Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) are independent practitioners who provide care to clients with stable or predictable outcomes such as those in rehabilitative, long-term and acute care and community settings.  The RPN is expected to use judgment and critical thinking to determine whether the client's condition is changing and collaborate with the Registered Nurse (RN) before proceeding with care. The RPN may also delegate to and demonstrate leadership with unregulated health care providers in long-term care settings.

Centennial offers the Practical Nursing diploma program in either a four semester five-day-per-week format (Program code: 9350) or a six semester three-day-per-week flex format (Program code: 9351).  At our new state-of-the-art campus location, students can access exceptional resources including knowledgeable faculty who care about student success, well-equipped labs including clinical simulation and academic and personal counseling.  Our students have achieved a high pass rate on the National Exam for Registered Practical Nurses for the past two years.  Through Centennial’s innovative Bridging to University Program, graduates are able to pursue Registered Nurse certification.

We offer a flexible training option. This flex program contains the same courses but they are delivered in a different format. Students applying for the Practical Nursing Flexible Option are still eligible to apply for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program).  Students will complete the flexible option in two years but will be enrolled in the program three semesters per year (fall, winter, spring/summer). The courses are delivered three days per week to allow students the flexibility they need to meet personal and other commitments. 

Registered Practical Nurses work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, long-term care 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.  With additional courses, RPN’s are able to work in more specialized settings including operating rooms and clinics.  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 four semester program with two intakes per year (fall and winter). The curriculum is based on the College of Nurses' Standards of Practice and entry to practice competencies for Ontario Registered Practical Nurses.  Students apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction, facilitation and guidance of faculty who have expertise in acute, chronic and long-term care.  Due to the challenging nature of this profession, students need to have strong critical thinking, mathematical and English communication skills as well as a commitment to self-directed learning.  Courses within the program emphasize leadership, teaching and learning, professionalism, advocacy, critical thinking and ethical decision making.  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.