Centennial College offers a Practical Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally- Educated Nurses (IENs). This program has been specifically developed to meet the needs of internationally-educated nurses with an approved diploma in nursing out-of- country, but who do not have an equivalent baccalaureate nursing degree in Canada. The program meets the challenges faced regarding registration exams, occupation specific language, patient care skills, and academic training to meet competencies required for registration and licensure as a nurse in Ontario. Internationally-educated nurses who do not wish to pursue baccalaureate nursing education in Canada may enroll in the Practical Nursing Bridging Program for IENs.

This program is two semesters of theoretical and practice courses plus a 14-week preceptorship experience in a health care facility under the direction of a faculty mentor and nurse preceptor. The first two semesters have been designed to be delivered in four or five days per week. However, the preceptorship course is offered five to seven days per week (40 hours /week) for 14 consecutive weeks. Successful completion of the program allows the internationally-educated-nurse with a diploma in practical nursing to write the Registration exams as a Practical Nurse. The internationally- educated-nurse will be able to integrate into the Canadian healthcare delivery system as a Registered Practical Nurse and provide care to clients with stable and predictable outcomes.

The curriculum of this program has been designed in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario’s Professional Standards and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Practical Nurses and provides appropriate academic training to meet competency requirements for registration.

This three-semester fast track program focuses on assisting internationally-educated nurses to develop their knowledge, critical thinking, communication, clinical skills and competencies to integrate into chronic or acute health care settings. The curriculum is centred on the concept of caring as being central and unique in nursing. We believe that the values, which are important to the profession of nursing, should be evident in all relationships with faculty, students and administration. Caring, respect, genuineness, honesty, integrity, and other professional values should mark all our interactions with each other.

This Policy and Information Handbook has been developed to provide internationally- educated nurses in the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program with important information about the program and the policies and procedures that govern practice and behaviour. The information will assist the student to be successful in the Program. The handbook should be read thoroughly at the beginning of each Semester and referred to throughout the program as required. If you have any questions about the information in the handbook, please feel free to speak with any faculty member, the program coordinator, or the Chair of Nursing Programs.