Bridging to University Nursing for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)

How To Apply

You may also be interested in the Flexible, Online Hybrid or other options:

Bridging to University Nursing is a two-semester graduate certificate program that will help registered practical nurses (RPNs) bridge to a Post Diploma Degree program and earn a degree in nursing.

Beginning Fall 2023, all sections of our program will implement an updated curriculum. Importantly, with our updated curriculum we are now offering approximately 30-50% of the courses in the Full time stream online synchronously. This key change along with exciting new and updated courses will make the learning experience at Centennial College even greater. Making our program even more flexible and student centred.

The Bridge to University nursing program's curriculum is based on the College of Nurses' of Ontario Standards of Practice for Nursing and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Nurses. It will aim to provide a solid foundation for nursing practice and the transition from PN to RN by emphasizing cultural awareness, ethics and professional practice, health assessment, pharmacology, skill mastery, nursing leadership, research and caring for clients with acute and chronic illness.

An exciting and unique aspect of this health program will be its focus on caring for individuals, groups, and communities in acute care settings.

To ensure you're prepared for the field, this School of Community and Health Studies program will give you opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction, facilitation and guidance of faculty.

Notes

The Bridging to University Nursing program does not accept transfer credits for ANY Nursing courses obtained through your Practical Nursing (PN) education. Communication courses taken during PN education may be accepted. This post-diploma specialty program is designed to build on prior learning obtained through your PN program.
When you graduate, you may apply to a post-diploma PN to BScN Program (e.g., at Toronto Metropolitan University). Graduation from the Bridging Certificate at Centennial College does not provide a guaranteed admission to university. Graduates are encouraged to review appropriate admission requirements to university and to know that applications remain competitive. Please check the Toronto Metropolitan University website for current admission requirements.
The clinical placements will be offered within Great Toronto Area. By applying to the program, you agree to have clinical placement in Great Toronto Area.

Program Overview

You may also be interested in the Flexible, Online Hybrid or other options:

Bridging to University Nursing is a two-semester graduate certificate program that will help registered practical nurses (RPNs) bridge to a Post Diploma Degree program and earn a degree in nursing.

An exciting and unique aspect of this health program will be its focus on caring for individuals, groups, and communities in acute care settings.

Notes

The Bridging to University Nursing program does not accept transfer credits for ANY Nursing courses obtained through your Practical Nursing (PN) education. Communication courses taken during PN education may be accepted. This post-diploma specialty program is designed to build on prior learning obtained through your PN program.
When you graduate, you may apply to a post-diploma PN to BScN Program (e.g., at Toronto Metropolitan University). Graduation from the Bridging Certificate at Centennial College does not provide a guaranteed admission to university. Graduates are encouraged to review appropriate admission requirements to university and to know that applications remain competitive. Please check the Toronto Metropolitan University website for current admission requirements.
The clinical placements will be offered within Great Toronto Area. By applying to the program, you agree to have clinical placement in Great Toronto Area.

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Career Options and Education Pathways

Program Highlights

New curriculum starting in Fall 23
30-50% of our theoretical courses in the Full time (9251) section will be delivered online (synchronously), allowing greater flexibility for our learners
Evidence-based practices will be threaded through the program's delivery.
As part of the Bridging to University Nursing program, you'll gain an understanding of nursing knowledge acquisition, and how to utilize and apply research to complex client care situations.
The School of Community and Health Studies houses a well-equipped nursing lab that will be available for independent and self-directed practice.
Opportunities will exist, during labs and clinical experiences, to develop communication and leadership skills at an advanced level.
Clinical placement will allow you to partake in networking opportunities.
The needs of adult and English-as-a-second-language students will be supported.
The certificate that's earned will provide evidence of reflective, competent and up-to-date practice.

Career Outlook

Registered nurse
Public health nurse
Community nurse
Critical care nurse
Coronary care nurse
Intensive care nurse
Trauma nurse

Education Pathways

Graduates of the Bridging to University Nursing graduate certificate program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.

Please note that each partner has minimum admission requirements to be met in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving partner institution.

Partner Institution	Degree
Toronto Metropolitan University	Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Degree completion for RPNs)

Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.

For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.

Educational Partners

Upon successful completion of the program, eligible students may apply to a post-diploma nursing degree program, i.e. Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).

Areas of Employment

As a graduate of a post-diploma degree program you will be prepared to work in a variety of settings inclusive of, but not limited to:

Acute care hospital settings
Public health
Pediatrics
Community settings

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Please note that admission to Toronto Metropolitan University is not guaranteed and remains a competitive process. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to review all admission criteria for Toronto Metropolitan University prior to application.

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (B average)
Canadian diploma in Practical Nursing from an approved publicly funded PN programs except Quebec
No repeated or failed courses on nursing academic transcripts. Applicants must submit official transcripts* from all accredited post-secondary institutions that they have attended.
Proof of current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse, Entitled to Practice with No Restrictions Students must maintain a current registration with the CNO, for the duration of the program.

