Practical Nursing
Contribute to a healthcare team and support excellence in patient care.
- Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is available for this program to cover the cost of tuition, compulsory fees, books, and other educational costs.
- Graduates enter the healthcare field with real-world experience from clinical placement opportunities in hospitals, retirement homes, and long-term care homes; as well as lab practice in a simulated environment on campus.
- The high demand for nurses in Ontario means graduates have a high chance of gaining employment upon graduation.
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Fall 2025
Yes
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Other Campuses
Work Integrated Learning
The Practical Nursing Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for work in the healthcare system. You learn the necessary skills and techniques for the workforce. This includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation tools required to provide nursing care to those of all ages. Throughout the program, learning opportunities include theory, lab techniques, applied experiences and independent study.
As a student, you have the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in a variety of healthcare facilities. An added benefit of this program is the Simulation Lab on campus, where you experience realistic patient care scenarios. These help to build confidence in your skills and techniques before working with patients in clinical placements. Placements are in community settings such as retirement homes, long-term care homes and hospitals....(read more)
Overview
Contribute to a healthcare team and support excellence in patient care.
The Practical Nursing Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for work in the healthcare system. You learn the necessary skills and techniques for the workforce. This includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation tools required to provide nursing care to those of all ages. Throughout the program, learning opportunities include theory, lab techniques, applied experiences and independent study.
As a student, you have the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in a variety of healthcare facilities. An added benefit of this program is the Simulation Lab on campus, where you experience realistic patient care scenarios. These help to build confidence in your skills and techniques before working with patients in clinical placements. Placements are in community settings such as retirement homes, long-term care homes and hospitals.
To practice as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario, you are required to be licensed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This program gives you the necessary knowledge and skills to write the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN) in Ontario.
Registered Practical Nurses work in close collaboration with healthcare teams. You may find employment a variety of settings such as:
- community clinics
- private homes
- long-term care homes
- medical, surgical, and obstetrical units
You may also choose to pursue further studies after graduation.
For more information on the Nursing Profession, please review the Fact Sheet Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario, available on the CNO website at www.cno.org.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy working with and accepting people of all ages and stages of development and of varying backgrounds.
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Enjoy working with others as a member of a team or in a leadership role.
- Possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Are dedicated patient advocates.
- Can handle physically demanding situations.
- Are mature and flexible.
- Can work any scheduled shifts in a 24-hour period.
- Are proficient in math.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
BIO5200
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Description:
An understanding of human biology is essential to nurses. Learners are introduced to the human body and its functions. Learners build founda... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG5110
Course Name:
Nursing I Theory
Course Description:
Understanding nursing concepts and theories is essential to the provision of optimal nursing care. Learners are introduced to the nursing me... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
NSG5112L
Course Name:
Nursing I Practicum (L)
Course Description:
Nurses care for persons across the lifespan promoting healthy living that is person-centered. Learners apply basic therapeutic communication... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG5112P
Course Name:
Nursing I Practicum (P)
Course Description:
Nurses care for persons across the lifespan promoting healthy living that is person-centered. Learners gain practical experience applying k... + Read More
Hours:
117.0
Code:
NSG5113
Course Name:
Healthcare Consumer
Course Description:
Person-centered care is imperative in the delivery of quality health care. Learners are introduced to theoretical models that support critic... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
PSY5609
Course Name:
Introduction to Psychology
Course Description:
With its applications to behaviour and personality, psychology extends its reach into many aspects of our personal lives. The broad applicat... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO5203
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology II
Course Description:
An understanding of human biology is essential to nurses. Lectures build on previous foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL5645
Course Name:
Communication Skills for the Practical Nurse
Course Description:
Given the variety and complexity of interactions in which nurses regularly engage, their verbal communication skills must be adaptable to nu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG0160M
Course Name:
Nursing II Practicum (M)
Course Description:
Nurses care for persons across the lifespan promoting healthy living that is person-centered. Learners apply health promotion through interv... + Read More
Hours:
128.0
Code:
NSG5120
Course Name:
Nursing II Theory
Course Description:
Nursing is a dynamic and challenging profession that involves caring for persons across a continuum of age and diverse environments with var... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
NSG5123
Course Name:
Nursing Research
Course Description:
Nursing practice is informed by a variety of evidence. Learners are introduced to the knowledge and skills necessary to support the developm... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
NSG5125
Course Name:
Health Assessment
Course Description:
Health assessment is an essential framework to provide holistic assessments of clients across the lifespan. Learners apply a systematic and ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED1704
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG0158
Course Name:
Pharmacology
Course Description:
Pharmacology is an integral part of nursing care and nurses play a critical role in medication management in various settings within the hea... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG0159
Course Name:
Pathophysiology
