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Practical nurses in Ontario are essential healthcare professionals who administer certain medications, conduct medical procedures, and educate patients, families, and caregivers about healthy living. If you're eager to launch a rewarding career that combines specialized expertise with professional respect, Fanshawe’s Practical Nursing program will help turn your aspirations into reality.
Your journey starts with foundational studies in anatomy, nutrition, pharmacology, and developing strong communication skills with patients, families, healthcare teams, and community members. You'll gain the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while adhering to the professional standards and responsibilities of practical nursing. The program continuously adapts to reflect the latest advancements and trends in healthcare. Classroom theory, simulated practice in our advanced labs, and extensive clinical placements in acute, community, and long-term care environments—all supervised by experienced professionals—will prepare you for real-world challenges.
By blending clinical experience and simulations throughout the curriculum, Fanshawe’s Practical Nursing diploma equips students with the expertise needed for success. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination. Passing this exam qualifies you for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). This accredited five-level, 63-week diploma program trains graduates to provide care for individuals, families, groups, and communities across diverse healthcare settings.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with a minimum final grade of 65 in each of the following courses:
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (U or M) or Grade 12 Math (C* or U)
- In addition to meeting the academic course requirements, applicants must complete the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics test (CASPer) assessment.
TOEFL iBT: 92 (22 writing, 26 speaking, 20 reading and 20 listening)
IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 with no score less than 6.5 in reading and listening and a score of 7.0 in writing and speaking
CAEL: 70 in writing, reading and speaking and a score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic: 65
Cambridge English: Overall score of 185 with no language skill less than 176 and a score of 185 in listening
ESL4/GAP5: Minimum grade of 80% in Level 10
Duolingo: Overall 135 with Literacy minimum 130 and no other sub scores below 125