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Programs

RN Prescribing

RNPRSchool of Nursing

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A nurse prescriber in scrubs types diligently on a laptop at a desk, with a stethoscope nearby, balancing technology and healthcare.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

May 2024

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

Program Delivery

Online / Part-time

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Program Duration

2 Semesters
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Lynn Chartrand

Experiential Advancement Manager

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Program Overview

A medical professional in a teal uniform discusses a prescription with an older adult, pointing to the document while holding a pen.

This new graduate certificate RN Prescribing program allows registered nurses (RNs) to expand their role to include the prescribing of medications. The Ontario government recently announced that, beginning in January 2024, they will allow registered nurses to prescribe medications, after meeting specific requirements, for certain conditions such as contraception, immunizations, smoking cessation, and topical wound care in a variety of settings including long-term care residences and retirement homes.

In consultation with stakeholders and using evidence from other jurisdictions to align with legislation, the Registered Nurse – Prescribing program was developed to meet the needs of Ontarians in a safe, efficient way.

Cambrian College is part of a consortium of seven Ontario colleges delivering this program across Southeastern and Northwestern Ontario. Indigenous and bilingual ways of knowing and learning were considered in the development of the program to ensure that the needs of all communities served can be met. The online program delivery model ensures access for nurses across all of Ontario and learners are encouraged to register for their program with the college that is in closest proximity to their preferred clinical placement location.

Program Highlights

  • Courses will be delivered online over a 14-week semester. You will have one year to complete the two theory courses and one clinical placement (150 hours).
  • CNO approved.

Admissions

To be eligible for this program, you must:

  • Be a registered nurse with current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
  • Have two years of full-time work experience in nursing (3,900 hours or equivalent).
  • Have Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status or appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that permits an individual to engage in the practice of nursing in Ontario.
  • Students will have one calendar year to complete the two theory courses and one clinical practicum course (150 hours).
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Academic Upgrading

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

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!

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

Career Outcomes

Registered nurses working in a variety of settings including long-term care homes and retirement homes.

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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!

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!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

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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