Overview


APPLICATIONS will open may 1, 2025

When applications are being accepted, an application form will be made available on the How to Apply page of this website. Applicants will be able to complete the application form and upload their documentation. Applications are not accepted over email.


The Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium has developed a hybrid model competency-bridging program of study to help prepare Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) to launch their registered nursing careers in Ontario.

All components of the program of study are completed online except for the simulation labs and clinical placements which are completed in person. All students are required to complete the Orientation Module and Professional Practice course. Students who are not recognized by the College of Nurses of Ontario as having baccalaureate level education should complete the entire program. Students who are recognized by the College of Nurses of Ontario as having baccalaureate level education should complete the IEN Transition to Practice course.

The new Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium IEN Transition to Practice Course is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Applicants who successfully complete the Council approved Transition to Practice Course will meet CNO’s transition to practice requirement to support their application for registration.

Program of Study Components

Orientation Module
IEN Transition to Practice Course
Competency-Based Course
Simulation Labs
Clinical Placement
Professional Practice Course which includes employment supports, NCLEX-RN preparation, and virtual simulations on challenging conversations

Students who complete the competency-bridging program of study should meet the College of Nurses of Ontario’s nursing education requirement, transition to practice requirement, evidence of recent practice requirement, and become eligible to write the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) if required.

Students will have access to a Student Adviser, English Language Adviser, and Course Instructors to help them address their individual learning needs. Students will be supervised by Preceptors and a Faculty Advisor during their clinical placement to ensure that they practice in a safe manner. The program of study has a culturally inclusive and responsive learning environment to support students. Academic advising will also be available for students who are not successful in progressing forward in the program of study.

Mission Statement

To provide an accessible, flexible and high quality pathway for Internationally Educated Nurses to obtain their Registered Nursing education requirements to practice in Ontario.

Vision

Transitioning Internationally Educated Nurses into Registered Nurse practice to support Ontario’s healthcare needs.

Publication

A paper has been published about the Competency-Bridging Program of Study in the Quality Advancement of Nursing Education Journal. The paper can be found here: https://qane-afi.casn.ca/journal/vol9/iss1/2.

Disclaimer

The Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium will make every effort to present the competency-bridging program of study as advertised, but it may be necessary to make changes to the program of study components with little or no notice. The program of study will only be offered if a sufficient number of students register.