Practical Nursing | St. Clair College
Program Code: K963
Status: Open
Apply Online:
Two Year - Ontario College Diploma
(5 semesters)
Starts: September

Contact:
Windsor (Year 1)
Eva Beattie
519-972-2727 ext. 4622
Windsor (Year 2)
Tazdia Kemeny
519-972-2727 ext. 5200
Academic Advisor, Windsor Campus
Jordan Smith
519-972-2727 ext. 5835
Chatham (Year 1)
Heather DeWagner
519-354-9714 ext. 3286
Chatham (Year 2)
Cindy Pallister
519-354-9100 ext. 3281
Academic Advisor, Chatham Campus
Kelsey O'Brien-Reed
519-354-9100 ext. 3265

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).

Specific Program Information

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
      PNR125
      Nursing Clinical I
      6
      BIO126
      Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology
      7
      ELEC1030
      Choose 1 Elective Course
      3
      Semester 2
      Code Title Credits
      PNR217
      Pharmacology & Therapeutics
      2
      PNR218
      Health Assessment
      3
      PNR220
      Nursing Theory IIA
      2
      PNR221
      Nursing Theory IIB
      2
      PNR225
      Nursing Clinical II
      8
      Semester 3
      Code Title Credits
      PNR308
      Nursing Theory III A
      2
      PNR309
      Nursing Theory III B
      3
      PNR315
      Community Health
      2
      PNR316
      Nursing Clinical III
      8
      ELEC1030
      Choose 1 Elective Course
      3
      ELEC1030
      Choose 1 Elective Course
      3
      Semester 4
      Code Title Credits
      PNR408
      Nursing Theory IV A
      3
      PNR411
      Nursing Clinical IV
      12
      PNR413
      Nursing Theory IV B
      3
      PNR415
      Management Leadership & Research
      2
      Semester 5
      Code Title Credits
      PNR513
      Comprehensive Clinical Experience
      27

      Placement Requirements

      This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, all of our clinical 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 clinical 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 clinical placement, however, they are not currently required.

      If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact our St. Clair College Health Centre at 519-972-2727 ext. 4484 (in Windsor) or 519-354-9100 ext. 3729 (in Chatham).

      Field/Clinical Placements

      • Student clinical placements are assigned. Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated

        • Windsor students may be placed anywhere in Windsor and Essex County
        • Chatham students may be placed anywhere in Chatham and Kent County
      • Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to clinical 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
      • Clinical placements schedules may include shifts on days, afternoons, weekends and holidays throughout the program based on clinical need and agency availability

      Health/Clinical Placement Requirements

      Entering Year 1
      Mandatory Medical Requirements - Section A
      Mandatory Non-Medical Requirements - Section B
      • Current CPR BLS with AED (annual renewal is required regardless of the expiry date on the card)
      • Standard First Aid
      • N95 Mask Fit Testing (completed every two years)
      • Vulnerable Sector Police Check (annual) AND Photo ID required with birthdate (e.g. Driver's License)
      • Annual Police Clearance Requirements
      Returning Year 2
      Mandatory Medical Requirements - Section A
      • Tuberculosis Screening - 1 step if you can produce prior documentation of having 2 step screening done; otherwise 2 step is required
      Mandatory Non-Medical Requirements - Section B
      • Current CPR BLS with AED (annual renewal is required regardless of the expiry date on the card)
      • N95 Mask Fit Testing (completed every two years)
      • Vulnerable Sector Police Check (annual) AND Photo ID required with birthdate (e.g. Driver's License)
      • Annual Police Clearance Requirements

      Written and video Instructions on how to upload your documents can be found below:

      Your Investment

      The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:

      2023-2024 Tuition Fees  

      For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses is 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 through the Bookstore website.

      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.

      Program Physical Demands Analysis

      Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

      Practical Nursing (Ontario College Diploma) (MTCU Code 51407)

      The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

      1. Communicate therapeutically with clients and members of the healthcare team.
      2. Assess clients across the lifespan, in a systematic and holistic manner.
      3. Plan safe and competent nursing care, based on a thorough analysis of available data and evidence-informed practice guidelines.
      4. 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.
      5. Evaluate the outcomes resulting from all interventions in the nurse-client interaction and modify the plan of care as required.
      6. Act equitably and justly with clients and members of the healthcare team.
      7. Adapt to a variety of health care settings, using different leadership skills and styles as appropriate to each setting.
      8. Contribute to creating a healthy and safe work environment in a variety of healthcare settings.
      9. 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