Post-RPN to BScN – Bridge

General information

The RPN — 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 UOIT and Durham College. The Post-RPN — 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:

• BIOL 2830U – Microbiology for Health Science
• HLSC 0880U – Science Bridge
• HLSC 1701U – Information Literacy and Written Communication for the Health Sciences
• HLSC 2202U – Comprehensive Anatomy and Physiology
• HLSC 2460U – Pathophysiology I
• HLSC 2461U – Pathophysiology II
• HLSC 2820U – Nutrition for Nursing Practice
• HLSC 3601U – Interprofessional Health Care Teams
• HLSC 3710U – Ethics
• HLSC 3800U – Critical Appraisal of Statistics in Health Science
• HLSC 3910U – Research Methods for Health Care Professionals: Theory and Application
• PSYC 2010U – Developmental Psychology
• NURS 0420U – Professional Nursing - Bridging
• NURS 2420U – Knowing Through Inquiry
• NURS 2705U – Health & Healing: Life Transitions Across the Lifespan, Nursing Theory and Practicum (RPN to BScN)
• NURS 2820U – Integrated Health Assessment and Pharmacology
• NURS 3700U – Health and Healing: Healthy Communities Nursing Theory and Practicum
• NURS 4100U – Nursing Leadership and Innovation
• NURS 4700U – Health and Healing: Synthesis Professional Practice
• NURS 4701U – Professional Nursing Integrated Practicum

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 UOIT.

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 given a standing of program probation, regardless of their overall GPA. A second grade of less than C in a repeated professional nursing (NURS) course will result in withdrawal from the Nursing program.

A second grade of less than C in any repeated or subsequent theory and practicum course including NURS 1700U , NURS 2700U , NURS 2701U , NURS 2705U , NURS 3700U , NURS 3701U , NURS 4700U  and NURS 4701U  will also result in withdrawal from the Nursing program.

Additionally, a third failing grade in any of the program required courses will result in a withdrawal from the Nursing program. These courses include:

• A grade less than C in a NURS designated theory and practicum course. and/or
• A grade of F in any HLSC required course outlined on the program map.

Students who are withdrawn from the program, but have maintained the academic standing to remain at the university may apply for a program transfer.