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Practical Nursing

A group of five practical nursing students are working in a mock client setting with a fake body.

Practical nurses are integral members of a health care team, providing care to patients of all ages. They combine nursing skill, knowledge and judgment to provide a full range of nursing care within their scope of practice.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Practical Nursing
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
Domestic Students

Find your career

Prepare for a rewarding career in a range of health care settings: 

  • Provide care to clients in hospital settings, including medical-surgical, maternal child and mental health departments. 
  • Community nursing settings such as: doctors’ offices, nurse practitioner clinics, home-care nursing agencies, ambulatory clinics and public health units. 
  • Promote community health and disease prevention. 
  • Work in leadership positions in retirement homes and long-term care facilities. 

Loyalist grads have historically scored above the provincial and national averages on the REx-PN (regulatory exam).  

The Practical Nursing program at Loyalist College goes above and beyond to make sure we are prepared for anything. The lab classes and simulations are extremely helpful; we got to work through real-life situations that really prepared us because the situations could change and be unpredictable, just like in the real world. The professors very effectively and efficiently prepared us with hands-on experiences. 

Krys, Practical Nursing

Our grads get great jobs

  • Registered Practical Nurse, Quinte Healthcare Corporation 
  • Registered Practical Nurse, Hastings Manor Long Term Care Facility 
  • Registered Practical Nurse, Lennox and Addington County General Hospital 
  • Registered Practical Nurse, Kingston General Hospital 
  • Registered Practical Nurse, Victorian Order of Nurses  

Is it for you?

A career as an RPN is both challenging and rewarding. People of all ages can thrive in this program. They must be: 

  • Passionate about helping others. 
  • Caring and compassionate. 
  • Inquisitive and eager to learn. 
  • Driven to make a difference in people’s quality of care. 
  • Committed to upholding ethics and morals.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Learn to assess clients’ health throughout the lifespan, and to plan, implement and evaluate appropriate nursing care, in the classroom and beyond: 

  • Engaging clinical and lab groups with intensive personal instruction. 
  • Participation in virtual simulation with realistic, interactive practice scenarios in our cutting-edge Human Simulation Lab. 
  • Engage with dynamic guest speakers from the health care field. 
  • Participate in clinical placements taught by expert nursing professors in hospitals and long-term care facilities. 
  • Gain a variety of clinical nursing skills in medicine, surgery, paediatrics/obstetrics, continuing complex care and mental health. 
  • Work one-on-one with a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) during an intensive 320-hour clinical placement during semester five. 

Please read the College of Nurses of Ontario Program Approval Review Summary for Loyalist College’s Practical Nursing program here.  

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Faculty members are experienced registered nurses with varied backgrounds in mental health, maternal childcare, palliative care, acute medicine, long-term care and community nursing.
  • Clinical professors continue to work in their field, bringing current knowledge and skills to their students.
  • Respected faculty continually integrate best practices in nursing education and have presented provincially, nationally and internationally at practical nurse educator and simulation conferences.
  • Loyalist’s Practical Nursing program has been reviewed and approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario Council (CNO) and meets all mandatory requirements. Graduates are eligible to register with CNO.

Courses

ANAT1004 Anatomy & Physiology

This course provides a detailed examination of the anatomy and physiology of the healthy human body. This course is an applied science course which provides a basis for understanding disease processes and therapeutic approaches.

PNUR1019 Foundations Lab

This course introduces the student, in a simulated setting, to selected fundamental nursing skills. Some of the skills learned include hand hygiene, medical asepsis, personal protective equipment, body mechanics, vital signs, communication, documentation as well as activities of daily living. This lab is meant to be interactive and thought provoking. Co-requisite: PNUR 1018

PNUR1018 Foundations of Nursing

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of nursing care. The nursing process is introduced as a tool for delivery of effective nursing care. The principles and procedures related to selected psychomotor skills are introduced as preparation for lab and clinical practice. Co-requisite: PNUR 1019

PSYC1014 Lifespan Development

The principles and determinants of lifespan development are discussed. Included is the application of developmental theories related to physical, psychological, social, cognitive, moral, and spiritual changes throughout the lifespan.

PROF1025 Professionalism in Nursing

This course introduces the student to the role of the practical nursing student, the nursing profession and its regulatory bodies. Core concepts include awareness of self and others, communication styles, introduction to reflective practice, and culture.

