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Practical Nursing

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Program Code: 07041
CIP Code: 51.3901
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, May, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Program Overview

Humber’s Practical Nursing program prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skill for an in demand, rewarding career as a registered practical nurse (RPN). Our graduates are prepared to complete the practical nursing registration exam requirements as registered practical nurses in Ontario where positions are possible in long-term care, hospitals and community settings.

The comprehensive curriculum includes nursing theory and practicum experiences as well as a foundation in anatomy, physiology and liberal studies. Humber is the only English-speaking college in Ontario with access to an on-campus cadaver lab for practical nursing students. Combine that with small class sizes, leading-edge simulation labs, bioscience and anatomy labs, and extensive practicum opportunities in a variety of settings across the Greater Toronto Area - Humber students have the competitive edge.

Work-Integrated Learning  

During the program, practical nursing students will participate in 1,030 hours of unpaid mandatory professional practicums. Practicums occur in each semester of the program, giving you valuable hands-on experience. All professional practicums take place in diverse settings and are arranged and communicated with students by the faculty.

Mandatory professional practicums provide students the opportunity to integrate nursing skills and knowledge in a supervised setting. Practicum experiences will be cover a broad range of settings including community agencies, schools, long-term care facilities and hospitals. Humber has relationships with many agencies and makes every effort to assist you in developing, establishing and maintaining the required standards for academic success.

In Semester 1, students learn and practise important nursing skills in Humber’s simulation learning lab.  In Semester 2, practicums occur in long-term care settings. Throughout the program's first year, students also participate in a unique community-service learning (CSL) practicum in a variety of community settings. Semester 3 practicum takes place in rehabilitation, complex or acute-care settings. Each of the practicum placements in Semesters 1, 2 and 3 are supervised directly by one of Humber’s experts in clinical education. Clinical simulation activities at the college campus are also a component of Semesters 2 and 3. In Semester 4, you will complete a preceptored pre-graduate practicum. During this final practicum, students work one-on-one alongside a practising registered practical nurse in a particular setting.

Visit Future Students > Work-Integrated Learning > to learn more about your WIL power and other success stories.

Also take time to explore the digital Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness Student Handbook to learn foundational WIL concepts, plus requirements specific to this program.

paramedic students holding a gurney with a training dummy on it

Watch the video to learn what is work-integrated learning.

Professional and Community Partnerships

Students receive practical experience through mandatory professional practicums at agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Humber maintains strong partnerships within the community - and is the preferred choice by many hospitals and facilities due to the outstanding reputation of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness and the nursing programs and their graduates.

Humber’s Practical Nursing program offers a unique Community Service Learning (CSL) requirement as a component of the program. This requirement occurs in community agencies across the Greater Toronto Area. Community service learning provides students an opportunity to give back to the community while learning about social justice and the determinants of health.

An Education in High Demand

The nursing shortage and the government and public focus on accessible and excellent health care has created a strong demand for practical nurses. As a student in the program, you will learn and apply knowledge and skills in practice to support you in this important profession.

What It Takes to Be a Practical Nurse

The practical nurse is an integral part of the health care team, working at the bedside with patients in acute-care, long term care, maternal child, mental health, and community care settings.

The College of Nurses of Ontario is the regulatory body for the discipline of nursing. Read their Fact Sheet titled Requisite Skills and Abilities for nursing practice in Ontario to find out more about the general demands and performance expectations of nurses in Ontario as you consider whether nursing is the right profession for you.

The Humber Advantage

State-of-the-art Facilities

Well-equipped labs feature leading-edge equipment, multiple simulated nursing labs, bioscience and anatomy labs that help students prepare for nursing careers in all health care settings such as providing client care as health care providers, nurse educators and managers.


We Know What It Takes

The practical nurse is an integral part of the health care team, working at the bedside with patients in acute-care, long term care, maternal child, mental health, and community care settings. Emphasis throughout this program is on developing competence in the theory and practice of nursing. Experts in their respective nursing fields, clinical practicum teachers and faculty prepare you for the challenges ahead. Not only are they dedicated to scholarly teaching, but they also offer students real world guidance and expert classroom and practicum instruction drawn from first-hand experience. Class sizes are small, giving you a quality education. Classes are divided into theory and practicum groups to help you develop support systems and networks.


Why Humber?

Humber is a leading-edge facility in every respect. This program has been awarded the highest rating for accreditation - a testament to its excellence. Learn and practice in our bioscience and health science laboratories – which includes clinical simulation labs that provide hands-on learning in a monitored environment. Continuous placement in a range of clinical settings enhances your ability to apply in-classroom education to real-life situations.


Humber Nursing Society

The Humber Nursing Society (HNS) is student-focused and seeks to broaden the education and perspectives of students engaged in Humber’s nursing degree and diploma programs.

Humber Nursing Society Logo

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

Are you a leader who thrives in a collaborative environment? Are you adaptable? Can you think on your feet? If you are interested in working with people experiencing health challenges, you could have an extremely rewarding career in practical nursing ahead of you.


Testimonials

Interested in Practical Nursing at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?

Hiroko

Practical Nursing with Hiroko Nakata

Watch the video to find out how Hiroko knew this was the right program for her.

What Can I Expect?

What can you expect in the Humber programs that are exciting and interesting?

You will be part of a very culturally diverse student population. This will help you to increase your awareness of your own culture and the positive aspects of other cultures.

In the first semester of the PN (Practical Nursing) program there are 200 students. While this sounds large, the class sizes are small. There are approximately 50 students per theory section and 8-10 students per practicum group. Within those groups you will develop support systems, networks, and friends to help you.

You will have professors and clinical practicum teachers who are extremely well prepared academically and professionally. All nursing professors and clinical practicum teachers are registered nurses who have worked in the hospital/community settings before their work in post-secondary education. The professors in your non-nursing courses (biology and humanities) are also well-educated and experienced in teaching students.

The goal of all the professors and clinical practicum teachers is to help you succeed in the program; however, your success is a shared responsibility, and you must do your part by attending classes, labs, and practicums, completing assignments on time, and studying for examinations.

The program includes many hours of mandatory professional practicums where you will have the opportunity to practice your newfound skills and knowledge with supervision. It is paced to match the level of knowledge you have gained from the theory courses. Practicum experiences are diverse and cover a broad range of settings like community agencies, long-term care, and hospitals. Humber has relationships with more than 100 agencies and makes every effort to give you the best possible experience in all the areas you could potentially work in after you have graduated.


Being a Practical Nurse

Being a practical nurse means you need to look and act like a professional. Our industry partners share what they look for in an employee and what professionalism means to them.

Patricia Geerlinks

Watch the video to hear Patricia Geerlinks discuss the importance of professionalism.

Joy Fitzgerald

Watch the video to find out what professionalism means to Joy Fitzgerald.

Dianne Martin

Watch the video to find out more about the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario.

Mary McAllister

Watch the video to hear what Mary McAllister looks for when hiring a nurse.


Math Proficiency

To assist in describing the math proficiency level in this program, view the sample math questions.

decorative imageAssessment for Entry to Practice: Outside of Canada
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Assessment for Entry to Practice: Outside of Canada

Applicable to Graduates of Humber’s

  • Undergraduate Bachelor of Science – Nursing (BScN),
  • Practical Nursing Diploma Program (PN) and
  • College Advanced Diploma Nursing

If you are wishing to have assessment forms completed to practice outside of Canada must follow these steps:

  • Email nursingcredentials@humber.ca, and
    • Attach the appropriate fillable PDF form (dependent on where you are applying for a license). (Scanned copies or pictures will not be accepted)
    • Ensure that you have signed and dated the form(s).
    • Ensure that the ‘Name of the Professional Nursing School’ is Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning as the school’s name on the form.
    • Include your Full Name, Humber Student Number and Date of Birth in the email.
  • Once these forms are received, a faculty representative will contact you for further information.

Please Note:
The completion of the forms may take up to 4-6 weeks, depending on the volume and complexity of requests.

Fees:
The fee for completing the assessment forms is $100.00 + the cost of the official transcript. This is a standard fee applied to all requests. A credit card is the only acceptable payment method. Once confirmed that all paperwork is correct, a representative will ask you for payment.


Expert Faculty

You will learn from expert professors with advanced degrees who have had exposure to various nursing experiences in both the field and the classroom. Our clinical practicum teachers are experts in the nursing field, many with advanced degrees, and bring real world experience and knowledge to the practicum setting to support your learning. Our professors and clinical practicum teachers are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on as well as the scientific knowledge necessary to help you achieve the nursing career you want.

Your Career

After successfully writing the College of Nurses Practical Nursing exam, graduates will be able to work in various health-care settings including:

  • acute-care hospitals
  • clinics and public health units
  • community nursing agencies and services
  • mental health services
  • private practices
  • rehabilitation services
  • retirement living and long-term care facilities
  • schools and childcare centres

Many of our Practical Nursing graduates go on to complete their Bachelor of Science - Nursing degree with Humber, as well as RPN postgraduate advanced-skills education used in specialty disciplines such as surgery, dialysis, cardiology and emergency.

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

The program is recognized by The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as an approved nursing program. Graduates from this program are eligible to register with CNO. 

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Closed
May 2025 Block-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
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Sep 2025 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Block-Based North Open
May 2026 Block-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Closed
May 2025 Block-Based North Waitlisted
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Block-Based North Waitlisted
Jan 2026 Block-Based North Opening Soon
May 2026 Block-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Closed
May 2025 Block-Based North Waitlisted
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Block-Based North Waitlisted
Jan 2026 Block-Based North Opening Soon
May 2026 Block-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Practical Nursing with Danick Farrales

Danick Farrales, Pratical Nursing student

Watch the video to find out about Danick's most memorable experience during his time at Humber.


Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Vasanthy Harnanan, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
vasanthy.harnanan@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U or equivalent)

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Placement Requirements

The pre-requisite requirements must be fulfilled before the commencement of your first placement. Participation in placements will not be allowed if not all the pre-requisite requirements are met. Due to the variety of venues and possible changes in legislation, the requirements are subject to change. Please use the following link to find detailed information about your program’s placement pre-requisite requirements.

View Requirements

College of Nurses of Ontario

Graduates wishing to be registered will be asked by the College of Nurses of Ontario to sign a declaration of their status regarding:

  • citizenship/permanent residence/immigration
  • any conviction of a criminal offence or an offence under the Narcotic Control Act or the Food and Drug Act
  • being a subject of proceedings with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Ontario in another health profession or in another jurisdiction in nursing or in another health profession
  • any mental or physical disorder, which makes it desirable in the public interest that the person not practice nursing.

 

These conditions will also apply throughout your program.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Vasanthy Harnanan, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
vasanthy.harnanan@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $6,613.62
  • international: $17,803.00

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Approximately $1,900 - health clearance; Canadian Red Cross CPR – HCP, Standard First Aid; A.S.I.S.T. course; C.R.C.; Mask Fit testing; immunizations; transportation and parking (varies); ASI Predictor Test (preparation test for the Canadian Practical Nursing Registration Exam).

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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