Indigenous Overview
This program prepares graduates to practice according to the Entry to Practice Competencies and Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario. Graduates are eligible to write the national registration exam and, when successful, will become Registered Practical Nurses in the Province of Ontario, and are eligible for reciprocal registration in other provinces in Canada.
The Practical Nurse Program at St. Lawrence College is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (www.cno.org). Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.
NEW: Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
Students in this program may be eligible to apply to the Ontario Learn and Stay grant.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides funding for students studying in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario in return for working and caring for people in the region where they studied for a term of service after they graduate.
Click here to learn more.
Program Details
Program Highlights
- 5 full time semesters
- Placements in a variety of health care settings including a 400-hour clinical consolidation placement in semester 5
- Hands-on simulated learning experiences in a simulation lab
- Graduates are eligible to write the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Registration Exam
Program Outline
2025-2026
This course supports an understanding of how the integrity of the human body, in the biological sense, influences health. The content focuses on the structure and function of all body sytems, including how body systems individually and collectively contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis and thus optimal health in relationship to the overall program.
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
In this course, the student will critically examine the legal implications and principles of safe medication use and administration. The properties, therapeutic actions, classifications, and health risks associated with pharmaceutical agents will be discussed. This course is critical to practical nursing students who need to know essential information about medications to fulfill their nursing responsibilities in assisting clients in the management of therapy involving medications.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1200
This course provides 45 hours of a mix of theory and practical experience in physical assessment. Included are interviewing techniques, subjective and objective data collecting techniques and tools and a review of documentation. The physical norms and abnormals are presented in a system organization. A method of organizing a complete health history, grouping of data from a physical assessment, inferring, validating and identifying options of care are practiced. Decision-making is examined and critical thinking skills developed. Lab time is offered for the development of assessment skills and to perform physical assessments on adult clients.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1200
This introductory online course highlights the complex and dynamic components of cultural groups and their interactions. Students reflect on their own cultures and learn about others through various theoretical perspectives including Social Science, Interpretive Approach, and Critical Approach. Based on concepts of history, power, and identity, students learn how intercultural communication is affected by language, non-verbal communication, culture shock, popular culture, relationships, and conflict. Students discuss how these theories can be used to examine differences between cultures.
N/A
This course, building on Pathopharmacology II, focuses on complex pathophysiological processes and pharmacological interventions, emphasizing their application to nursing practice. Students will deepen their understanding of disease mechanisms and medication management, enhancing their ability to deliver safe and effective care. Critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and the nurse’s role in managing multifaceted health conditions are key components of this course, preparing students for advanced clinical practice.
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 the following prerequisites:
- 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
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
This is a HIGHLY COMPETITIVE program. To be included in the competitive ranking, applications must be complete including all transcripts and proof of enrollment by February 1. Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admissions to the program. Please see the Highly Competitive Program Chart for more details.
Admission requirements to Practical Nursing through the PSW to PN Pathway can be found here.
The Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) states that individuals must report any previous criminal offences when they apply to the College of Nurses for initial registration. An absolute or conditional discharge, or a pardon, does not change the fact that an individual was found guilty of an offence.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Health Requirements
Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements
Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is a mandatory condition for your clinical/practical placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Download your Immunization - Communicable Disease Form
Questions regarding immunizations can be emailed to immunizations@sl.on.ca.
As an active SLC student, you are automatically enrolled in a student insurance plan. To learn more about how this applies to your immunization requirements please visit www.wespeakstudent.com (domestic) or www.guard.me (international).
OTHER PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for unpaid placement, enrolled students will need to complete a series of MANDATORY program and agency-specific pre-placement requirements. These will be discussed with students during class time and a Student Placement Facilitator will be in place to assist and answer all placement-related questions.
Students will need to complete the below mandatory requirements before classes begin:
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level BLS (formerly HCP) Certification
Must be completed through a WSIB-approved training provider. Certification must remain valid for the duration of the program and must not expire during placement.
