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Registered practical nursing has come a long way since the main duty of nurses was bedside care. These professionals are now vital in the healthcare environment as they practice in a professional manner within a legislative and ethical framework; develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with clients; communicate effectively with clients, healthcare team members and others; participate effectively as team members to support clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes; as well as integrate theory, principles and concepts into competent nursing practice. Graduates of practical nursing programs are prepared to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community settings. With additional courses, Registered Practical Nurses are able to work in specialized settings that include operating rooms and clinic.
At Centennial College, there exists a Practical Nursing program that allows students to complete their studies in two years.
Curriculum in this program is based on: College of Nurses of Ontario practice standards and guidelines, College of Nurses of Ontario entry to practice competencies (2009) for Registered Practical Nurses and vocational learning outcomes for Ontario Practical Nursing programs (Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities).
Faculty with expertise in the field leads all courses within the registered Practical Nursing program, ensuring that students are receiving the most relevant information.
Because the offering is facilitated out of Centennial College’s Morningside Campus, which is the college’s most technologically advanced location, students’ practical application is completed in fully-equipped labs.
The campus where this Practical Nursing program is housed also offers a simulated clinical setting that allows for computerized simulation.
Students are encouraged to partake in independent study, multimedia support and on-going clinical experience.
Specific topics include: developmental psychology, practical nursing theory, practical nursing health assessment, practical nursing professionals growth and many others.
Specific registered Practical Nursing courses include: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Practical Nursing Professional Growth, Practical Nursing Clinical Applications, Practical Nursing Theory, Practical Nursing Health Assessment and many others.
Grads of this Registered Practical Nursing program may go on to attend Centennial College’s Continuing Education programs such as Registered Practical Nurse - Perioperative Nursing or Registered Practical Nurses - Advanced Mental Health.
Academically, applicants to this Registered Practical Nursing program must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). They must also have completed English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required); Mathematics Grade11 M or U, or 12 C, or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required); Biology Grade 11 or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required); one additional science (Physics, Chemistry or Exercise Science) Grade 11 or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required). In these courses, they must have attained minimum grade scores of 75 per cent in each required subject (65 per cent in U or A level courses) and overall average of 80 per cent in four required subjects. Additionally, science courses must have been completed within the last seven years. Language proficiency must be demonstrated by successfully having completed three full years of secondary or post secondary education in Canada in English or in a school and country where English is the primary language of instruction and communication. Applicants who do not meet the language criteria must take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment and score 170 or 171. There is also a host of other requirements that students should ensure they have before applying.
Emma writes about the details of the Practical Nursing program and includes the stringent admission requirements.
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