Course Description:
This course examines the basic concepts of disease processes which affect physiologic and psychosocial health. Learners study concepts perta... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
NSG5130
Course Name:
Nursing III Theory
Course Description:
Health care professionals require an understanding of the needs of persons experiencing acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. Bui... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
NSG5133L
Course Name:
Nursing III Practicum (L)
Course Description:
Caring for persons living with health challenges requires knowledge, skills and critical thinking ability. Through the use of simulation and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG5133P
Course Name:
Nursing III Practicum (P)
Course Description:
Persons being cared for in sub-acute and care facilities rely on nurses to help promote quality of life, as defined by the person. This prac... + Read More
Hours:
154.0
Code:
GED1704
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NSG0151
Course Name:
RPN Exam Prep
Course Description:
Graduates must pass a Practical Nursing licensing exam in order to practice in the province of Ontario. Students develop key strategies to s... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
NSG5140
Course Name:
Nursing IV Theory
Course Description:
Nursing is a dynamic and challenging process that involves caring for clients across a continuum of age and diverse environments with varyin... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
NSG5142L
Course Name:
Nursing IV Practicum (L)
Course Description:
Caring for persons living with health challenges requires knowledge, skills and critical thinking ability. Through the use of simulation and... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
NSG5142P
Course Name:
Nursing IV Practicum (P)
Course Description:
Caring for persons living with health challenges requires knowledge, skills and critical thinking ability. This Practicum course provides le... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
NSG5143
Course Name:
Current Issues
Course Description:
Concepts of professionalism, legal and ethical standards of practice are foundational to nursing. Practice standards and guidelines from the... + Read More
Hours:
27.0
Code:
NSG5144A
Course Name:
Consolidation Clinical (A)
Course Description:
Persons living with acute and chronic illness rely on nurses to promote healthy living. Novice nursing students are provided with the opport... + Read More
Hours:
320.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
To practice as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario, you are required to be licensed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This program gives you the necessary knowledge and skills to write the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN) in Ontario.
Registered Practical Nurses work in close collaboration with health-care teams. You may find employment in a variety of settings such as:
- community clinics
- private homes
- long-term care homes
- medical, surgical, and obstetrical units
For more information on the Nursing Profession, please review the Fact Sheet Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario, available on the CNO website at www.cno.org.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate therapeutically with clients and members of the health-care team.
- Assess clients across the life span, in a systematic and holistic manner.
- Plan safe and competent nursing care, based upon a thorough analysis of available data and evidence-informed practice guidelines.
- Select and perform nursing interventions using clinical judgment, in collaboration with the client and, where appropriate, the health-care team, that promote health and well-being, prevent disease and injury, maintain and/or restore health, promote rehabilitation, and/or provide palliation.
- Evaluate the outcomes resulting from all interventions in the nurse-client interaction and modify the plan of care as required.
- Act equitably and justly with clients and members of the health-care team.
- Adapt to a variety of healthcare settings, using different leadership skills and styles as appropriate to each setting.
- Contribute to creating a healthy and safe work environment in a variety of health-care settings.
- Practise in a self-regulated, professional and ethical manner, complying with relevant legislation and with the standards of both the regulatory body and the practice setting to provide safe and competent client-care.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Students should budget for additional costs to cover nursing uniforms, shoes, stethoscope and travel including parking at clinical agencies during their practicum experiences.
- The cost of text books is approximately $1,500 in the first year and $1,000 in year two. Some textbooks are optional and students can utilize those in the Resource Centre.
- The fees for the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN), Jurisprudence Exam, Application process and Initial Registration are available at www.cno.org.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
International Applicants: International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information: http://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Clinical Placement Eligibility:
Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate. A clear PRCVS is required annually, and more often if requested by the clinical agencies. Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Practical Nursing program.
Accepted applicants must be in good health and complete a Health Assessment form providing information related to medical and non-medical requirements 8 Annual requirements include Tb testing, the influenza vaccine, CPR Level C re-certification and a Police Records Checks for service with Vulnerable Sector. These are required prior to clinical commencement. Should there be a delay in starting the clinical placement, program progression could be negatively impacted.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair as part of the application process.
Computer skills are required throughout the program.
Application Information
PRACTICAL NURSING
Program Code 1704X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
This Full-time day program is also offered at the Pembroke and Perth Campuses. While the learning outcomes at all three Campuses are the same, the subject delivery is reflective of local circumstances which may affect program delivery. Unless there are extenuating and exceptional circumstances, students are required to stay enrolled at the campus to which they were first accepted. In the case of extenuating circumstances, the request must be made to the Chair of the registered campus, with supporting documentation attached. The transfer decision is made at the Chair level.
Please remember that repeating any course is always dependent upon seat availability.
If you opt out of the program for any reason during any semester, you may be advised back into the academic cycle when the next required semester is offered, based on space availability for classroom or clinical courses. You may have to sit out if there is no spot available when you want to return to full-time studies.
