Bridging to University Nursing offers full time (two semester) and flex (three semester) academic pathways to assist internationally-educated nurses and diploma Registered Practical Nurses with baccalaureate Nursing completion within 3 years and to assist Registered Nurses to change the focus of their practice (from long-term care to acute care) or to re-integrate into the workforce after an absence.  The curriculum is based on the College of Nurses' Standards for practice for Nurses and entry to practice competencies for Ontario Registered Practical Nurses.  Graduates are eligible to apply to Ryerson University's degree completion program (minimum B grade average required).  Students who complete the Ryerson's degree completion program will be eligible to write the Registered Nurse registration examination.  Certificate Registered Practical Nurses can upgrade to a diploma in the Practical Nursing Certificate to Diploma Program.

Centennial College has delivered Practical Nursing education programs and RN Refresher and Upgrading programs since the early 1970's and has expertise in meeting the needs of this diverse and unique group of learners.  This program is the result of collaboration between Centennial College and Ryerson University and the commitment to provide creative and unique nursing education opportunities for RPNs and internationally-educated nurses.

Nurses work in a variety of settings inclusive of but not limited to the operating room, long-term care, and specialty areas such as emergency, pediatrics and community settings.  Typically, RPNs are attracted to positions where they can work with people through the healing process and provide hands on nursing care.  Graduates will be prepared to work with persons and communities of diverse backgrounds, ages, degrees of health and illness, in a variety of contexts. A recent study commissioned by the Canadian Nurses Association predicts that by the year 2011, there will be a severe shortage of nurses.  This shortage could mean from 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed.

This is a full-time two semester (or three semester flex) program with Fall intakes.  Semester one emphasizes ethics and professional practice, health assessment, skill mastery and caring for clients with acute and chronic illness.  Semester two focuses on caring for individuals, groups and communities in acute mental health and community settings.  Students develop their communication and leadership skills and gain an understanding of nursing knowledge, knowledge acquisition and how research is applied to complex patient care situations.  Each semester includes two day per week clinical placements.  Costs for this program are approximately $2200 each semester.

Centennial will afford you every opportunity to transform your motivation, effort and willingness to learn into a satisfying career where you are able to make a difference in people's lives.  At every point along the way you have access to the knowledge, expertise and personalized attention that will allow you to become a true helping professional in your chosen area.  We are also committed to providing you the support to learn and work effectively within today's diverse cultural and social environment.