COMM1063 Scholarship of Writing

This course introduces technology and information literacy for students who require an evidenced informed approach in their program of study. This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop their written, technological, Internet and research skills. A strong focus will be on building written skills to the level of scholarly writing using a prescribed format (APA). Online communication skills will be enhanced through the use of a variety of communication tools. Students will be asked to participate in activities that foster critical thinking as they research and evaluate online materials. *Please note this course replaces COMM1048: College Writing Skills commencing January 2017.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

PNUR1002 Health Assessment

This course is designed to provide the student with the cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills required to conduct a complete physical examination and health assessment of the client across the lifespan. Included are health history, physical examination, health promotion and clinical assessment. Conceptual themes include holistic health practices, health promotion, client participation, cultural and diversity factors, and developmental tasks. Prerequisite: ANAT 1004

PNUR2020 Nursing Clinical: Chronic Illness

This course provides students with supervised clinical practice in the provision of care to adults and older adults experiencing common health needs. Students will demonstrate the knowledge, skill and judgment associated with the expected scope of practice of a second-semester practical nursing student. Practice settings are inpatient hospital units and long term care. Prerequisite: PNUR 1018, PNUR 1019 Co-requisite: PNUR 2025

PNUR2024 Nursing Skills Lab

Students will engage in psychomotor and critical skill development with a focus on areas associated with safe practices that support infection control and medication administration principles. Prerequisite: PNUR 1019 Co-requisite: PHAR 2004, PNUR 2020, PNUR 2025

PNUR2025 Pathophysiology & Nursing

This course provides the theory to enable students to provide nursing care for clients experiencing common health conditions. Pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, therapeutics and nursing interventions are presented. Nursing care is explored using the nursing process. Theory and simulation for the related cognitive and psychomotor skills are included. Prerequisite: ANAT 1004, PNUR 1018 Co-requisite: PNUR 2020, PNUR 2024

PHAR2004 Pharmacology & Medication Administration

This course includes theory related to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics and nontherapeutic response to medication. A variety of medications in each of the major classifications will be examined. Students will examine how Canadian legislation governs the control of medications. The nursing process will be applied to discussing safe medication administration practices. Prerequisite: ANAT 1004 Co-requisite: PNUR 2020, PNUR 2024

PNUR2021 Advanced Nursing Skills Lab

In a simulated setting, students will integrate theory and skills from previous and current course work to further develop their nursing practice. Students will learn a variety of skills with a focus on utilizing the nursing process while participating in acute care simulations. Prerequisite: PNUR 2024 Co-requisite: PNUR 2027

PNUR2028 Nursing Clinical: Surgical Care

This course provides practice experience related to the client and family experiencing a surgical intervention following an acute alteration in health. Nursing care is explored using the nursing process. The setting for this experience is the acute surgical floor. Prerequisite: PNUR 2020, PNUR 2024 Co-requisite: PNUR 2027

PNUR2029 Nursing Clinical: Young Family

This course provides practice experience related to the care of the childbearing client and family and the child experiencing illness and hospitalization. Nursing care is explored through a nursing process framework. Practice settings include inpatient hospital settings, the Loyalist Human Simulation Lab and various community settings. Prerequisite: PNUR 2020, PNUR 2024 Co-requisite: PNUR 2027

PNUR2027 Pathophysiology & Advanced Nusing

This course examines pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory and diagnostic results, collaborative care and nursing management for adults and their families experiencing acute illness, related to or resulting in a surgical intervention. Utilizing the nursing process, students will study the nurse's role and develop clinical judgement in relation to the physiological, psychosocial and educational needs of the patient during the perioperative period. Prerequisite: PNUR 2025 Co-requisite: PNUR 2028, PNUR 2029

PROF2040 Professional Practice & Critical Inquiry

This course builds on the Professionalism in Nursing course in Semester 1, to develop further understanding of the CNO Practice Standards. Nursing research as a basis for evidence-based practice will also be included along with a focus on advocacy, leadership, and change theory and how these concepts affect current trends and issues in the nursing profession. Prerequisite: PROF 1025

PNUR2026 Young Family Nursing

This course provides theory to facilitate utilization of the nursing process to guide nursing care for young families. It explores the nursing care for childbearing clients and their family, during the prenatal, intrapartal, and postpartal periods. Selected health promotion and illness prevention activities in childhood are examined along with the nursing care of children experiencing hospitalization and selected illnesses. Theory related to cognitive and psychomotor skills is included. Prerequisite: PSYC 1014, PNUR 2025 Co-requisite: PNUR 2029

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PNUR3004 Integrative Nursing