The Practical Nursing program highly recommends that all applicants review the CNO Fact Sheet - Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario - available atwww.cno.org.
Registration requirements for RPNs are also found at the College of Nurses of Ontario website. They include but are not limited to, the following:
- complete the registration examination.
- complete the jurisprudence examination.
- demonstrate language proficiency in English or French.
- complete a Declaration of Registration Requirements.
Specific information will be contained in the package you receive from the CNO prior to your licensing exams.
Woodroffe Campus offers two intakes per year. In the Fall term, Levels 01 and 03 are offered. In the Winter term, Levels 01, 02, 03 and 04 are offered. During the Spring/Summer term, Levels 02 and 04 are offered. In the September intake, the terms are Fall, Winter, Fall, Winter. In the January intake, the terms are Winter, Spring/Summer, Winter, Spring/Summer.
Clinical placements receive large numbers of health science students and there may be times during your program of study that require you to attend weekend, evening and night clinical experiences. Clinical placements may be within the city or the region and students are required to travel accordingly. Not all students will have clinical placements in specialty areas (i.e.: pediatrics, maternity, mental health, acute medicine and surgery).
Healthcare partners offering clinical placement opportunities have mandatory vaccine requirements. If you have questions about these, or any other placement, consult your Program Coordinator prior to registering.
Clinical placements include long-term care so students are required to have the flu vaccine, and the COVID vaccine as well. For consideration of medical exemptions related to immunization and vaccinations, documentation must be provided to Paramed for review. If medically exempt from the Flu vaccine, please note:
- Facilities have the prerogative to require the flu vaccine in order to proceed with placement and can refuse students who do not have the flu vaccine.
- In the event of an influenza outbreak, learners will have to abide by facility policies.
Contact
Gary Capstick
Program Coordinator
Rayan Al Dabbah
Professor
Sheena Barton
Professor
Room A133a
Sheena Barton is a Graduate of St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario. Sheena works as a Clinical and Lab instructor for the various Health and Community study programs offered at Algonquin College. As part of the Simulation team, Sheena provides learning through the use of high fidelity simulation to the students. Sheena’s nursing experience is in Emergency and Medical Surgical Nursing.
Landyn Blais
Professor
Room B382
A graduate of two Algonquin College programs, Landyn is a professor in both the BScN and Practical Nursing programs. Her broad experience includes obstetrics, gynecology, gynecology oncology, surgery, and palliative care. Landyn is also part of a specialized team, involving the students in experiential learning through the use of high fidelity simulation.
Louise Boudreault
Professor
Elizabeth Delavan
Professor
Room B211
Judy Flieler
Professor
Room B221
A graduate of Algonquin College, Judy has since completed both a BScN and MScN at the University of Ottawa. Although she has worked in a variety of different medical and surgical areas as well as Nursing Professional Practice at The Ottawa Hospital, her primary experience includes Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology. Judy works with other members of a specialized team who incorporate advanced simulation scenarios in laboratory settings to facilitate and enrich student learning
Kimberley Gray
Professor
Stephanie Janveaux
Professor
Satwinder Kaminski
Professor
Room B217
Sandy is a Nursing Professor in the School of Health Studies at Algonquin College. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1995 and Masters of Adult Education at the University of Regina in 2015. She has brought her teaching experience from Saskatchewan Polytechnic in the BScN program in the areas of clinical teaching and Pharmacology to Algonquin College. Thus far she has taught in the PSW, BSN, Critical Care and RPN programs at Algonquin College. Sandy’s nursing experience is in Medical Surgical Nursing and Emergency.
Crystal O'Connell Schauerte
Professor
Room B211
Crystal is a Nursing Professor in the School of Health Studies at Algonquin College. She completed her undergraduate degree at University of Prince Edward Island and Master’s of Nursing at the University of Ottawa. She has taught in both the baccalaureate in nursing, post-graduate nursing certificate programs and practical nursing programs, and currently coordinates the first year of the practical nursing program. Crystal’s nursing experience is in Emergency, Medical Surgical Nursing and international clinical nursing.
Yim Warrington
Professor
Room B244d
Yim is an RN graduate of Miramichi Hospital School of Nursing, and has completed both nursing undergraduate and education graduate degrees from University of Ottawa. Yim has been teaching in various nursing programs such as RN diploma, RN Self Directed Learning, RPN Refresher, Fast Track RPN to RN, BScN, and Year 2 PN Diploma, classroom nursing theory, labs and clinical practice. Yim’s areas of clinical practice include both acute and long term care agencies, as well as schools and daycare centres. In addition, Yim has taught CPR and First Aid to General Arts and Science students, Introduction to Psychology for PN and Dental Hygiene students, and is presently teaching Year 2 PN labs, supervising surgical clinical rotations, and facilitating student preceptorship.