RPN to BScN Bridge Program

RPN to RN: Advance your nursing career with bridging courses

The RPN to The Bachelor of Science - Nursing (Honours) - BScN Bridge Program at St. Lawrence College (SLC) offers a comprehensive nursing education that provides practicing RPNs the opportunity to complete 7 bridging courses that prepare the learner to apply to enter the BScN program at semester/level 5.

After successful completion of the bridging courses, you will be eligible to apply to enter semester 5 (Year 3) of SLC’s 8-semester (4-year) degree program. Please note that successful completion of these bridge courses does not guarantee you admission into the BScN program. Admission to semester 5 is very competitive.

If you are accepted into the BScN program, classes will be in person, on the campus you are accepted to. Additionally, there is a Hyflex degree option that offers more flexibility, but in person components are still required.

There are two options available to students who wish to bridge between their RPN practice to the BScN program. Upon graduation from the BScN program, you will be eligible to take the registration exam through CNO to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

Note: Midterm and final exams must be written in person at any of the SLC campuses either in a set classroom or in the Test Centre. Permission to write exams off campus at an approved site will be granted to those individuals for whom travel is difficult or to those individuals who live outside of the region. Students will be required to provide a completed Examination Agreement Form for permission to undertake exams off campus.

OPTION ONE:

This option provides students with the opportunity to participate in courses via Microsoft Teams. Classes are led by a course professor who will engage students through interactive teaching practices. Although classes are recorded and posted for students should they not be able to attend at class time, attendance is encouraged to interact with your peers and professor.

Students who complete this option are eligible to apply for advanced level entry to the St Lawrence College BScN program for semester 5 (Year 3). This option includes the required statistics course necessary for semester 5.

OPTION TWO:

The Nursing Transformation Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Pathway is a new, flexible online bridge approved by the College of Nurses (CNO).  The pathway consists of courses available for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) interested in completing a BScN program at a participating Ontario college. The pathway will allow eligible graduates of a CNO-approved Practical Nursing diploma program to earn credits towards the degree on their own schedule. This method is ideal for a student who appreciates the opportunity to work through course material independently.

Students must be accepted into the pathway prior to registering for the pathway courses.  Those who successfully complete the pathway courses will be eligible to apply to enter semester 5 (Year 3) of that college’s eight-semester (4-year) degree program. 

Graduates of an approved BScN program will be eligible to apply to CNO to write the registration exam to qualify for practice as an RN.

If you have any general questions about the Nursing Transformation RPN-BScN pathway or need support navigating the process, please see the link below or send an email to the Nursing Transformation Career Readiness Service at info@nursingpathways.ca.

*It is important to note that students who complete this pathway may be expected to take additional bridge courses to meet the requirements of the program of study at participating Ontario Colleges. These will be incorporated into your course schedule once accepted into the BScN program at your accepting college.

Choose Your Path