Centennial College - Graduate Programs

Practical Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally-Educated Nurses

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Program Information

School:Centennial College - Graduate Programs
Faculty:School of Community and Health Studies
Degree:Post-diploma
Field of Study:Nursing Practice
Description:The Practical Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally-Educated Nurses program is designed as an academic pathway to transfer your skills and nursing knowledge to a Canadian setting. The program will meet the needs of: Internationally-educated nurses who are interested in working as registered practical nurses (RPNs) in Canada; RPNs who hold a certificate and wish to upgrade to an Ontario college diploma; RPNs who have been out of practice for ten years or less and need a refresher program. The program’s curriculum is in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario’s Professional Standards and Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Practical Nurses. It will focus on assisting you to develop your knowledge and critical thinking, communication, teaching and learning, professionalism, advocacy, research and leadership, and ethical-decision making skills — and to apply these skills in acute healthcare settings.



Taking three semesters to complete, including 14 weeks of consolidation experience, the School of Community and Health Studies offering considers your needs so that you may continue with your studies towards a diploma while maintaining your part-time employment and/or personal commitments. This diploma that results from the Practical Nursing Bridging Program of Internationally-Educated Nurses program may enable you to continue your academic studies at the baccalaureate level. RPNs with a diploma in practical nursing (with a minimum 3.0 GPA and no failures or repeated courses on their transcripts) may continue their studies at Centennial’s Bridging to University Nursing program and, upon completion of this program, can apply to Ryerson’s post-degree completion program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program is only offered on a full-time basis. If you are interested in taking it on a part-time basis, you will need to speak to the program supervisor. Note: The Practical Nurse Diploma for IEN's at Centennial College is currently approved (Category 1) by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.

URL:Practical Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally-Educated Nurses at Centennial College - Graduate Programs
Length:1 Year(s)
Cost per year:*
International: $17,080

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    Completion of a post-secondary certificate in practical nursing. Current College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) certificate of registration. International students are required to submit their letter from the CNO, stating the courses required to write the practical nurse registration exams. Applicants must have practiced as a nurse, or completed their nursing education, within the last 10 years as indicated in the letter of direction from the CNO.
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    Interview with Program Coordinator required prior to submitting an application. Transcript and resumé review may be required. English assessment is mandatory and math skills assessment may be required After admission but prior to Clinical/Field Placement, students require: Annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening; Completion of immunization requirements (immunization review form issued by the program coordinator); Successful completion and annual renewal of a recognized course in CPR (Health Care Provider Level); Successful completion of a recognized course in Standard First Aid; Mask fit testing will be provided by Centennial College; All of the above requirements must be in effect for the duration of each placement.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on September 13, 2022