Are the program of study components offered online?
All program of study components except for the clinical placement are offered online.
Do I need to be a resident of Ontario?
Yes, there are no exceptions.
Do I need to complete the entire program of study?
All students are required to complete the Orientation Module and Transition to Professional Practice course. Students who need to meet their nursing education requirement should complete the Entry to Practice Competencies for Internationally Educated Nurses course. Students who need to meet their evidence of recent practice requirement should complete the Virtual Simulation Labs and Clinical Placement course. Students will be informed about the program of study components they need to complete in their acceptance letters.
Will the courses cover the competency gaps listed in my CNO letter?
Yes, the competency-bridging program of study covers all entry to practice competencies.
Can I submit proof of English language proficiency after the application deadline?
No, proof of English language proficiency must be submitted before the application deadline.
Will you accept unofficial CELBAN or IELTS test scores as proof of English language proficiency?
Yes, we will accept unofficial CELBAN and IELTS test scores.
Will the competency-bridging program of study help me address the College of Nurses of Ontario’s evidence of recent practice registration requirement?
Yes, students who complete the competency-bridging program of study will have addressed their evidence of recent practice registration requirement.
Will I be required to complete virtual simulation labs and clinical placement if I have met the College of Nurses of Ontario’s evidence of recent practice registration requirement?
No, if a student has met the College of Nurses of Ontario’s evidence of recent practice registration requirement they will not be required to complete the virtual simulation labs and clinical placement.
Where will the clinical placements need to be completed?
Clinical placement locations, dates, and times will not be known until closer to the weeks the clinical placements will need to completed. Students will be required to attend the clinical placement they are assigned and will be responsible for any associated travel costs.
How many hours of clinical placement do I need to complete during the clinical placement course?
Students will need to complete 216 hours of in-person clinical placement from January 20, 2025 to March 2, 2025 which will be approximately 36 hours a week. Students will need to follow the schedule of their Preceptor. Students cannot complete more than 80 hours of clinical placement and work within two weeks.
How many hours should I dedicate to studying each week?
Students should dedicate approximately 15 hours each week to studying.
Do I need to attend class on a specific day and time each week?
No, students are mostly able to complete the program on their own schedule. There will be certain dates and times when students will need to be present to attend live Zoom sessions throughout the program and they will be given advance notice about those sessions.
Can I work while completing the program?
Our students tend to work while completing the program and take a leave of absence from work during the clinical placement course.
Will I receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree after completing the program of study?
No, students will not receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after completing the competency-bridging program of study. The program of study is designed to help Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) meet the nursing education requirement and evidence of recent practice requirement. Students will receive certificates of course completion after completing the courses. A verification of course completion form will be sent to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) after students complete the required program of study components to verify that they have met the nursing education requirement and evidence of recent practice requirement. Please note that completion of the program of study does not guarantee registration with CNO. All eight requirements listed on the CNO website must be met in order to achieve registration.
Will I be able to apply for a Masters Degree or PhD program after completing the program of study?
The competency-bridging program of study is not preparatory for a Masters Degree or PhD program.
Will I be able to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
No, students of the competency-bridging program of study are not eligible for OSAP but they are eligible for the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) which provides up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement.
How many applicants are accepted into the competency-bridging program of study?
45 applicants will be accepted into the competency-bridging program of study.