Why choose the Bridging Pathway?
Designed to recognize and build on your existing skills and experience, this program provides a streamlined path to higher qualifications and greater professional opportunities. With flexible study options and a supportive learning environment, you'll be well-prepared to thrive in today's dynamic healthcare field.
This compressed timeframe program allows for direct entry into Year 3 of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Ottawa after successful completion of 6 predetermined university courses. Students can upgrade their education from diploma-prepared practical nurse to degree-prepared Registered Nurse in 6 terms (2.5 years).
Eligibility
This program is designed for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who hold:
- a two-year Ontario College Diploma (or the equivalent) in practical nursing
- registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario
- experience practicing as an RPN in Ontario within the past 5 years at full scope of practice for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months, full or part time, OR who have received their RPN license within the past calendar year
- successful completion of a medication calculation test.
We will require a signed letter from your clinical manager on agency letterhead that specifies the term of employment (start and end dates), whether you were full or part-time, and confirmation that you have practiced at full scope.
If you have graduated in another province but practiced in Ontario, we will require proof of CNO registration and a letter from your clinical manager with the information provided above.
Structure
- Designed for Registered Practical Nurses (RPN's) who wish to upgrade their qualifications to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).
- Includes a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) phase, which evaluates the RPN's existing knowledge and skills to determine credit transfers.
- After the PLAR phase, students complete the remaining university-level nursing courses required for the BScN.
- The program is tailored to acknowledge and build upon the RPN's prior education and clinical experience.
Choose from three locations
Location | Language | Admission period | Cohort start dates |
---|---|---|---|
University of Ottawa | French or English | Fall 2025 | January 2026 |
Algonquin College (Ottawa campus) | English | Sep. 19 to Oct. 18, 2024. | January 2025 |
Algonquin College (Pembroke campus) | English | Sep. 19 to Oct. 18, 2024 | January 2025 |
No matter where you choose to study, you graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Ottawa.