General information
The RPN to BScN Bridge program is offered in collaboration with Durham College and Georgian College. The post-diploma BScN program for registered practical nurses provides RPNs with enriched knowledge in the sciences, nursing and other disciplines. The program will utilize the latest in learning technologies to enhance access for working professionals. The program may be completed on a full-time basis at the Barrie campus of Georgian College or on a full-time or part-time basis at the shared Oshawa campus of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College. The RPN to BScN (Hons) Bridge program holds accreditation with the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Students seeking admission to the RPN-to-BScN Bridge program must be graduates from an approved practical nursing Ontario College diploma program (or equivalent). Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved a GPA of at least 2.7.
Applicants must hold and maintain a current Certificate of Competence from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Qualified students must successfully complete three bridge courses: HLSC 0880U , HLSC 1701U , and NURS 0420U , each with a GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.3 scale) or higher prior to acceptance into the RPN to BScN degree program. Students will be restricted to the above courses with a maximum course load of 9 credit hours in their first semester.
Post-RPN degree requirements
1. BScN 120 credit hours including:
a) Transfer credit hours for completion of a Practical Nursing Diploma and current Certificate of Competence as a Registered Practical Nurse from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
b) Elective requirements: 12 credit hours outside major at any level
c) Major requirements – 75 credit hours including:
2. Residency requirement
Up to an additional 15 credit hours of advance standing may be granted based on a student’s previous university experience. Half the degree credits must be taken through the university.
Program progression requirements
A student must achieve a minimum grade of C in all professional nursing courses (NURS) in order to pass the course. Students who earn a grade lower than a C in any of the courses designated NURS will be put on program probation, regardless of their overall GPA.
A second grade of less than C in any repeated NURS designated course will result in an academic standing of Program Dismissal.
In addition, a second grade of less than C in any subsequent theory and practicum course (NURS 1700U , NURS 2700U , NURS 2701U , NURS 2705U , NURS 3700U , NURS 3701U , NURS 4700U , NURS 4701U ) will result in program dismissal.
Also, a total of three failures in any combination of required HLSC or NURS courses will result in an academic standing of Program Dismissal.
Students who have failed a third attempt of any required program course will be dismissed from the program as per the university’s repeat policy.
Students who are dismissed from the program, but have maintained the academic standing to remain at the university, may apply for a change of program.
Program progression review
Students who have been dismissed from the program may, with sufficient grounds, request a Review of Academic Standing as outlined in the university’s academic regulations .
Program professional suitability
Safety of students and patients in placement settings is of paramount importance for the Nursing program and for the clinical setting. The following requirements are in place to ensure the provision of safe, competent and ethical nursing care while students are undertaking a placement in a clinical setting.
Requirements for safe practice
In order to be eligible to participate in placement, students will be required to meet specific requirements for safe practice within established timelines as stated in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Handbook. These requirements include the successful completion of course-related mathematics and practicum assessments, health and safety requirements, and a criminal reference check. Students who do not successfully meet the requirements for safe practice will not be approved to participate in their practicum placement and will be required to withdraw from their respective NURS Theory and Practicum course until the next time the course is offered, the requirements are met, and a placement site is available.
Clinical review
A student on placement in a clinical setting, who has exhibited behaviour that is inconsistent with the norms and expectations of the profession, or that places the student, patients or others at risk, may be immediately suspended from the program and subject to a review and possible sanctions, in accordance with the university’s academic regulations .
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