Program Overview
The curriculum is comprised of theoretical and clinical experiences utilizing the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) conceptual framework and nursing process. This strong foundation prepares students to practice safely, competently and ethically in situations of health and illness with individuals, families, groups and communities across the lifespan. The overall program goals and objectives are aligned with the current College Of Nurses Entry to Practice Competencies for the Registered Practical Nurse.
Program Highlights
- The program is fully accredited by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
- Small, personal class sizes.
- Hands-on training in a state-of-the-art nursing lab with simulation technology.
- Peer mentorship and tutor support.
- Clinical placement experiences with an instructor every semester, in a hospital and/or community setting (hours vary based on semester)
- Comprehensive, clinical placement experiences with a preceptor in a hospital and/or community setting at the completion of the program (10 weeks in total).
- After successful completion of the Practical Nursing diploma program, graduates are eligible to write the REx-PN which is administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
Career Opportunities
There are a wide variety of employment opportunities including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health care agencies, physician offices and clinics, private homes and in private practice.
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:
- Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U
- Grade 12 Math (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Chemistry (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Biology (C) or (U)
OR
- Equivalent courses from the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program or the Academic and Career Entrance program.
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
Important Information
This is an OVERSUBSCRIBED program. Apply by February 1 to be considered for this program. See Admission Procedures for details.
Selection Procedure
For high school applicants, all of your Grade 11 courses and the first semester of your Grade 12 courses will be averaged and ranked in order to make the selection for acceptance into this program. When final grades are released applicants must meet the minimum requirement in mandatory courses.
English Language Proficiency
The College of Nurses of Ontario requires fluency in written and spoken English.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Semester 1
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
PNR116
|
Introduction To The Practice Of Nursing
|
6
|
|
BIO126
|
Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology
|
7
|
Semester 2
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
PNR217
|
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|
2
|
Semester 4
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
PNR415
|
Management Leadership & Research
|
2
|
Semester 5
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
PNR513
|
Comprehensive Clinical Experience
|
27
|
View Pre/Co-Requisites for Practical Nursing
Every effort has been made to align the pre/co-requisite document with the information on the course outline. However, if there are any discrepancies identified, the information on the course outline takes precedence.
Pre-Placement Requirements
St. Clair College has partnered with Synergy Gateway Inc to provide you access to Verified - a platform that is used by students at other post-secondary institutions across Ontario for the purpose of digitally collecting placement requirements related to placement(s). Synergy Gateway Inc will provide support and clearance to help with your required documentation. You will be required to complete an Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) Review through the Verified platform in order to receive clearance to begin your clinical placement. You will be provided access to "Verified" via a secure username and password. You will use Verified to:
- Upload your pre-placement requirements documentation for review.
- Book your Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) service (this is a service that reviews the documents you have uploaded and provides you a status as to your eligibility to begin placements).
- Track your ongoing requirements compliance.
Each student will receive log-in credentials to access Verified that will be sent to your St. Clair College email account. Please check your inbox, spam and junk mail folders for an email from the "Synergy Help Desk". You will be required to create a new password upon logging in. Be sure to view the video user guides and student guidebook to learn how to use the Verified platform.
Any associated fees for Synergy Gateway Inc to complete the pre-placement requirements are the sole responsibility of the students:
- Synergy Review Fee: $50.50 + tax
- Synergy Follow-Up Review Fee: $10.00 + tax
It is mandatory that students complete their ERV service through Verified to be eligible for your upcoming clinical placement.
Once your account has been set up with Verified, inquiries can be directed to Synergy Gateway Inc at www.Synergyhelps.com. You will need to submit a Help Desk ticket. Their Help Desk hours are Monday to Friday: 10 am - 3 pm, excluding holidays.
** Please note: If you are an International student completing a placement, you will require a valid COOP Work Permit.
Requirements
(Please refer to your Synergy communications for full details)
This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, most of our placement sites are requiring students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a placement for their program and, therefore, will not be able to complete their programs. Please be advised that COVID-19 booster shots and/or other requirements may become mandatory for placement, however, they are not currently required.
- Student placements are assigned. Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated.
- Windsor students may be placed anywhere in Windsor and Essex County (or elsewhere throughout the province)
- Chatham students may be placed anywhere in Chatham and Kent County (or elsewhere throughout the province)
- Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to placements
- Students are responsible for the cost of scrub uniforms/footwear and equipment (such as a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand) and other incidentals as required
- Placement schedules may include shifts on days, afternoons, weekends and holidays throughout the program based on placement need and agency availability
Your Investment
The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:
2025-2026 Tuition Fees
For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses are at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.
Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found on the Bookstore website.
Tuition and Payment Info Campus Bookstore
Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.
Smart Start Information
- PN YR1 Chatham Fall 2025 Information (Coming soon)
- PN YR1 Windsor Fall 2025 Information (Coming soon)
- PN YR2 Chatham Fall 2025 Information
- PN YR2 Windsor Fall 2025 Information (Coming soon)
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Practical Nursing (Ontario College Diploma) (MTCU Code 51407)
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate therapeutically with clients and members of the healthcare team.
- Assess clients across the lifespan, in a systematic and holistic manner.
- Plan safe and competent nursing care, based on a thorough analysis of available data and evidence-informed practice guidelines.
- Select and perform nursing interventions using clinical judgment, in collaboration with the client and, where appropriate, the health care team, that promote health and well-being, prevent disease and injury, maintain and/or restore health, promote rehabilitation, and/or provide palliation.
- Evaluate the outcomes resulting from all interventions in the nurse-client interaction and modify the plan of care as required.
- Act equitably and justly with clients and members of the healthcare team.
- Adapt to a variety of healthcare settings, using different leadership skills and styles as appropriate to each setting.
- Contribute to creating a healthy and safe work environment in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Practice in a self-regulated, professional and ethical manner, complying with relevant legislation and with the standards of both the regulatory body and the practice setting to provide safe and competent client care.
Important Information for Prospective Students
In order to successfully progress through the curriculum and function as a practical nurse, prospective students should review the following information regarding general demands and performance expectations for a career in nursing:
Additional Information