Bridging to University Nursing for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code9251
- Credential NameBridging To University Nursing
- Credential TypeOntario College Graduate Certificate
- SchoolSchool of Collaborative Nursing
- Program TypeGraduate Certificate program
- Program Length1 year/ 2 semesters
- LocationMorningside Campus
- Emailbscnandrpntornbridging@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology Requirements
- PGWP AlignedNo
- CIP Code51.1105
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising
You may also be interested in the Bridging to University Nursing - Flexible option.
Bridging to University Nursing is a two-semester graduate certificate program that helps registered practical nurses (RPNs) transition to a degree in nursing.
Recent key program changes include exciting new and updated courses that will enhance the learning experience at Centennial College, making our program even more flexible and student-centred.
The Bridging to University Nursing program's curriculum is based on the College of Nurses of Ontario standards of practice 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 Collaborative Nursing program will give you opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction, facilitation and guidance of faculty.
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 support 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.
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.
Program Overview
You may also be interested in the Bridging to University Nursing - Flexible option.
Bridging to University Nursing is a two-semester graduate certificate program that helps registered practical nurses (RPNs) transition to a degree in nursing.
Recent key program changes include exciting new and updated courses that will enhance the learning experience at Centennial College, making our program even more flexible and student-centred.
The Bridging to University Nursing program's curriculum is based on the College of Nurses of Ontario standards of practice 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 Collaborative Nursing program will give you opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction, facilitation and guidance of faculty.
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 support 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.
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.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- 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 Collaborative Nursing houses a well-equipped nursing lab that will be available for independent and self-directed practice.
- Opportunities will exist, during labs and simulation experiences, to develop communication and leadership skills at an advanced level.
- 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 institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
|
Region |
Institution |
|---|---|
| Toronto GTA | Toronto Metropolitan University |
For more detailed pathways information, visit Centennial College's Outgoing Educational Pathways portal.
Use the Education Pathways Checklist (pdf) as a guide as you explore your options.
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
- Canadian diploma in Practical Nursing from an approved publicly funded PN program except Quebec.
- Program GPA of 3.0 or higher (B average).
- 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: To be eligible to apply to Toronto Metropolitan University, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, and The Chang School of Continuing Education, applicants 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
For Registered Practical Nurses
- Canadian diploma from an approved publicly funded PN program 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.
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 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,370.53 | $4,091.53 |
| International | $17,148.00 | $1,868.48 | $19,016.48 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
Note: If you require accommodation for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs. If you wish to access disability services, please make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS) by calling 437-568-4799 or emailing calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Students in this program are required 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. 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 three (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
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
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-Nicole Fender, Nursing, GraduateCentennial College has high standards, and you can see it in the difference between a Centennial College nurse and a nurse from another college.