- WSIB Certified First Aid/CPR Trainers
- Book a class ASAP as they fill up quickly
- Students can hold their certificate once completed and they will be instructed where and how to share it with the College during their class time
- All costs associated with the training are at the expense of the student
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening
Note: Certain criminal convictions may prevent a student from participating or completing placements for this program. Applicants with criminal records are required to contact the Associate Dean of the respective school (see Program Contacts below) prior to accepting an offer to this program to discuss and confirm participation within this program is suitable.
A recent Police Record Check including the Vulnerable Sector Screening is an agency requirement and is MANDATORY to begin any unpaid placement for this Program.
- Students will be notified when to apply for their Police Record Check by the Pre-placement Planning Coordinator to ensure the dates remain valid for their placement period.
- Many agencies want these updated every 3-6 months. All costs associated with obtaining a Police Record Check are at the expense of the student.
- Enrolled students will be notified of further instruction through their SLC email account or their Blackboards and should continue to monitor frequently.
ADDITIONAL PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Students with outstanding pre-placement requirements will not be eligible to begin placement and may be denied to begin placement or be required to pay additional fees (at their own expense) to continue and complete the placement component.
Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.
Program-specific or additional questions? Please email the Program Contact(s) listed below.
Other Requirements
Computer RequirementsStudents are required to have a laptop which is compatible with the college IT systems. Assessment requirements for the School of Nursing are often completed on personal laptops either on campus or at home. Laptops and cell phones can be used in classes at the discretion of the course faculty. There are several online and simulated/virtual learning resources used in this program.The Practical Nurse program strongly recommends the use of a Windows-based laptop (for improved functionality during the program and its prevalent use by health care agencies). Students who intend to use a macOS will have to have the MacOS laptop configured to run Windows-based software. When purchasing a computer please consider extended warranties in the event of a system/hardware failure, SLC ITS does not repair personal computers.
Fees
2025-2026
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Brockville
Our Brockville campus has a modernized library, complete with individual and group study space, a newly renovated cafeteria, student common lounges, and more.
Career Opportunities
Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) work in a wide variety of health care settings including acute care, complex continuing care, rehabilitation services and long term care. RPNs can work in specialties including pediatrics, maternal and child care, mental health, operating room services, wound care, palliative care and community care. RPNs are hired by hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, community and public health agencies, the government (ex. include corrections services and the Armed Forces), private industry and international health service agencies.
Other Information
Legislation regarding registration for nurses
Registration as a nurse in the Province of Ontario includes:
1. Demonstrate Current Canadian Citizenship, or permanent residency in Canada status, or Authorization under the Immigrant Act (Canada) to engage in the practice of the nursing profession.
2. Complete a Declaration form indicating one’s status regarding:
- any convictions of a criminal offense under the Narcotic Control Act and the Food and Drugs Act;
- being a subject of proceedings with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity in Ontario or in another jurisdiction in nursing or in another health profession;
- any mental or physical disorder that makes it desirable in the public interest that the person not practice.
A prospective applicant is advised to contact a career counsellor at the College if the above regulations are a cause for concern. Individual screening of candidates may be necessary to secure field placement during the program.
Field Placement
For clinical placement, registration, and eventual employment students are required to pass an enhanced security clearance admitted by police intelligence. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this clearance (a fee may apply). An individual with a criminal record should obtain a pardon prior to submitting an application for admission to the Practical Nursing program.
Clinical placements may include acute and continuing care hospitals, community agencies and health clinics.
RPN to BScN Bridge Program
The RPN to BScN Bridge Program at SLC offers a comprehensive nursing education that provides already practicing RPNs the opportunity to complete 7 bridging courses that prepare the learner to enter the BScN program at semester/level 5.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Sasha Murray
smurray@sl.on.ca
613.345.0660, ext. 3289
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.
Credit Transfer Opportunities
- Thompson Rivers University - Bachelor of Health Science
- Thompson Rivers University - Bachelor of General Studies