Overview
The Practical Nursing Program at Sault College provides you with the strong foundational knowledge, skills and values needed to demonstrate safe, competent care as a Registered Practical Nurse.
In this 2-year program, you will work with experienced faculty to learn in the classroom setting, through hands on and simulation in state-of-the-art labs and under the guidance of clinical teachers in health care settings providing care to clients.
Graduates have employment opportunities in practice settings such as hospitals, community, long term care and other facilities, health related services and programs and education.
Graduates choosing work in specialized areas may require additional education or work experience.
As a graduate, you will be eligible to write the provincial regulatory exam to become a practicing Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.
Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
Students starting the Bachelor of Science - Nursing (Honours) (BScN) program or the Practical Nursing (PN) program at Sault College in September 2025 will be eligible to apply for the grant which provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books, and other direct educational costs.
The grant will support postsecondary students enrolled in targeted priority programs in underserved communities, including BScN and PN at Sault College, by providing funding in exchange for committing to serve in the north region after graduation. It is a key component of Ontario’s A Plan to Stay Open, announced in March 2022, which includes a number of measures to recruit more people to commit to working within the province’s health system.
Click here to learn more about the grant >
Courses
| PNG121 - 3 Anatomy and Physiology II |
| PNG127 - 3 Health Assessment |
| PNG130 - 3 Nursing Theory II |
| PNG131 - 16 Nursing Practice II |
| GEN110 - 3 Student Selected General Education |
| Note: *This student-selected general education course code indicates a general-education course is taken in this semester. Students will choose from a selection of courses (details) prior to the semester in which the student-selected general education course is to be taken. |
| PNG250 - 3 Pharmacology II |
| PNG251 - 4 Pathophysiology II |
| PNG252 - 4 Nursing Theory IV |
| PNG253 - 10 Nursing Practice IV |
| PNG254 - 16 Nursing Practice V |
| Note: *This student-selected general education course code indicates a general-education course is taken in this semester. Students will choose from a selection of courses (details) prior to the semester in which the student-selected general education course is to be taken. |
Requirements & Program Information
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 ENG4C
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Grade 11 Foundations for College Math (C) MBF3C
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Grade 11 Biology (C) SBI3C
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Grade 12 Chemistry (C) SCH4C or Grade 11 Chemistry (U) SCH3U
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OR 2.8+ GPA in Pre-Health Sciences
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As of September 2025, an average of 70% in the required courses will be required for applications to be considered.
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Missing any requirements? Get them for free from Academic Upgrading.
This program has more applications than seats available. Applications will be ranked based on the average of the required courses. We do not accept the GED for admission.
Personal Support Worker is not a direct entry into the Practical Nursing Program. Successful completion of both PSW140 and PSW150 at Sault College will be accepted for Grade 11 Biology SBI3C. Personal Support Worker graduates would still require:
- Grade 12 Chemistry (C) SCH4C or Grade 11 Chemistry (U) SCH3U, and
- Grade 11 Foundations for College Math (C) MBF3C
Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements
In order for students to be eligible to complete clinical placement, which is a mandatory component of education, specific clinical requirements must be satisfied, and documentation submitted by the due date identified for the program.
All placement documentation must be submitted to the appropriate College contact for verification by the program mandated deadlines.
It is the responsibility of the student to keep up-to-date placement requirement documentation (and copies) to present to faculty and/or placement agencies as required. The College does not retain copies of any placement requirements.
Placement agencies have the right to deny access if requirements are not met. Students who do not participate in immunizations or other clinical requirements due to medical contraindication, religious or other reasons who are denied access to the placement setting by an agency will be unable to complete the necessary requirements of the program.
Failure to submit the documentation for any requirements by the expected due date will result in the student being unable to attend clinical placement, resulting in an unsatisfactory grade in the clinical practice course.
Students are responsible for the full cost of obtaining placement requirements. Tuition is not refunded if access to clinical placement is denied or if proof of requirements is not submitted within the required timeframes.
CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- STANDARD FIRST AID
- CPR - Basic Life Support Level (BLS) (annually) with AED, must be for Health Care Providers, no online courses are permitted
- WHMIS (current)
- N95 MASK FIT TESTING CARD (every 2 years), requires a clean-shaven face for appropriate fitting (recommended: students can/should attempt to be fitted for two sizes, if possible)
- IMMUNIZATIONS (see required immunizations below)
- CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK Level 3 VULNERABLE SECTOR SEARCH (VSS) (annually), Level 3 Criminal Record Check (should be obtained/renewed as close to the start of the school year as possible, i.e. August)
Clinical Placement Requirements are due as indicated:
- Students entering YEAR 1 of Practical Nursing (3024), due date is DAY 1 of first semester
- Students entering YEAR 2 of Practical Nursing (3024), due date is AUGUST 1, before returning to final Fall semester.
