Bridging to University Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN)
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code9252
- Credential NameBridging to University Nursing
- Credential TypeOntario College Graduate Certificate
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- Program TypeGraduate Certificate program
- Program Length1 year/ 2 semesters
- LocationMorningside Campus
- Emailhealthstudies@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000, ext. 58068
- Technology Requirements
- 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 Flexible, Online Hybrid or Full-time options:
- Bridging to University Nursing - Flexible
- RPN to BScN Bridging to University Program Online Hybrid
- Bridging to University Nursing (Full Time)
Bridging to University Nursing - IEN is a two-semester program for internationally educated nurses who must fill theoretical or practical gaps in their learning, as identified by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This graduate certificate program is also accessible to domestic graduates who require an updated education or practice to reinstate their registration as a nurse with the CNO.
The curriculum of this nursing program is based on the CNO's Standards of Practice for Nursing and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Nurses. Its aim is to provide a solid foundation for nursing practice by focusing on ethics and professional practice, health assessment, skill mastery, and caring for clients with acute and chronic illness. An emphasis on caring for individuals, groups and communities in acute care, mental health and community settings will add an exciting and unique aspect to this health care program.
To ensure you're prepared for the field, this School of Community and Health Studies program will provide you with 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:
- Apply general skills that will facilitate the practice of nursing, ongoing learning and self-development, including effective communication and interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrate scholarly writing;
- Apply decision-making models that reflect critical thinking and self-reflection;
- Appropriately assess knowledge using research outcomes;
- Acquire basic technological literacy skills;
- Understand self and society and its institutions to assume a role as a responsible citizen;
- Practice from a primary health care perspective with multicultural client populations;
- Provide nursing care to clients in complex health care situations.
- fulfill your requirements as identified by the CNO
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.
- This program is designed to fulfill your CNO Competency Gaps or Return to Safe Practice Requirements Only. This program does not enable you to apply to Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)’s post diploma BSCN program.
- 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 Full-time options:
- Bridging to University Nursing - Flexible
- RPN to BScN Bridging to University Program Online Hybrid
- Bridging to University Nursing (Full Time)
Bridging to University Nursing - IEN is a two-semester program for internationally educated nurses who must fill theoretical or practical gaps in their learning, as identified by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This graduate certificate program is also accessible to domestic graduates who require an updated education or practice to reinstate their registration as a nurse with the CNO.
The curriculum of this nursing program is based on the CNO's Standards of Practice for Nursing and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Nurses. Its aim is to provide a solid foundation for nursing practice by focusing on ethics and professional practice, health assessment, skill mastery, and caring for clients with acute and chronic illness. An emphasis on caring for individuals, groups and communities in acute care, mental health and community settings will add an exciting and unique aspect to this health care program.
To ensure you're prepared for the field, this School of Community and Health Studies program will provide you with 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:
- Apply general skills that will facilitate the practice of nursing, ongoing learning and self-development, including effective communication and interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrate scholarly writing;
- Apply decision-making models that reflect critical thinking and self-reflection;
- Appropriately assess knowledge using research outcomes;
- Acquire basic technological literacy skills;
- Understand self and society and its institutions to assume a role as a responsible citizen;
- Practice from a primary health care perspective with multicultural client populations;
- Provide nursing care to clients in complex health care situations.
- fulfill your requirements as identified by the CNO
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.
- This program is designed to fulfill your CNO Competency Gaps or Return to Safe Practice Requirements Only. This program does not enable you to apply to Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)’s post diploma BSCN program.
- 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
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- Evidence-based practices will be threaded throughout the delivery of the program.
- As part of the Bridging to University Nursing program, you'll gain an understanding of nursing knowledge acquisition, and how to use 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.
- During applied labs and clinical experiences, opportunities will exist to develop communication and leadership skills at an advanced level.
- Clinical placement will allow you to network.
- The needs of adult and English-as-a-second-language students will be supported.
- The certificate that is 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 (Internationally Educated Nurses) graduate certificate program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study. 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 our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
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
For nurses who have obtained a nursing diploma or degree out-of-country or out-of-province and do not hold a current certificate of registration in Ontario:
- Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency in Ontario
- Interview with the Program Coordinator required prior to submitting an application
- A Letter of Direction from the College of Nurses of Ontario stating the practice/educational areas which do not meet baccalaureate entry to practice requirements
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of successful completion of a nursing program from country of origin or equivalent
- Out-of-province applicants must have completed a two-year diploma in practical nursing
For nurses who have an expired certificate of registration in Ontario and do not have evidence of current and/or safe nursing practice:
- A Letter of Direction from the College of Nurses of Ontario outlining the requirements for re-entry or safe practice requirements accompanied by a CNO letter of direction specifying 400, 600 or 700 hours of clinical practice and relevant course content must be completed
Candidates with a "Gap" letter not accompanied by a letter of direction with hours direction are not eligible for the program.
Additional Requirements
For students who will be attending Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) to meet the CNO competency gaps:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (B average) in all courses attended at Centennial College
- No repeated courses or failures on all nursing academic transcripts
- Proof that you are registered with the CNO as an RPN
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
The application process for these programs differs from other programs at the College. The Program Coordinator, will assess every application and determine acceptance into the program. As a result, you need to follow the following step by step approach for applying to the bridging program.
Step 1: Apply to 9252 (RN) on the OCAS (Ontario College Application Services) website. There is a $125 charge to apply.
Step 2: Once you have applied, you will receive documents from Centennial College acknowledging your application. Within this document, you will be given a Centennial College student number. Use that number to call the assessment centre at 416-289-5300 and book your English Assessment; this is free of charge and can only be completed once per year.
Step 3: After you have completed the English Assessment, please email the Program Coordinator (BridgingIEN@centennialcollege.ca) your student number and your program number.
Step 4: The Program Coordinator will respond to your email providing direction regarding how to proceed from there.
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
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
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.
1. Apply generic skills at a beginning level that will facilitate the practice of nursing, ongoing learning and self-development including:
2. Practice from a primary health care perspective with a multicultural client population including individuals, families, groups and communities.
3. Provide nursing care to clients in complex health care situations where predictability of outcomes tends to be uncertain.
4. Manage a health care team of varying skill mixes to make appropriate use of resources.
5. Provide safe, effective and ethical nursing care that meets the current College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards for Registered Nurses.
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