Practical Nursing (PSW-PN Bridge)
Graduate in just two years in this accelerated program. The curriculum is designed to strengthen theory with concurrent practical experience in our modern labs using high tech, high touch simulation tools. This program offers a pathway to Trent University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Program Information
Start Date
May 05, 2025
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
September 02, 2025
Domestic Availability
Coming Soon
International Availability
Coming Soon
CIP Code
51.3901
Program Code
PNB
Delivery
Hybrid, Placement
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
$3001.54 per semester*
International Tuition
$9548.97 per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
January 05, 2026
Domestic Availability
Coming Soon
International Availability
Coming Soon
CIP Code
51.3901
Program Code
PNB
Delivery
Hybrid, Placement
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
$3001.54 per semester*
International Tuition
$9548.97 per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
May 04, 2026
Domestic Availability
Coming Soon
International Availability
Coming Soon
CIP Code
51.3901
Program Code
PNB
Delivery
Hybrid, Placement
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
$3001.54 per semester*
International Tuition
$9548.97 per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
Registered Practical Nurses have a role in society that offers a range of choices and opportunities. You will make a difference.
During the four semesters in the Practical Nursing program, you will learn the concepts and skills related to health and nursing. You will also learn nursing practices and interventions in specific health situations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice nursing skills in both the nursing and simulation lab. After successfully completing this diploma program, graduates are eligible to write the national examinations with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and become registered to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse. Graduates wishing to be registered with the CNO will be asked to sign a declaration of their status regarding:
- citizenship
- any conviction of a criminal offense under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Ontario
- any mental or physical disorder which makes it desirable in the public interest that the person not practice nursing
The Practical Nursing Program at Fleming College is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.
Please be sure to read the Requisite Skills and Abilities document from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
After several career changes, I found the confidence to pursue my lifelong dream of a career in nursing. The program was challenging and gave me the building blocks of critical thinking and communication skills. Clinical placement was an experience unlike any other, and really opened up my eyes to the demands of this profession. I was fortunate to get my job through my placement, in the field of health care that I really enjoy."
Tonia Barber, RPN - Maternal/Child Care Unit, Peterborough Regional Health Centre
The Practical Nursing program has strong links with Peterborough and the surrounding community's health care facilities and organizations, ensuring students have excellent clinical opportunities to explore various aspects of nursing. Employers in the health care field have recognized Fleming's Practical Nursing program as an excellent program, producing knowledgeable and clinically well-prepared graduates.
The Practical Nursing Diploma Program at Fleming College is currently Approved (Category 1) by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario
Ninety percent of Fleming's Practical Nursing graduates in 2017 were successful in passing the national exam to become registered to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse. This high standard of pass rate for the exam has been consistent since the inception of Fleming's Practical Nursing program in 2002.
You will have clinical experiences, chosen by faculty, in hospitals and/or community settings throughout the program. The final field practice assignment will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and skills for your role as a graduate of the Practical Nursing program.
A love of working with people, as well as a desire to help them to attain their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual potential is critical to your success. As a vital member of the health care team, it is essential that you have the following personal and academic attributes:
- integrity
- empathy
- compassion
- emotional maturity
- good listening skills
- commitment
- accountability
- flexibility
- respect for diversity
- competence in reading, writing and mathematics
- ability to be self-directed
Students would benefit by having basic computer and internet skills including e-mail, word processing, and file management.
As a graduate of Fleming's Practical Nursing diploma program, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to care for individuals, families and groups across the life-span. You will be able to work in acute hospital care settings, community health agencies, industry, clinics, doctor's offices and long-term care facilities.
As a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) you are able to practice independently in a variety of health care settings. You will seek the collaboration of other health care team members, including the RNs, with complex health care issues. You will also have an opportunity to promote health and wellness and prevention of illness through educational programs.
Fleming College and Trent University have introduced a new pathway that will allow Fleming Practical Nursing graduates to seamlessly continue their education with the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing.
Qualified Fleming graduates will be given advanced standing equal to five credits in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. The graduates must have earned a 75% average or better in the Practical Nursing program to qualify.
The agreement is in place for Fleming graduates who want to continue at Trent to earn their degree. Past graduates of the Practical Nursing program are eligible to apply. For more information, see the Fleming College and Trent University articulation agreement and visit Trent’s website.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textbook Cost | - | $569.00 | $185.00 | $314.00 |
| Kit Cost | - | $97.00 | $100.00 | $152.00 |
| Field Placement expenses | Placement $10 at PRHC, but may vary based on acute care facility, long term care, retirement homes and community practice. Travel and or parking costs - varies depending on placement location | |||
| Uniforms/program shirts | Uniform $62 plus tax; Sweater $60 plus tax | |||
| Professional Exam Cost | $350 plus applicable taxes | |||
| NARS Cost | Police Check $50, TB test $50, First Aid CPR $150; Mask Fit $50 | |||
| Portfolio Builders |
Students need to be in good health. Independent physical mobility and manual dexterity are essential in nursing. Please consult the program Coordinator if there is concern regarding the physical expectations of the program. A cognitive analysis may also be required.
Non Academic Requirements
Your program has mandatory requirements which include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.
Failure to provide any of the required Non Academic Field Requirements by the specified due date will result in an inability to participate in the mandatory placement components of the program.
Students who met the above pathway eligibility criteria will have been required to complete the following PSW-PN pathway courses, available for online registration through any participating NPTI registering college:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nursing Theory Bridge
- Nursing Professionalism
- Math for Practical Nurses*
- Health Assessment
- Transition to Practical Nursing
Students who successfully completed each of the above pathway courses with a minimum passing grade of 60% (*80% in Math for Practical Nurses) and within twenty-four months, are eligible to apply through the Ontario Colleges’ Application Service (OCAS) for direct admission into Semester Two of the PN program at any receiving college.
Students are advised that admission to a receiving college may be subject to some conditions, including the start date of Semester 2 and the availability of spaces.
Colleges reserve the right to verify the students are proficient in the language of the receiving college.
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to Ontario Tech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 5th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
- Refer to Seneca College's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.