This program is designed for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) with:
- a two-year Ontario College Diploma (or the equivalent) in practical nursing
- experience practicing as an RPN in Ontario within the last 5 years at full scope of practice for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months full- or part-time
OR
- their RPN license within the past calendar year
- a College of Nurses of Ontario registration in good standing
- a successful completion of a medication calculation test.
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).
Location
- University of Ottawa (Lees campus):
All courses are offered at uOttawa.
OR
- Algonquin College (Ottawa campus) and University of Ottawa (Lees campus):
Most courses are offered at Algonquin College (Ottawa campus) and the rest at uOttawa.
OR
- Algonquin College (Pembroke campus):
All courses are offered at Algonquin College (Pembroke campus)
Language of Instruction
English (in collaboration with Algonquin College) and French
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.
Cohort dates
- January 2025 - Algonquin College, Ottawa and Pembroke campus program (in English)
- January 2026 - uOttawa campus program (in French and English)
