Program Overview

Practical Nursing (PND)

Program Overview

The Practical Nursing program at Seneca is a two-year diploma program that prepares students for competent clinical nursing practice. Students work with experienced faculty to gain the knowledge, skills, and judgment required for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination.

Program Details

• Campus: King, Newnham
• Delivery: Hybrid
• Duration: 5 Semesters (2 Years)
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• School: Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing

Program Description

In this program, students study anatomy, physiology, English, and psychology to prepare for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination. They participate in various learning modalities, including online interactive learning, collaborative group learning, simulation experiences, and direct nursing care in healthcare settings.

Program Availability

• Start in: September 2025, January 2026, May 2026
• Location: King, Newnham
• Availability: Waitlist, Closed, Open (subject to change)

Program and Course Delivery

The program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format, with some courses available in flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online, and some must be completed in person. Students need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Career Opportunities

To practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse, students must successfully obtain and maintain their registration certificate through the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination.

Affiliations/Associations

Graduates qualify to become members of the following affiliations and associations:

• College of Nurses of Ontario
• Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

• Degree Pathways: Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway.
• Student Life: Join a diverse and welcoming community of peers and supporters.
• Career Support: Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking, and more.
• Simulation Lab: Gain hands-on, practical experience in the state-of-the-art patient care simulation lab.

Student Experiences

• Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing: Explore hands-on labs and classrooms where students gain practical skills for in-demand careers.
• Graduate Career-Ready: Take the next step in your academic journey at Seneca.
• Honouring nurses during National Nursing Week: Read about how Seneca Grad, Birgit Uwaila Umaigba, leveraged interviews and social media activism to become one of the strongest advocates for Canadian Nurses during the pandemic.

What Our Graduates Say

• Ervin Sevilla: Registered Practical Nurse, University Health Network "I chose Seneca because of its strong reputation for hands-on learning, industry connections, and flexibility."