Overview

Algonquin College is proud to be a partner in the Nursing Transformation: PSW to PN Pathway Initiative. This initiative is designed to remove barriers, recognize prior learning and experience, and encourage Personal Support Worker (PSW) graduates to continue their studies in the field of Practical Nursing. The pathway initiative consists of six individual courses that, once completed, can be used to transition into the second term of the Practical Nursing program.

Please note that acceptance into the pathway does not guarantee a spot into level 2 of the Practical Nursing program. You will still be required to apply to the Practical Nursing program after completing the pathway and space is limited.

Eligibility

To be eligible for PSW to PN pathway courses you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status or appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that permits an individual to engage in the practice of nursing in Ontario.
  • Graduated with a 65 percent cumulative average from a PSW program in Ontario that meets the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities program standards (includes PSW programs offered by the public colleges, private career colleges, and district school boards in Ontario).
  • Have worked as a PSW in Ontario on a regular basis within the past five years.

If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to start taking these pathway courses, please complete the Eligibility Confirmation Form.

Pathway Course Schedule, Fees, and Registration

Once you have completed a Confirmation of Eligibility Form, please contact the Registrar’s Office to register for the PSW to PN Pathway courses. We recommend calling at least two weeks before the course start date(s) as space in the courses is limited.

Local: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-GRAD (4723)

There are six courses total, and you can register for one, or more of the courses at a time. The courses are designed with flexibility in mind and are delivered asynchronously online, so you can complete them when and where you want. Please click on the links to each course below for information on course dates and fees.

Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Theory Pathway
Nursing Professionalism
Math for Practical Nurses
Health Assessment
Transition to Practical Nursing

If you have any questions about registering for these courses, please reach out to the AC Online support team at ACOProgramSupport@algonquincollege.com

Applying to the Practical Nursing Program

Once you complete the pathway courses at Algonquin College or another Ontario College, you are eligible to apply for Level 2 of the Practical Nursing program at the Ottawa or Pembroke campuses. Please note the end date of the pathway courses must be before the start date of the Practical Nursing program for you to be eligible. If the courses overlap with the program, you will need to wait until the next offering of Level 2 of the Practical Nursing program. Before starting the Practical Nursing program, students must complete and submit mandatory requirements for clinical placement. Please note that students are responsible for all costs associated with the Clinical Placement requirements. Mandatory Clinical Placement Requirements – School of Health Studies (algonquincollege.com)

For questions about applying to the Practical Nursing Program, please contact Claudia Urbina at urbinac@algonquincollege.com

Please note that completion of the pathway courses does not guarantee a spot into level 2 of the Practical Nursing program. You will still be required to apply to the Practical Nursing program after completing the pathway and space is limited.

Available Funding

You may be eligible for funding to complete these pathway courses through the Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program offered by the Registered Practical Nurses Association. For more information visit the WeRPN BEGIN Student Toolkit for eligibility and program details. For more information visit begin.werpn.com or email info@begin.werpn.com.