2 Years - 4 Semesters
Ontario College Diploma
Campus: Sault Ste. Marie
Start Dates: Sep 2024
Program Code: 3024

Overview

In this 2-year program, you will work with experienced faculty to gain the foundational knowledge, skills and values needed to demonstrate safe, competent practice as a licensed practical nurse.

As a student of the program, you’ll study physiology, anatomy and psychology and participate in clinical placements to give you the hands-on experience needed to meet the demands of your career.

Want more tools to help you succeed?

Our state-of-the-art Adult Medical-Surgical Simulation Lab allows you to learn through active participation in life-like situations.

You’ll also have access to a large general lab, a simulated home, assessment lab and a maternal-child sim lab where students can focus on other communication, critical thinking and hands-on skills.

Become a registered practical nurse (RPN) with Sault College

As a graduate, you will be eligible and prepared to write the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nursing (Rex-PN).

You have a passion to help others. Let’s take the next step in making a difference in our communities together!

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 2024 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.   Students continuing their studies  at Sault College in year two   of BScN or PN in September 2024 will also be eligible.

Click here for full details about Learn and Stay > 

 

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
  • Grade 11 Foundations for College Math (C) MBF3C
  • Grade 11 Biology (C) SBI3C
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (C) SCH4C or Grade 11 Chemistry (U) SCH3U
  • OR 2.5+ GPA in Pre-Health Sciences
  • OR mature student status. Mature students must still meet all program prerequisites in the sciences.

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. An average of 65% in the required courses will be required for applications to be considered. 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.

The absence of documentation for any requirements or failure to submit the requirements by the expected due date will result in the student being withdrawn from the course in which clinical placement is an element.   Tuition will not be refunded if access to clinical placement is denied.


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)
  • POLICE VULNERABLE SECTOR CHECK (PVSC) (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:

  • Practical Nursing (3024) - Year 1 - Due Date - Day 1 of first semester
  • Practical Nursing (3024) - Year 2 - Due Date - Day 1 of returning semester

College Contact for Clinical Requirements:  Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca 


Please Note:


All original placement documentation must be submitted to the appropriate college contact 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.

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.

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.

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.

Clinical Requirement Specifics:

Students should endeavor to have all of their requirements completed prior to their program start date.  If unable to obtain all requirements prior to the program start date, a list of available resources in the community can be provided.  Sault College cannot guarantee that appointment dates or course times will be available prior to identified program deadlines.

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 - The WHMIS course is available to registered students free of charge on LMS (Learning Management System). Registration takes place after mid-August and mid-December when tuition has been paid.

Two Step TB Skin Test or Blood Test - Please be advised that the Step Two TB Skin Test is available locally through Algoma Public Health, however, testing, although offered weekly, is limited. It is our suggestion that you schedule this test early so that you complete the requirements by the deadlines listed on this page for your applicable program. Algoma Public Health contact information is (705) 541-7085. In the event that Algoma Public Health is not offering TB skin testing, please contact your health care provider and watch for information regarding clinics on LMS.

Immunizations:

Complete required immunizations prior to the first semester of the program and submit official records, along with the College Health Form, to the Sault College Health Centre.

 

  1. 2 Step TB Skin Test or TB blood test or Clear Chest X-Ray
  2. Annual 1 Step TB Test (as needed)
  3. Measles/Mumps/Rubella
  4. Tetanus/Diphtheria (within 10 years)
  5. Chicken Pox (documented proof of immunity)
  6. Hepatitis B
  7. Influenza Vaccine (October/November)
  8. COVID vaccine*

* The Covid-19 pandemic remains a global concern. We encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider regarding the decision to be vaccinated. Please note clinical placement agencies may require evidence of vaccination prior to entry to placement. Further, they may refuse a student entry who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC):

For your program, a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) is required.

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:

 

  1. The protection of vulnerable persons;
  2. The protection of the interests of students;
  3. The protection of the interests of the placement agencies; and
  4. 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.

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:

A neat and well-groomed appearance is expected of the student in Practical Nursing by the public we serve, the institutions with whom we share contractual agreements and the Nursing profession. A professional image communicates respect, caring and inspires confidence and trust with our clients and others.

It is expected that Sault College students in Practical Nursing will follow the Dress Code as outlined in the Student Success Guide at all times and will also adhere to the policies of the agencies they are visiting as students.

Depending on specific agency policy, it may be necessary for the student to remove all visible body piercing or conceal visible tattoos which the agency feels are not appropriate in meeting the professional/safety expectations for their clients.

1. Identification

  • A Sault College name tag is to be worn at all times when in the practicum/community areas.
  • A school crest is to be worn on the upper left side of the uniform and the warm-up jacket (if worn). The crest is to be attached securely (no staples or pins).

2. Uniforms

  • Practical Nursing students will wear a navy blue uniform (no writing on the uniform). The style of the uniform must be professional in appearance. The uniform must have sleeves (no T-shirts or jeans). No low V-neck uniforms allowed. The uniform will be clean, pressed, in good repair and fit must be sufficient to allow for reaching and bending without exposing skin.
  • Pants are to be hemmed and should not touch the floor (no rolled ankle cuffs).
  • A navy blue warm-up jacket may be worn. Warm up jackets are not to be worn at the bedside when delivering patient care. There is to be no writing on the warm-up jacket.
  • White/navy blue colour coordinated untasseled ankle socks may be worn with pantsuits.
  • Keys, pens or stethoscopes are not to be worn around the neck.
  • When a student is in the practicum area in street clothes (ie. data collecting, Community agency), attire, including footwear, must be professional (no T-shirts, sweat shirts or sweat pants or jeans). Name tags are to be worn.
  • Uniforms are not to be worn to and from work unless otherwise directed.
  • Duty shoes are not to be worn outside the facility. Clean, all white duty shoes with closed heel and toe and non-skid soles are required.

3. Jewellery

  • A watch with a second indicator is required.
  • A plain wedding band is allowed.
  • Neck chains, if worn, must be inside the uniform.
  • One pair of small studs or keeper earrings allowed-one earring per ear.
  • Practical Nursing students are required to have bandage scissors.

4. Hair

  • Hair is to be neatly styled and worn off the face and collar.
  • Men are to be clean-shaven and have facial hair trimmed.

5. Make-up

  • Make-up, if worn, is to be subdued.
  • Fragrance/colognes may not be used.
  • Nails are to be clean, short and unpolished.
  • No artificial nails are permitted.

NOTE: At certain labs, the dress code policy may be altered at the teacher`s discretion.

Fees & Costs

DomesticInternational
TuitionAncillaryTuitionAncillary
$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.

Contact

Program Coordinator: Lori Bertrand, (705) 759-2554 ext 2640, lori.bertrand@saultcollege.ca

 

 

September intake is available for this program. Please contact the Registrar`s Office for further information.

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