Types of nursing positions

Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

• Must complete 4 semesters over 2 years in a college program leading to a diploma in Practical Nursing
• An RPN cares for patients with less complex needs, and patients with stable and predictable conditions

Registered Nurse (RN)

• Must complete a baccalaureate degree through a collaborative college-university nursing program or a four-year university nursing program, both leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BScN) or Bachelor of Nursing degree (BN)
• An RN’s role is to autonomously care for patients regardless of the complexity of their conditions

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Must be a qualified RN and complete additional education and gain experience
• An NP’s role is to autonomously diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe pharmaceuticals and perform specific procedures depending on the specialty certification they hold

For more information on nursing specializations visit this link.

Relevant websites

• Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
• Ontario Nursing Association
• Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
• Canadian Nurses Association
• Canadian Nursing Students Association
• College of Nurses of Ontario
• International Council of Nurses
• Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario
• Health Force Ontario
• Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Registered Nurses

General Admission Information

Every school has their own admissions process and requirements. Refer to each school’s website for more information. Below are some general admission pieces and requirements you may find.

• CASPer Test
• Undergraduate study and pre-requisite courses
• Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Interview