Loyalist College’s Practical Nursing program receives Approved (Category 1) status from the College of Nurses of Ontario

Belleville, Ontario, July 12, 2019 – Loyalist College’s Practical Nursing Ontario College diploma program has received an Approved (Category 1) status, the highest rating conferred by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the province’s regulating body for registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).

This is the third consecutive five-year term during which the College’s program has been recognized as Approved (Category 1). Current graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as RPNs in Ontario.

“Significant effort and dedication go into achieving CNO’s Approved (Category 1) status,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO. “The College community is proud of the commitment to excellence Practical Nursing faculty and staff exhibit. They go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional educational experience.”

Loyalist’s Practical Nursing program consistently exceeds expectations for curriculum according to the entry-to-practice competencies as well as an annual review of the program’s key performance indicators, which include students’ and graduates’ satisfaction with the program; graduation rates; and graduates’ performance on the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE).

Practical Nursing students learn to assess clients’ health throughout the lifespan, and to plan, implement and evaluate appropriate nursing care, in the classroom and beyond. They receive intensive personal instruction in small clinical and lab groups; participate in virtual simulation with realistic, interactive practice scenarios on the third floor of the renovated Northumberland Wing where Loyalist students collaborate on integrated programming, projects and applied research. This innovative experiential learning space houses interprofessional simulation centres, high-tech classroom environments and state-of-the-art student spaces.

On June 7, Loyalist College’s collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with Brock University was approved by CNO, following the annual review process. With the Approved (Category 1) status, Brock-Loyalist graduates are eligible to apply for registration as RNs in Ontario.

The Brock-Loyalist Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is recognized for hands-on learning and academic excellence with an innovative curriculum based on current standards and best practices. Students spend the first two years at Loyalist and the final two years at Brock University to graduate with a B.Sc.N. awarded by Brock. They learn in small clinical groups with personal, continuous guidance from experienced faculty. The transition to Brock is supported with a campus orientation, meetings with faculty and senior students, and access to housing assistance.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. When it comes to Ontario college graduates getting jobs, Loyalist is the top College in the province, according to KPI results, released November 2018. Of 2016-17 Loyalist graduates, 90.8 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com; including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses; and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 5.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $465 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2018 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment

Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536