Nursing - Post RPN (Barrie)
Overview

If you have successfully completed your Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) diploma from an approved program, hold a current RPN registration and are interested in pursuing a Nursing degree, this program is for you.
You will have the opportunity to enrich your knowledge in the sciences, nursing and additional disciplines, while being introduced to the latest in learning technologies to enhance your success as a working professional.
This program is available for full-time study at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario.
Please note that we are no longer accepting applications for the 2022/23 academic year. Applications for the 2023/24 academic year will open in September 2022.
Ontario Tech has been a key driver of me becoming the nurse I have always dreamed of! The university has supported me through hands-on experiences through clinical placements, compassionate professors, and amazing supports for my mental wellness and career development. They’ve helped me grow into who I was meant to be in the health-care field. Safa Malek Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing, Class of 2021 Direct Care Worker, Stewart Homes
Admissions
Admissions
You must hold an approved Ontario college diploma (or equivalent) in Practical Nursing with a minimum A- average. In addition, you must hold a current certificate of competence with no restrictions from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
Note: 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.
Upgrading
There are three ways to upgrade your admission average:
- University level course(s)
- The university-level courses can be completed through any recognized university.
- Courses can be in any subject area. We suggest you avoid courses in the program map (see curriculum tab) so they can transfer as electives.
- Post-diploma certificates (approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences)
- College courses
Our upgrading metric is as follows:
Each university course |
Each approved certificate* |
Each college course*** |
|||
90 to 100 per cent |
Four points |
|
Four points |
90 to 100 per cent |
Two points |
80 to 89.9 per cent |
Three points |
80 to 89.9 per cent |
1.5 points |
||
70 to 79.9 per cent |
Two points |
70 to 79.9 per cent |
One point |
||
60 to 69.9 per cent |
One point |
60 to 69.9 per cent |
Zero points |
- Coursework must be after completion of the RPN diploma program.
- Applicants may pursue a maximum of three upgrading courses/certificates. As such, it is possible to positively impact your average by a maximum of 12 per cent.
- Transcripts with final grades for upgrading courses must be submitted by January 31 of the year of your intended start.
* These are some examples of approved certificates. Certificates other than these must be reviewed and approved by the Health Science Student Affairs Committee.
** Credible certificate programs at the RPN level must state Nursing (RN/RPN).
*** College courses must be outside of the approved certificate program.
Note: You are not upgrading your Practical Nursing (PN) diploma average, but your admissions average. Once your diploma has been conferred, the average achieved cannot be changed through any forms of upgrading. Upgrading does not guarantee admission into the program.
Last year's cut-off | 84 per cent |
---|---|
Expected cut-off | Mid-80s |
The application process and important dates/deadlines are outlined on our college-to-university transfer applicant page.
Career opportunities
- Acute care and high-acuity settings
- Community and public health nursing
- Health administration and management
- Health and clinical data analysis
- Health policy and promotion
- Specialty practice areas, such as neonatal intensive care and labour and delivery
Experiential learning
We have approximately 50 partner sites for clinical placements. They range from hospitals (such as maternity/obstetrics, medical surgery, psychiatry, oncology) to public health and community health centres.
You will learn how to assist and enhance patients' health and help people cope with the demands of illness, including changes in their families, community and society.
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Sample courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Development of Self as Nurse
- Health and Healing, Theory and Practice
- Health Assessment
- Interprofessional Health Care Teams
- Microbiology for Health Sciences
- Nursing Leadership and Innovation
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for Nurses
The full program map is available on the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Courses are subject to change without notice.