College Nursing Program Offer Theory and Practical Experience
We have a strong clinical component to our practical nursing programs,” says Steven Jacobs, coordinator of the Nursing program at Centennial College. “Students take many science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology and many nursing courses. The mannequins [we have in our labs] breathe, speak, and are able to do breath sounds. So, our vital simulation lab is really state-of-the-art and really assists our students in learning a lot of the nursing skills they need to know. Once our students graduate, we have a 98% pass rate on the College of Nurses exam.” Erica, a students in the Nursing program, offers her perspective: “I think it’s real interesting to work with the figures that they have that mimic human vital signs and impulses so I have an idea of what it means to work with patients. So I’m not going in there with cold feet and hands. I’m actually prepared.”
These glowing testimonials offer a great overview of the Practical Nursing program, which takes two years to complete. In order to apply, students must have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are: Compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or equivalent, Biology 11C, or U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent and one of the following sciences chemistry or physics 11U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent. Meanwhile, non-academic requirements include English proficiency, official transcripts of upgraded courses (if required), Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR), where applicable; Canadian citizenship, permanent residence of Canada or authorization under the Immigration Act (Canada); no criminal convictions including those under the Narcotic Control or Food and Drugs Acts; no subject of proceedings, with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in another health profession in Ontario, or in nursing in another jurisdiction; no suffering from a mental or physical disorder that makes it desirable in the public interest that you not practice; annual clear vulnerable police check prior to clinical placement, a completed immunization review form; successful completion of a current recognized course in CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid and a mask fit testing.
The Practical Nursing program reflects the 2009 Entry-to-Practice Competencies from the College of Nurses of Ontario. These competencies reflect the evolving and expanding role of the Practical Nurse as provided by the Nursing Act and the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). In addition, students are taught in small groups in clinical and laboratory settings utilizing the latest technology, such as computerized simulation, by a faculty group that has extensive clinical expertise. Specific courses in this college nursing program include: Practical Nursing Theory (three levels), Anatomy & Physiology, Developmental Psychology, Practical Nursing Professional Growth (three levels), Practical Nursing Clinical Application (three levels), and more. Classroom instruction is supplemented by independent study, multimedia support and on-going clinical experience. In addition, students partake in a field placement that sees them working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community settings to apply what they have learned and obtain new practical knowledge.
Graduates of this specific registered practical nursing may pursue further study in Centennial Continuing Education programs: RPN – Perioperative Nursing or RPN – Advanced Mental Health. In addition, they may pursue further study a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Centennial’s innovative Bridging program.
