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RPN Bridge Semester into Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Two students in blue scrubs work together to roll over a dummy patient in a hospital gown on top of a hospital bed.

The bridge semester is an education pathway designed recognize the credentials of registered practical nurses and support their advanced standing into Loyalist's new Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / RPN Bridge Semester into Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Start Date(s)
May (Spring)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
Domestic Students

Find your career

The Bay of Quinte region has a chronic shortage of registered nurses. The demand for nurses is anticipated to grow and accelerate over the next few decades. This pattern is projected throughout Ontario and across Canada as the demand for registered nurses increases in proportion to the country’s aging and growing population. Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will find their skills are in-demand throughout the healthcare sector. 

Upon successful completion of the six courses in the bridge semester curriculum, students will be eligible for entry into semester five of Loyalist’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 

Nurses provide care for patients in all conditions, at all stages of life – from prenatal health to palliative care – in diverse settings: 

  • In hospitals, specializing in surgical and post-surgical care; emergency; intensive care; care of the childbearing family and children; geriatrics; cardiovascular care; oncology (cancer); and mental health. 
  • In rehabilitation centres, hospices, primary care offices, nursing homes, and community agencies providing home care. 
  • As educators in public health units, schools, Telehealth, workplace wellness programs, family planning and baby wellness clinics. 
  • In research and progressive leadership positions in health and government.

Is it for you?

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

  • Passionate about helping others. 
  • Inquisitive and eager to learn. 
  • Driven to make a difference in the health of individuals, families and communities. 
  • Proficient at math and science. 
  • Mature and reliable. 
  • Great communicators. 
  • Willing to work as part of a team. 
  • Willing to reflect and seek feedback. 
  • Prepared to work evenings and weekends.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Loyalist College provides an intensive, hands-on learning approach characterized by small class sizes; dedicated faculty; close ties to employers; strong work-integrated learning; Indigenous perspectives embedded in the curriculum and innovative teaching practices including simulation and hybrid delivery. 

  • Engage with guest speakers and Indigenous educators to discuss and engage in Indigenous health and culturally inclusive collaborative initiatives with First Nations communities, as well as interprofessional education in global health settings. 
  • Research practice issues and problems, prepare conceptual arguments, draw conclusions and prepare papers and presentations. 
  • Review both quantitative and qualitative data and have access to research reports, library materials and databases at the forefront of the field of practice. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Faculty members are experienced registered nurses with varied backgrounds in mental health, maternal childcare, palliative care, acute care, emergency and trauma care, chronic illness and rehabilitation, long-term care and community nursing. 
  • Many faculty members continue to work in their fields, with up-to-the-minute knowledge of clinical practices and several faculty members hold specialty certifications from the Canadian Nurses Association. 

Courses

COMM1082 Critical Reasoning & Academic Writing

Students develop their academic reading, writing, and critical thinking skills by discussing, researching, and writing related to a variety of nursing and health topics. They develop library literacy and searching proficiency to locate information in the professional databases which are foundational academic skills. In analyzing and comparing texts and writing in a variety of academic styles, students develop scholarly academic writing and critical reading skills that support their future academic work and prepare them to communicate effectively in professional settings.

NURS1016 Ethics & Moral Theory

Moral judgment is an inescapable part of our lives. This course introduces students to the philosophical study of ethics. Students will explore the various theories of ethics that attempt to discern what it means to be good. They will also assess the most significant challenges to ethical theory, and, above all, the challenges of relativism and egoism. Discussion of contemporary moral issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, warfare, the duty to aid, animal rights and environmental responsibility will be central constructs in this course. In thinking about these topics, students will learn to recognize and work with the structure of logical argument as a way of clarifying one's own ideas and assessing the ideas of others.

NURS1019 Families in Transitions

This course focuses on promoting the health of childbearing families, encompassing the childbearing experience. It will increase awareness of health promotion with families during the childbearing and child-rearing years and explore the meaning of health from the family's perspective. It will also develop, at a beginning level, the theoretical basis for assessment, intervention and support of families during the childbearing years.

NURS1024 Pathophysiology

This course extends the students’ foundational pathophysiology knowledge. An integrated and systemic approach will be taken to provide the student with the background concepts to engage in and integrate into their practice. In this course, students will engage in the pathophysiology of all the major systems, but focus primarily on the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, neurological, and reproductive systems. It is expected that the student will bring to this course a competent background in human anatomy and physiology.

NURS1018 Professional Transitions

The study of professional transitions will be based on an understanding of the personal, the professional and the political contexts of nursing as a discipline. It will seek to expand understanding of the broader scope and accountability of the registered nurse role and will encompass critical perspectives from selected readings from the professional literature. This course is restricted to students enrolled in the RPN to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

NURS2011 Research in Evidence Informed Nursing Practice

This course allows students to explore the interaction between theory, research, and evidence-informed practice. Students develop an understanding of common research methods and the information literacy skills necessary to search, read, critically examine, and use scholarly nursing, health, and social science research. As novice research consumers, students learn to pose a researchable practice question, critically appraise research studies, and judiciously incorporate relevant findings into their evidence-informed practice with patients, families, communities, and populations.

NURS2013 Acute Health Challenges

This course examines the client’s experience of acute health challenges across the lifespan, while focusing on nursing care, therapeutics and nursing processes within a Primary Health Care framework. Prerequisite: NURS 1024 Co-requisite: NURS 2014

NURS3002 Canadian Health Care System

The Canadian health care system is an important underpinning as to who we are as Canadians. This course is designed to build on students’ current understanding of the Canadian health care system. Students explore the different levels of government and understand how each one impacts our health care delivery system. They discuss social determinant of health as it relates to access to care. Students demonstrate knowledge of the health care system and its impact on client care and professional practice. And they also assess the significant challenges to the health care system as it relates to the current funding model. Prerequisite: NURS 1018, NURS 1019

NURS3013 Children, Youth, and Families

Using Primary Health Care principles and a health promotion/health protection perspective, students will examine the determinants of health which influence childbearing families. Using a theoretical lens, learners will explore assessments, interventions, and support of families during childbearing and childrearing years. Prerequisite: NURS 2006, NURS 2010, NURS 2020, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, NURS 2022 Co-requisite: NURS 3014

NURS3016 Clinical Practicum: Acute Health Challenges

Prerequisite: NURS 2006, NURS 2010, NURS 2020, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, PHAR 2005, NURS 2022 Co-requisite: NURS 3015

NURS3014 Clinical Practicum: Children, Youth & Families

In institution and community settings, students will develop and implement strategies to explore, develop, and support positive health behaviours of young families, individuals living with mental health challenges, or chronic health issues. Prerequisite: NURS 2006, NURS 2010, NURS 2020, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, NURS 2022 Co-requisite: NURS 3013

NURS3011 Ethical & Theory Concepts

This course will explore social, physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of health, wellness and illness within the framework of Primary Health Care. Prerequisite: NURS 1026, NURS 1027

NUTR3000 Nutritional Sciences

This nutrition course will provide nursing students with fundamental knowledge related to food and nutrition. Factors influencing eating behaviours and the identification of nutritional problems are explored. The focus includes individual and public health interventions that can be implemented to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases, basic principles of clinical nutrition interventions for at-risk individuals related to malnutrition and nutrition support, and nutritional needs at critical stages of the life cycle. Prerequisite: NURS 1024

NCBE3001 Criminology

The interdisciplinary study of social science examining the individual and social aspects of crime is known as criminology. Students work through an introduction to the social science perspective on crime. Presentations, discussions, and assignments allow students to investigate the various theoretical positions related to crime and criminal behaviour. Working forward from the types and definitions of crime, students trace some of the links between government policy and the impacts of these policies on both society and the individual.

NCBE3002 Gaming and Gender: The Digital Divide

This degree elective breadth course combines the study of digital games and psychological, sociological, cultural, aesthetic and literary influences characteristic in online gaming. Students explore parallels between modern societal values related to gender and those occurring in the gaming world. Through experiential learning opportunities involving gameplay, students examine a variety of elements and how they converge or diverge from socio-cultural norms. Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.

NCBE3003 Global Citizenship

Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.

NCBE3004 Global Perspectives

Sociology, through its exploration of the organization of society and the connections between people and their surroundings, provides new ways of looking at the world. Using fundamental knowledge in the field of sociology, students analyze globalization and its impact on Canadian society. Students take opposing views to debate the opportunities and challenges that come with globalization.

NCBE3005 Introduction to World Drama

The course provides an introduction for students to a variety of dramatic works from around the world. This course will present art and history of theatre as it has evolved from pre-historic times to our post-modernist world. We will examine the literature of theatre-structure, form, genre and style and how a play text is transformed into theatre.

NCBE3006 New Worlds & Alt Realities

Speculative fiction gathers together all those works of fiction in which new worlds or alternative realities are envisioned. Within this category of prose, students have the opportunity to explore the various sub-genres that present readers with new ways of thinking about some of the issues that face society. Students also develop skills in critical analysis using a variety of approaches and methodologies from literary studies.

NCBE3007 Survival: Information Age

On an almost daily basis, the media, through its various outlets – television, radio, websites, RSS and podcasts – reports on issues that address our well-being. Through discussions, readings and assignments, students enhance their ability to interpret and question information presented by the media by better understanding the inherent risks. Issues like alternative medicine (e.g. vaccinations) and socio-legal issues (e.g. bullying, hacking, surveillance, privacy) provide grounds for students to use principles from the social science as a means to think critically about real and perceived risks in daily life.

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

NURS2013 Acute Health Challenges

This course examines the client’s experience of acute health challenges across the lifespan, while focusing on nursing care, therapeutics and nursing processes within a Primary Health Care framework. Prerequisite: NURS 1024 Co-requisite: NURS 2014

NURS3013 Children, Youth, and Families

Using Primary Health Care principles and a health promotion/health protection perspective, students will examine the determinants of health which influence childbearing families. Using a theoretical lens, learners will explore assessments, interventions, and support of families during childbearing and childrearing years. Prerequisite: NURS 2006, NURS 2010, NURS 2020, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, NURS 2022 Co-requisite: NURS 3014

NURS3016 Clinical Practicum: Acute Health Challenges

Prerequisite: NURS 2006, NURS 2010, NURS 2020, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, PHAR 2005, NURS 2022 Co-requisite: NURS 3018

NURS3014 Clinical Practicum: Children, Youth & Families

In institution and community settings, students will develop and implement strategies to explore, develop, and support positive health behaviours of young families, individuals living with mental health challenges, or chronic health issues. Prerequisite: NURS 2006, NURS 2010, NURS 2020, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, NURS 2022 Co-requisite: NURS 3013

NURS4007 Interprofessional Collaboration

Course description not available

NURS3006 Qualitative & Quantitative Data Analysis

This course examines the client’s experience of acute health challenges across the lifespan, while focusing on nursing care, therapeutics and nursing processes within a primary health care framework. Prerequisite: NURS 2011

NCBE3001 Criminology

The interdisciplinary study of social science examining the individual and social aspects of crime is known as criminology. Students work through an introduction to the social science perspective on crime. Presentations, discussions, and assignments allow students to investigate the various theoretical positions related to crime and criminal behaviour. Working forward from the types and definitions of crime, students trace some of the links between government policy and the impacts of these policies on both society and the individual.

NCBE3002 Gaming and Gender: The Digital Divide

This degree elective breadth course combines the study of digital games and psychological, sociological, cultural, aesthetic and literary influences characteristic in online gaming. Students explore parallels between modern societal values related to gender and those occurring in the gaming world. Through experiential learning opportunities involving gameplay, students examine a variety of elements and how they converge or diverge from socio-cultural norms. Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.

NCBE3003 Global Citizenship

Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.

NCBE3004 Global Perspectives

Sociology, through its exploration of the organization of society and the connections between people and their surroundings, provides new ways of looking at the world. Using fundamental knowledge in the field of sociology, students analyze globalization and its impact on Canadian society. Students take opposing views to debate the opportunities and challenges that come with globalization.

NCBE3005 Introduction to World Drama

The course provides an introduction for students to a variety of dramatic works from around the world. This course will present art and history of theatre as it has evolved from pre-historic times to our post-modernist world. We will examine the literature of theatre-structure, form, genre and style and how a play text is transformed into theatre.

NCBE3006 New Worlds & Alt Realities

Speculative fiction gathers together all those works of fiction in which new worlds or alternative realities are envisioned. Within this category of prose, students have the opportunity to explore the various sub-genres that present readers with new ways of thinking about some of the issues that face society. Students also develop skills in critical analysis using a variety of approaches and methodologies from literary studies.

NCBE3007 Survival: Information Age

On an almost daily basis, the media, through its various outlets – television, radio, websites, RSS and podcasts – reports on issues that address our well-being. Through discussions, readings and assignments, students enhance their ability to interpret and question information presented by the media by better understanding the inherent risks. Issues like alternative medicine (e.g. vaccinations) and socio-legal issues (e.g. bullying, hacking, surveillance, privacy) provide grounds for students to use principles from the social science as a means to think critically about real and perceived risks in daily life.

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

NURS3005 Clinical Practicum: Community & Population Health Nursing

This course will provide students the opportunity to work in community settings with diverse populations. Students focus on the role of the nurse in the community and public health nursing utilizing a population health framework. Students apply the principles of community assessment, development, and program planning with an emphasis on the social, political, and economic determinants of health to develop a population-focused health project. Prerequisite: NURS 2012, NURS 2013, NURS 2014 Co-requisite: NURS 3003

NURS3003 Community & Population Health Nursing

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in the community and public health nursing, using the population health framework. It addresses principles of community assessment and development, program planning, and other strategies that are supported through a population health perspective, with particular emphasis on populations, and social, political and economic determinants of health. Prerequisite: NURS 2012 Co-requisite: NURS 3005

NURS4001 Nursing in Complex Situations

This course explores the client's experience of complex health challenges. It examines related nursing therapeutics with an emphasis placed on clinical judgment and decision-making. Prerequisite: NURS 2013, NURS 2014 Co-requisite: NURS 4000, NURS 4002

NCBE3001 Criminology

The interdisciplinary study of social science examining the individual and social aspects of crime is known as criminology. Students work through an introduction to the social science perspective on crime. Presentations, discussions, and assignments allow students to investigate the various theoretical positions related to crime and criminal behaviour. Working forward from the types and definitions of crime, students trace some of the links between government policy and the impacts of these policies on both society and the individual.

NCBE3002 Gaming and Gender: The Digital Divide

This degree elective breadth course combines the study of digital games and psychological, sociological, cultural, aesthetic and literary influences characteristic in online gaming. Students explore parallels between modern societal values related to gender and those occurring in the gaming world. Through experiential learning opportunities involving gameplay, students examine a variety of elements and how they converge or diverge from socio-cultural norms. Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.

NCBE3003 Global Citizenship

Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.

NCBE3004 Global Perspectives

Sociology, through its exploration of the organization of society and the connections between people and their surroundings, provides new ways of looking at the world. Using fundamental knowledge in the field of sociology, students analyze globalization and its impact on Canadian society. Students take opposing views to debate the opportunities and challenges that come with globalization.

NCBE3005 Introduction to World Drama

The course provides an introduction for students to a variety of dramatic works from around the world. This course will present art and history of theatre as it has evolved from pre-historic times to our post-modernist world. We will examine the literature of theatre-structure, form, genre and style and how a play text is transformed into theatre.

NCBE3006 New Worlds & Alt Realities

Speculative fiction gathers together all those works of fiction in which new worlds or alternative realities are envisioned. Within this category of prose, students have the opportunity to explore the various sub-genres that present readers with new ways of thinking about some of the issues that face society. Students also develop skills in critical analysis using a variety of approaches and methodologies from literary studies.

NCBE3007 Survival: Information Age

On an almost daily basis, the media, through its various outlets – television, radio, websites, RSS and podcasts – reports on issues that address our well-being. Through discussions, readings and assignments, students enhance their ability to interpret and question information presented by the media by better understanding the inherent risks. Issues like alternative medicine (e.g. vaccinations) and socio-legal issues (e.g. bullying, hacking, surveillance, privacy) provide grounds for students to use principles from the social science as a means to think critically about real and perceived risks in daily life.

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

NURS4004 Integrated Practicum

This course provides the student with the opportunity to work and learn in a health care setting based on student interests, individual learning needs, lifelong goals and program progression policy. This integrated practicum experience uses the preceptor model and may occur in a variety of settings. Using a preceptor model the student has the opportunity to develop leadership and independence in their nursing practice and to achieve the competency level expected of nurses entering the profession. Prerequisite: NURS 4005, NURS 4006 Co-requisite: NURS 4003

NURS3017 Leadership

In this capstone course, students explore leadership roles of nurses in facilitating quality improvements in a variety of health care settings. Students examine trends, leadership strategies, and structures to promote and maintain high quality health care delivery and services. Students demonstrate their ability to create a focused, evidence-based analysis that applies empirical evidence to solving a particular opportunity, problem, gap, identified need, or challenge that is relevant to the practice environment of their Integrated Practicum. Students will choose a clinical challenge related to information and communication technology, quality improvement, cultural safety, and/or social justice in their practicum setting. The student will disseminate their synthesized knowledge of key issues using both written and visual outputs. This course will be delivered online. Prerequisite: NURS 1008, NURS 3007, NURS 3008, NURS 2020, NURS 2022

*Courses subject to change.

Two students wearing blue scrubs are working with a mock patient in a clinic setting. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation: 

  • Graduate of an Ontario College Practical Nursing diploma program in the last seven years with a minimum of 75% 
  • Hold a registration in good standing without history of disciplinary action with the College of Nurses Ontario 
  • Worked for a minimum of two years full-time (or 2,000 hours) post-graduation as a registered practical nurse (RPN) 

Applicants will be required to provide the following supporting documentation with their application: 

  • Full practical nursing diploma transcript 
  • Proof of current CNO registration 
  • Signed declaration form indicating a minimum of 2,000 hours of practice experience in the role of a registered practical nurse (RPN) 

NOTE: RPN Bridge Semester into Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a highly competitive program; possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. 

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $9,531 (year one – three semesters), $6,354 (year two – two semesters) plus ancillary fees per year.* 

*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.   

The BEGIN program 

The Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) provides tuition grants to students enrolled in RPN-RN, eliminating the financial barriers for them to grow their careers. Learn more.

Two students are engaged in a conversation wearing blue scrubs. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Upon successful completion of the six courses in the bridge semester curriculum, students will be eligible for entry into semester five of Loyalist’s Nursing – Honours Bachelor of Science program.

Other

  • The new Loyalist College Baccalaureate Nursing programs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and RPN Bridge to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) have received preliminary approval from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Graduates from these programs are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse in Ontario.

 

  • Loyalist’s RPN Bridge Semester into Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has fulfilled the necessary requirements for the Canadian Association of Schools in Nursing (CASN) Path A accreditation program and successfully completed an accreditation review in June 2024.

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