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

Practical Nursing Program

Our Practical Nursing Program offers the opportunity for students to practice and consolidate learning in simulated experiences and in health care settings. In Semesters 1, 2 and 3, students will complete group placements. Semester 1 Professional Practice placements take place during the last 7 weeks of the term and students are in a clinical setting for two 7-hr shifts. During Semesters 2 & 3, students are in Professional Practice for one – 12-hour day per week, which may be scheduled any day of the week. The group placements are completed at the agency with a clinical supervisor. In semester 4, students complete a preceptored Pregrad experience. Students will complete 40 hours per week for 7 weeks with a nurse 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 clinical accommodation plans in place.

Practical Nursing (PSW to PN Bridging Stream)

Professional practice courses (clinical) are in-person at health care agencies. Shifts may be scheduled during the week or on weekends. Semester 1 is two 7hr shifts per week, Semester 2 and 3 is one 12hr shift per week, and Semester 4 is 40 hrs per week for the final 7 weeks of the Semester (days, nights, weekend shifts).

Clinical placements

May occur at locations that are not accessible by public transit. Students should expect to either have access to a car or the ability to supply their own transportation when attending clinical placements in our catchment area that includes Hamilton, Brantford, Halton, Niagara, Norfolk, Haldimand, Dunnville, Peel, Wellington, and surrounding areas.

Placements are assigned using randomization software based on placement options and students indicating preferences. Unfortunately, not everyone gets placed where they want as it is not logistically possible. We do not move students after the randomization process has been completed.

Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to clinical placements.

Students who miss the first 2 weeks of clinical placement (for any reason) will be removed from placement and the co-requisite courses. There are mandatory onboarding sessions during weeks 1 and 2 of clinical placement that cannot be rescheduled if missed.

Placement team members: