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.
When you graduate, you may apply to a post-diploma PN to BScN Program (e.g., at Ryerson University). Graduation from the Bridging Certificate at Centennial College does not provide a guarantee admission to university. Graduates are encouraged to review appropriate admission requirements to university and to know that applications remain competitive. Please check the Ryerson University website for current admission requirements.
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.
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 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 is required
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 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.
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 $95 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.