Note: For applicants to be eligible to apply to Toronto Metropolitan University, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing and The Chang School of Continuing Education, they must maintain a competitive GPA with no course repeats or failures in this program (#9251). Please check the University website for current admission requirements.

Additional Requirements

English language proficiency

For Registered Practical Nurses

Canadian diploma from an approved publicly funded PN programs except Quebec.
Transcripts from a community college diploma program (inclusion of courses in anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology are required with no repeated or failed nursing courses
Proof of current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Practical Nursem Entitled to Practice with No Restrictions. Students must maintain a current registration with the CNO, for the duration of the program.

Clinical Placement Requirements

After admission, but prior to Clinical Placement, students require:

Obtain a clear police check with vulnerable sector screening. Vulnerable Sector Screenings must be issued within six months of each placement start date. Any previous criminal record must be pardoned.
Completion of health and immunization requirements (Immunization review form issued by the program coordinator)
Successful completion and annual renewal of a recognized course in CPR (Healthcare provider level)
Mask fit testing will be provided by Centennial College (Shaving of portions of face may be required to meet safety standards)

All of the above requirements must be in effect for the duration of each placement.

Clinical Placement Requirements

After admission, but prior to Clinical Placement, students require:

Obtain a clear police check with vulnerable sector screening. Vulnerable Sector Screenings must be issued within six months of each placement start date. Any previous criminal record must be pardoned.
Completion of health and immunization requirements (immunization review form issued by the program coordinator)
Successful completion and annual renewal of a recognized course in CPR (Healthcare provider level)
Mask fit testing will be provided by Centennial College (shaving of portions of face may be required to meet safety standards)

All of the above requirements must be in effect for the duration of each placement.

How to Apply

If you have previously attended a full time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.

All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Applications Fees.

2. Submit Documents

Graduates of college/university are responsible for requesting that your educational institution send any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocollege.ca.

For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.

3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission

Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.

You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.

You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.

When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees and see your class timetable.

4. Pay Fees

Centennial fee statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed. You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.

5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)

Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca. Fall registration begins mid-July, January registration begins mid-December, May registration begins mid-April. Your web-registration will not open if:

You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline.
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.

Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.

Tuition and Fees

Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2024.

Student	Tuition (2 Semesters)	Ancillary Fees	Total
Canadian	$2,721.00	$1,186.34	$3,907.34
International	$16,649.00	$1,674.52	$18,323.52

Technology Requirements

Bring IT programs will require students to own and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements.

Note: If you require accommodation for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your BringIT programs (click for recommendations). If you wish to access disability services, please make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 416-289-5000, ext. 3850, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca.

Have questions? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our Bring IT Program.

Students from this program will require to own/purchase a device and software relevant to the program:

Minimum Recommended Specifications:

Windows Laptop with:
- Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent processor
- 4GB or more of RAM
- 250 GB HD (SSD not required)
- Windows 10 operating system
- Built-in webcam (or USB webcam)
  - NOTE: A Chromebook is NOT recommended as a suitable alternative and a MacBook (all models) is a suitable alternative
Recommended:
- Built-in Ethernet port
- Audio/mic combo
- A solid-state drive (SSD)
- A laptop with a battery life of 3 hours or better

You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 10mbps download speed is highly recommended. Some courses have more advanced system requirements.

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.

When you complete the Bridging to University Nursing program, you'll have the ability to:

Utilize scholarly communication, collaboration, and relational skills in a variety of healthcare settings to ensure and enhance the professionalism of practice.
Incorporate information, communication technologies, and digital tools to supports nursing practice that meets evidence informed, organizational, ethical, regulatory, and legislative requirements.
Examine the language, process and goal of research and the implications of research findings on clinical practice at a foundational level
Engage in self-inquiry, relational inquiry, and critical reflection to develop strategies, and practice of self-care as a health care provider.
Utilize professional development resources and supervision to increase professional capacity, mentoring, learning and leadership skills.
Develop the capacity to work with all individuals, families and groups including those that identify with Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, as well as members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ and communities with disabilities, by identifying systemic inequities and barriers, integrating practices such as trauma informed care, and respecting the inherent rights to self-determine.
Demonstrate advanced clinical practice as an RPN transitioning to an RN utilizing theoretical knowledge, critical reasoning, clinical judgment, and problem-solving skills in the provision of care to individuals, families, groups, and communities with acute/complex/unpredictable care outcomes.
Participate as part of an inter-professional health care team, making appropriate use of resources, while building strategic partnerships using the Three-Factor Framework for decision making.
Provide safe, therapeutic, ethical, compassionate, and culturally responsive nursing care that meets the current College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards for Registered Nurses

Advising

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/student-life/student-services/centennial-advising-and-pathways-services/

Bridging to University Nursing for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)

How To Apply

Health Studies and Communications Skills

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