Program Description
In this community college diploma program, foundational knowledge in areas of clinical practice, decision-making, critical thinking, leadership, research utilization and resource management are developed. During the 16 months of continuous study, the curriculum covers knowledge that prepares a student to take on the role of becoming an autonomous practitioner who will care for a range of patients in a variety of health care settings.
It is a goal of the program faculty and staff that the Practical Nursing program at Mohawk College complies with the standards, outcomes, and competencies of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and to maintain compliance in accordance with accreditation. For a more detailed description of the competency profile please refer to the full document found at: CNO’s entry to practice competencies PDF
Professional Practice Experience
Our Practical Nursing Program offers the opportunity for students to practice and consolidate learning in simulated experiences and in health care settings. In semester 2 and Semester 3 students will complete a group placement. The students are in Professional Practice each semester for one – 12-hour day per week, which may be scheduled any day of the week. The group placement is completed at the agency with an instructor. In semester 4, students complete a preceptored Pregrad experience. Students will complete 40 hours per week for 7 weeks with an RPN preceptor. The students are required to work the same shifts as their preceptor. Mohawk College uses HSPnet to assist in securing all Professional Practice experiences. Students will have the opportunity to identify their preferences using HSPnet. There are no guarantees as the system then randomizes the preferences with the goal being the best match possible within the Mohawk College catchment area. Changes to assignments in HSPnet can only be requested for students with formal accommodation plans in place.
(see Section 4: Professional Practice Placements for more information)
Placement team members:
- Diana Powell – diana.powell@mohawkcollege.ca Ext 6837
- Assists with agency specific information, HSPnet access, and all other Professional Practice inquires.
- Moya Allen – moya.allen@mohawkcollege.ca Ext 6753
- Assist with electronic agency documentation information, facility contact and preceptor contact.
- Kaleigh Best – kaleigh.best@mohawkcollege.ca
- Field Placement Specialist
Language Requirement
All instruction at the college is in English. All applicants to the program are expected to be proficient in the English language skills of communication, comprehension, reading, and writing to meet the demands of the program.
