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Programs

Practical Nursing

PNDPSchool of Nursing

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

May 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Kyla Roy

Program Coordinator / Professor

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705-566-8101 ext.6496
International Admissions
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Program Overview

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Funnel your passion for helping others into a nursing career

Prepare for a career as a registered practical nurse (RPN) with a combination of hands-on training and a strong foundation in nursing theory. Cambrian’s program is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (cno.org). Graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario. Our program features smaller class sizes and practical learning in Cambrian’s high-tech nursing labs. 
 
You’ll advance your skills and gain real-world experience by working alongside health care professionals, with over 700 clinical hours in diverse placements in the community. Upon graduation, you can apply to write the CNO registration exam and are eligible to apply to become a registered practical nurse in Ontario. 

Please note

When you accept a seat in the program, you also accept to go to any of the program’s affiliated clinical sites and you should expect that you may have to relocate. Your placement location may be different from your preference and should expect that you may have to relocate for your preceptorship placement. Clinical placements can take place on weekdays or weekends and may be an 8 or 12 hour day and/or afternoon shifts.

All related clinical placement expenses, such as travel, parking, and accommodation, are the responsibility of the student.

Program Highlights

Program highlights 

  • Capped enrolment 
  • Hands-on training in high-tech nursing labs 
  • Clinical placements in various settings 
  • Grads can apply to write the CNO registration exam and apply to become an RPN in Ontario 
  • Free tuition and funding supplies for eligible Ontario residents through the Learn and Stay Grant 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 11 (U) or (C) or grade 12 biology (U)
  • Any grade 11 (U) or grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 11  (C), (U) or (M) or grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U)

Please note: A minimum combined overall average of 70% is required in the prerequisite courses listed above

Note: Cambrian College’s Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (PHPG) program is the designated preferred preparatory program for admission to Cambrian College’s limited enrolment Health Sciences programs. Limited enrolment programs are identified within the detailed program descriptions. The minimum GPA and grades required for successful admission will be determined by the quality and quantity of the applicant pool.

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

  • Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate Level (HCP) Health Care Provider (must be renewed annually)
  • Current Standard First Aid certificate (must be current for entire program)
  • Mask testing (for N-95 mask)
  • Criminal record check
  • WHMIS certification
  • Proof of immunization status at registration for the following:
    • Two-step TB test
    • Immunizations: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, polio
    • Current tetanus – diphtheria vaccination
    • Current influenza immunization (when available for season)
    • Hepatitis B vaccination
    • If born after 1970, must have two measles vaccinations
    • Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended but not required
    • COVID-19

Note: Criminal record check, influenza immunization, TB skin test, WHMIS, and Basic Cardiac Life Support certificates must be renewed on an annual basis – there is a fee required for these renewals. Proof of previous varicella infection (chickenpox) must be supplied if not immunized for this disease.

Recommendations

  • Computer competency in relevant software
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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Winter 2026
  • Semester 4: Spring 2026

Spring term start

  • Semester 1: Spring 2025
  • Semester 2: Fall 2025
  • Semester 3: Winter 2026
  • Semester 4: Spring 2026

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Winter 2027
  • Semester 4: Spring 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
PND 1001Technical Concepts Health Care3
PND 1105Human Relations3
PND 1015Nursing Practice I3
PND 1003Nursing Theory I3
PND 1004Professional Growth I3
PND 1000Health Assessment4
BIO 1035Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nursing3
 Credits22
Semester 2
PND 1212Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan3
PND 1213Nursing Practice II4
PND 1008Pharmacology I3
PND 1214Clinical Practicum I6
PTH 1210Pathophysiology for Practical Nursing I3
PND 1215Nursing Theory II3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits25
Semester 3
PND 1315Nursing Practice III4
PTH 1310Pathophysiology for Practical Nursing II3
PND 1316Nursing Theory III3
PND 1317Clinical Practicum II6
PND 1011Pharmacology II3
ENG 1121Research & Writing/Health Sciences3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits25
Semester 4
PND 2325Professional Growth II3
IND 1062Indigenous Perspectives on Care3
PND 1410Nursing Practice IV4
PND 1412Clinical Consolidation 12
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits25
 Total Credits97
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,710.97Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$22,162.83Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Nursing

Do you have the compassionate nature and critical thinking skills needed to excel in the field of nursing? Cambrian offers a wide range of programs that provide you with the bedrock to succeed as a nursing professional, from basic training as a personal support worker to mastering the talents of an exceptionally qualified registered nurse with a BScN degree.

Learn more

Program specific pathways

Graduates from this program (or equivalent) could be eligible for advanced standing in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and receive direct entry into year three.  Students looking to take advantage of this pathway, must complete the PN to RN Bridge program prior to requesting admission to the Nursing degree program.

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

  • Hospitals
  • Community
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Health care facilities, services, and programs
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Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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