College Contact for Clinical Requirements: Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca
Clinical Requirement Specifics:
Standard First Aid
- Required upon entry to the program, must be current within 3 years
- Must be obtained in Ontario, through a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) approved First Aid and CPR Training Agency
- All aspects of the course are to be delivered in person; online delivery is NOT acceptable
- Must be current within 12 months
- Must be completed in Ontario, through a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) approved First Aid and CPR Training Agency
- All aspects of the course are to be delivered in person; online delivery is NOT acceptable
- Must be current within 2 years
- Must be completed in Ontario
- Testing requires a clean-shaven face for appropriate fitting; students should attempt to be fitted for 2 sizes if possible.
Standard First Aid, CPR (BLS), and the N95 Mask Fit Test - are offered through Sault College`s Continuing Education Department. You may also access these courses through other providers, as long as they meet the clinical/placement requirement specifications.
WHMIS CERTIFICATE
- Must be completed in Ontario
- Can be obtained free of charge online through LMS from Sault College once the term begins, OR access to LMS is permitted (registration must be paid)
- Must be current within 12 months
- Must be completed in Ontario
- Must be Level 3 VULNERABLE SECTOR SEARCH
- Must be completed through local or provincial Police (online or in person); 3rd party online background checks are NOT acceptable
- A letter may be required by the OPP from the College, please email: Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca to obtain this
The laws, rules and regulations regarding the acquisition of a criminal record check and the Sault College Criminal Record Check Policy shall be enforced and applied in accordance a manner consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 and all other applicable statutes or regulations.
Why is a Police Vulnerable Sector Check necessary?
Sault College placements are bound by this policy and the policies of placement providers. Given this, the purpose of a police vulnerable sector check includes but is not limited to the following:
- The protection of vulnerable persons;
- The protection of the interests of students;
- The protection of the interests of the placement agencies; and
- The protection of the interests of the College and its employees.
Students will be advised of the process to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check during the first month of the first semester or when field placements are confirmed.
Individuals who have charges, pending charges or a criminal conviction for which record suspension has not been granted, must contact the College Contact listed above for their program. A meeting will be scheduled with the Chair to discuss their ability to participate in experiential learning in order to complete all program graduation requirements. If a student fails to disclose this information, their academic status will be adversely affective. Prospective students should know that if a criminal record exists, the student’s ability to complete the academic requirements and graduate from their program may be in jeopardy.
Student questions about the Police Vulnerable Sector Search and the submission of these documents may be made to the College Contact listed above for their program.
Please visit the Sault College Criminal Record Check Policy and procedural information located on the Student Portal. On the Student Portal, select Support Services, then select Forms and Policies.
Students must also sign a Statement of Confidentiality.
Immunizations:
Documentation as indicated for each item below is required to be submitted to the Sault College Health Centre:
CHICKEN POX(VARICELLA)
- Two vaccinations after the first birthday, OR
- Blood work (serology) showing immunity
- Two vaccinations after the first birthday, OR
- Blood work (serology) showing immunity
- Proof of booster within last 10 years
- A two-step Mantoux skin test unless there is documentation of a previous negative two-step Mantoux skin test, then only a single TB test is required.
- Individuals having received a BCG vaccination in the past are still required to have a two-step skin test administered.
- A copy of a chest x-ray is required for any positive skin test.
- Receipt of all doses (a series) AND
- Blood work (serology) showing immunity
- mandatory; the flu vaccine is expected for students in placement in Fall/Winter (October/November)
- mandatory (2 doses); boosters recommended
Notice to International Students:
The necessary immunizations for your program can be obtained from your home country and you will need to submit those immunization records along with the College Health Form to the Sault College Health Centre. Without this information, it will be necessary to see a health care professional, obtain blood work and possibly, additional immunizations once you arrive.
All other requirements (Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, N95 Mask Fit, Police Vulnerable Sector Check) must be obtained and completed after your arrival in Ontario.
As per Canadian Immigration policy, all International students completing a program with a practicum (field/clinical placement) component must obtain a Coop/Work Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stating that they are permitted to attend practicum as an integral part of their studies. International students will not be able to attend placement without obtaining this permit.
Career Path
Today`s registered practical nurse is a valued member of the health care team. Graduates have employment opportunities in practice settings such as hospitals, community, long-term care and other health care facilities, services and programs. In addition, they may find employment opportunities within other organizations and agencies that require nursing knowledge and expertise. Graduates choosing to work in a specialized area may require additional education or work experience.
