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 Ontario Tech University 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 .
Clinical evaluation
A student who receives a failing grade in the practicum component of a NURS Theory and Practicum course may request a clinical evaluation appeal (which will comprise a review of all documentation related to their placement).
Students are normally expected to contact their year coordinator first to discuss their evaluation and seek an informal resolution. If the concern is not resolved, they may request a clinical evaluation appeal. The student shall lodge the appeal with the faculty dean, specifying the rationale for their appeal and making clear the components to be re-evaluated. The deadline for requesting a clinical evaluation appeal is the last day of the final examination period or three weeks after the final review meeting, whichever is later.
The appeal will be reviewed by a clinical evaluation appeal committee comprised of the dean’s delegate and two members of the academic staff. In reviewing the appeal, the committee shall meet with the student, who is entitled to be accompanied by a campus advisor at this meeting, provided 48 hours advanced notice is given as to the identity of the advisor. The committee may also meet with the faculty or clinical instructors involved in the assessment. The committee will then conduct a thorough review of the appeal and recommend a resolution to the dean. The dean will notify the student of the decision in writing. It is expected that every effort will be made to render the decision within 30 days of the committee having received the appeal.