This course integrates knowledge and experiences from previous theory, lab, and clinical courses to examine nursing care for people with complex, ongoing, and anticipatory health needs. Interdisciplinary collaboration is explored along the continuum of care from the hospital and community. Family caregiving and palliative care are major components of this course. Prerequisite: PNUR 2025, PNUR 2027 Co-requisite: PNUR 2030, PNUR 2031

PNUR3003 Integrative Nursing Lab

Through reflective practice and application of knowledge, students will integrate nursing knowledge and clinical experiences to develop their understanding of complex health needs and enhance their nursing practice. Collaborative care will be explored through simulation and related experiential learning modalities. Prerequisite: PNUR 2021 Co-requisite: PNUR 3004

PNUR3005 Mental Health & Illness Nursing

This course provides the theory to enable students to engage in nursing care for clients experiencing mental health problems. An exploration of mental health illnesses, etiology, therapies and nursing interventions are included. The role of community supports is also discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1014 Co-requisite: PNUR 2031

PNUR2030 Nursing Clinical: Acute Illness

This course provides practice experience related to the patient and family experiencing complex and ongoing alterations in health that require medical intervention. Leadership development is facilitated by the incorporation of team leader experiences. The setting for this experience is the acute medical floor. Prerequisite: PNUR 2021, PNUR 2028 Co-requisite: PNUR 3004

PNUR2031 Nursing Clinical: Mental Health/Illness

This course provides practice experience related to the client and family experiencing mental health problems. Nursing care is explored using the nursing process. Practice settings include inpatient hospital settings, as well as supportive community agencies. Prerequisite: PNUR 2021, PNUR 2028 Co-requisite: PNUR 3005

PROF3012 Professional Leadership

This course builds upon previous Professional Courses and facilitates the student’s growing understanding of their professional accountability and responsibilities. Students gain increasing knowledge and insights into organizational issues related to staffing, workplace, and safe patient care. Leadership skills are enhanced through mentorship opportunities. Prerequisite: PROF 2040

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PNUR3006 Nursing Clinical: Consolidation

This course provides concentrated practical experience on medical/surgical psychiatric and/or continuing complex care nursing units as well as community agencies to prepare students for the beginning practitioner's role. The experience is planned to increase the number of clients for whom the practical nurse pre-graduate is able to implement care and to provide an opportunity to function more fully as a member of the nursing team. Prerequisite: PNUR 3003, PNUR 3004, PNUR 3005, PROF 3012, PNUR 2030, PNUR 2031

*Courses subject to change.

Two practical nursing students are wearing green tops and masks. The students are working with a mock body in a clinic setting. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

NOTE: This program is available to domestic students only.  

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with Grade 12 English and Mathematics (C) level or equivalent, Grade 11 or 12 Biology, and one of Chemistry or Physics at the (C) or (U) level 
  • Historically, applicants with a grade below 65 percent in any of English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics have not been admitted 

NOTE: Practical Nursing is a highly competitive program; possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission.  

OR 

  • Mature applicant
  • Applicants who have successfully completed the Loyalist College Pre-Health Sciences certificate 
  • Historically, applicants with a grade below 65 percent in any of Introductory Language Theory and Composition, Mathematics 1, Human Biology, and Chemistry have not been admitted 

Additional requirements 

  • A formal, confidential personal health history and up-to-date immunization against certain communicable diseases are required as part of the registration process. 
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Level BLS (formerly HCP) certification prior to semester two. 
  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check. 
  • This is a physically demanding profession.
  • Please note that individuals considering a career as a nurse in Ontario should review the College of Nurses document ‘Requisite Skills and Abilities’ found at cno.org and assess personal fit with the demands and expectations of nurses in Ontario. 

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences. 

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Practical Nursing Tuition: $3,986.64 (year one) and $5,954.73 (year two – three semesters) 
  • Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 for year one; and $2,050.50 for year two (three semesters) 
  • Additional Program Costs: $776 (year one) and $226 (year two) 
  • Students are required to have a laptop with a camera.

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical placements. 

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Ontario Learn and Stay Grant – NEW! 

First-semester students in this program may be eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay grant.   

The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides funding for students studying in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario with a focus on: 

  • encouraging learning and working in the same region where you study 
  • meeting current labour market needs 
  • ensuring communities have the workers they need for in-demand jobs 

LEARN MORE

A group of students in the practical nursing program are in a clinic performing different duties in blue scrubs. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

  • Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to complete the CNO exam.

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.  

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