Practical Nursing

Northern College’s Practical Nursing program is a two-year diploma designed to prepare students for a meaningful career in healthcare. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing, teaching students to provide care for patients of all ages and health conditions, from minor injuries to complex and palliative care. Students develop essential skills in communication, leadership, and the nursing process, while learning to promote health and wellness in individuals, families, and communities.

Hands-on learning is central to the program, with training in Northern’s state-of-the-art facilities and an eight-week professional placement that allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Fully approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario, the program meets national Entry-to-Practice competencies and prepares graduates to successfully write the Regulatory Exam – Practical Nurse (REx-PN), enabling them to become licensed Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) ready to contribute to diverse healthcare environments.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Core nursing skills, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care across the lifespan.
• Holistic approaches to health, wellness, mental health, and palliative care.
• Communication, leadership, and teamwork within healthcare settings.
• Evidence-informed, ethical, and professional nursing practices in preparation for RPN licensure.