Optional
- Virus Protection: An up-to-date Antivirus client is required.
Experiential Learning
- Your learning experience in the program will be complemented by simulation-based exercises to support critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and learner confidence in the field.
- Through the execution of a comprehensive pre-brief, a state-of-the-art simulation, and an in-depth debrief and reflection, students will engage in learning that goes well beyond the walls of the classroom.
Program Outline
Outline:
- FNMI Elective (FNMI 0000)
- Medical Terminology (NURS 1514)
- Development Of Self I (NURS 1520)
- Health & Healing I (NURS 1521)
- Professional Practice I (NURS 1522)
- Practice Lab I (NURS 2528)
- Semester 2
- Health Assessment (HASS 2500)
- Applied Math for Nurses (MATH 1503)
- Practice Lab II (NURS 2523)
- Health and Healing II - The Older Adult (NURS 2524)
- Health and Healing II - Maternal - Child (NURS 2525)
- Professional Practice II - Older Adult (NURS 2526)
- Professional Practice II - Maternal Child (NURS 2527)
- Year 2
- Semester 3
- Practice Lab III (NURS 3514)
- Pharmacology (NURS 3517)
- Professional Practice III - Mental Health (NURS 3525)
- Health & Healing III - Mental Health (NURS 3526)
- Health & Healing III - Community (NURS 3527)
- Professional Practice III - Community (NURS 3528)
- Pathophysiology (PATH 3505)
- Semester 4
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- General Elective Credit (GNED 1000)
- Health & Healing IV (NURS 4506)
- Professional Practice IV (NURS 4508)
- Development Of Self II (NURS 4520)
- Semester 5
Teaching:
- More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.
- The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats.
- In-person: Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
- Flexible: Course is taught in one of DC’s technology-enabled learning classrooms and online at the same time. Students can choose to attend in-person or online.
- Hybrid: Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
- Online: Fully remote course delivery.
Careers:
- Registered practical nurse
- Frontline RPN caring for a wide range of patients/clients
- Community service agencies
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospitals
- Industry, clinic or physician’s offices
- Psychiatric and acute care hospitals
Durham College
Overview:
Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programs, including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships. The college is known for its focus on experiential learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Durham College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) offers tutoring, workshops, and other resources to help students succeed academically.Career Development:
The Career Development Centre assists students with career planning, job searching, and resume writing.Co-operative Education:
Many programs offer co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain practical work experience in their field.Financial Aid:
Durham College offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students finance their education.Health and Wellness:
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre provides a range of services, including counselling, health education, and fitness programs.Housing:
Durham College offers on-campus housing options for students.Library:
The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Student Association:
The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) represents the interests of students and provides a variety of social and recreational activities.Campus Safety:
Durham College has a dedicated Campus Safety department that provides security services and emergency response.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Durham College offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Durham College has a competitive varsity sports program, as well as intramural and extramural sports.Esports:
The college has an Esports Gaming Arena where students can compete in various video games.Student Events:
Durham College hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and guest speakers.Social Media Hub:
The college has a dedicated Social Media Hub where students can connect with each other and stay up-to-date on campus news.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Durham College emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience in their chosen field.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs that are designed to prepare students for specific careers.Strong Industry Connections:
Durham College has strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and welcoming environment for students, with a variety of resources and services available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Durham College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Full-time Programs:
Diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships in a variety of fields, including business, technology, health care, and the arts.Part-time Programs:
Professional and part-time learning opportunities for individuals looking to upgrade their skills or pursue a new career.Online Learning:
A variety of online programs and courses available for students who prefer to learn remotely.Other:
- Durham College has two campuses: Oshawa and Whitby.
- The college is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Durham College is a smoke-free campus.
-
The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact.
-
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages of studying at Durham College, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to choose this institution.Entry Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U) (minimum 60 per cent)
- Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U) (minimum 65 per cent)
- Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 chemistry (C, M or U)