In Ontario, the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the Nursing Act have conditions for registration that impact Ontario students entering and completing the Practical Nursing program and proceeding to write the registration examinations. These conditions are required to protect public interest. When applying for provincial registration, information must be provided about citizenship, previous incidence of criminal offences, professional misconduct, and incompetence or incapacity in another health profession in Ontario or in nursing in another jurisdiction. Applicants must also provide information about any physical and/or mental disorders that make it desirable, in the public interest, that the person not practise. This new legislation for all individuals requesting registration should be reviewed by students applying to the Practical Nursing program.
For information on the implications of this new legislation, call the College of Nurses of Ontario at 1-800-387-5526.
Dress code
Dress Code for Practicum and Labs:
The public we serve and the institutions with which we share contractual agreements expect a neat, well-groomed and professional appearance of the nursing student. A professional image communicates respect, caring and inspires confidence and trust with our clients and others. It is expected that Sault College Practical Nursing students will follow the Dress Code as outlined in the handbook and will also adhere to the policies of the agencies they are involved with. Students who do not comply with the dress code for lab or clinical practicum will be asked to leave the area.
1. Identification
- A Sault College name tag is to be worn and be visible at all times in the lab or clinical practicum areas (includes data collection).
- Name tags must identify the full name of the student and the name of the program.
- Name tags may be pin or magnet style and can be purchased from a variety of local retailers.
2. Uniforms/Clothing
When attending lab classes or attending an agency to data collect, student will wear the following:
- Sault College black, collared polo shirt with PN program name embroidered on the front upper left side and black pants (plain, in good repair, with no logos).
- A plain black or white sweater or Sault College PN Program warm-up jacket is permitted for warmth in the lab.
- Clean, solid-coloured athletic shoes with closed heel and toe and non-skid soles.
- A navy blue coloured uniform top with Sault College logo and black scrub pants; the uniform will be clean, pressed, in good repair with a fit to allow for reaching and bending without exposing skin.
- A black or white warm-up jacket or Sault College PN program jacket may be worn. There is to be no writing or logos on the warm-up jacket.
- Shoes: duty shoes or athletic shoes that are solid in colour (white, grey, blue, black) with no logos, closed toe and hell, non-skid sole, clean and in good repair. Shoes worn in clinical are not to be worn outside of the facility.
- Manual Blood Pressure Cuff
- Dual headed Stethoscope
- Bandage scissors
- Watch with a second hand
- Pen light
3. Jewellery
Jewellery is a source of bacteria and injury to students and clients. The ONLY jewellery permitted is:
- a plain wedding band (no stones or ridges)
- Medic Alert chain or bracelet
- Stud earrings (one earring per ear is recommended).
4. Hair
When providing client care hair is to be:
- Neat, clean, kept out of the eyes and off the face and collar.
- Hair longer than shoulder length is to be tied back and ponytails are not allowed to dangle onto the field of care.
- Facial hair, if present, is to be neatly trimmed and groomed to facilitate mask fit; cultural and religious practices will be taken into consideration on an individual basis.
Extreme hairstyles and unnatural/exotic colours and accessories are not acceptable.
Hats, scarves or headwear are not permitted except those required by religious mandates.
5. Make-up/Nails
Make-up/grooming products, if worn, are to be subdued and fragrance free.
Perfume and colognes may not be used. Students should be aware that strong odours may be offensive and cause nausea in some clients; this includes:
- strongly scented shampoos, deodorants and other lotions
- tobacco odour
- body and mouth odour
NOTE: Clinical agencies may have additional dress code requirements.
Other Supplies:
Student preparation is essential for success; students will be expected to obtain all required and necessary resources (textbooks, workbooks, binders and paper, writing utensils, uniforms, clinical tools).
All students will be required to have access to a laptop with the following specifications, to be uses for remote learning, in-class and online evaluation:
- i5 processor (or equivalent)
- 8GB of RAM
- 226 SSD (Solid State Disk)
- Windows 11 operating system
- Webcam, microphone capability
- Broadband internet services from a provider or your choice, for off-campus remote delivery or activities
Fees & Costs
| Domestic | International | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
| $3,261.10 | $1,160.00 | $18,250.10 | $1,810.00 |
These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Important links
Contact
For inquiries regarding entry requirements and the application process, please contact the Registrar`s Office at: Registrar@saultcollege.ca
For International students, please contact the Onshore Team at: Onshore@saultcollege.ca
For other program inquiries, please contact the Program Coordinator: Lori Bertrand, at: Lori.Bertrand@saultcollege.ca
September intake is available for this program. Please contact the Registrar`s Office for further information.