Nurses are in high demand, and are expected to remain so for quite some time. If you’re in the nursing field, Ontario college nursing bridging programs may be the right option for you; programs provide the education needed for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) to get BScNs and become Registered Nurses (RNs), for internationally trained nurses to get certified for work in Ontario and for RNs to improve their current skills.

If you’re interested in furthering your nursing education, here’s what you need to know.

Nursing Bridging Courses

Nursing courses in bridging programs provide in-depth knowledge and an enhanced learning experience for RPNs and RNs – those who already have a certain level of education and experience in the nursing field.

Program lengths will vary, but all programs will consist of different types of nursing courses that allow students to bridge into Bachelor of Science Nursing programs if a certain academic level is achieved. Course subjects in lectures and lab practice may include (but aren’t limited to):

• Ethics
• Research
• Technology in health care
• Health assessment

Some nursing bridging programs offer clinical placements, where students will gain real-life experience applying the skills they’ve learned in the program.

General Nursing Bridging Program Requirements

For Registered Practical Nurses, nursing bridging programs at Ontario colleges require proof of certification in Ontario, as well as transcripts from your college program.

Some bridging programs are used by RNs, including those wanting to brush up on their medical knowledge and those who are internationally educated. Requirements for these cases vary, so check program details carefully.

Nursing Bridging Jobs and Salaries

Nursing jobs can be found in a variety of medical settings, such as clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and other health centres. Nurses work in a wide range of medical departments, including (but not limited to):

• Intensive care
• Long-term care
• Pediatrics
• Emergency
• Surgery

Graduates may choose to further their nursing education in a program that has an area of specialization, like critical care or operating room perioperative.

The average starting salary for graduates of Ontario college nursing bridging programs is $46,000 per year. RN salaries are much higher with experience, averaging around $70,000 per year and even higher for those with a specialty.

Ontario Colleges Offering Nursing Bridging Programs

Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of nursing bridging programs at Ontario colleges.

More Information

• Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
• College of Nurses of Ontario

lpn to rn bridge programs canada

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are skilled professionals who play a vital role in the health care system. They provide support to Registered Nurses (RN), doctors and other health care professionals, ensuring patients get the best care possible. According to Workopolis Canada, the average pay for LPNs working in Canada is between $20 to $25 an hour; RNs on the other hand make between $30 to $40 an hour. There has been a push to make more educational upgrading opportunities available to LPNs wanting to become RNs.

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1Athabasca University

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Athabasca University located in Athabasca, Alberta offers a three-year post LPN Bachelor of Nursing degree program. Prospective students must have an LPN diploma and should have at least one year of full-time LPN work experience (equivalent of 1,700 hour). Applicants should have at least a C- grade average and no grade below a D in high school English and two science courses.

Centre for Nursing and Health Studies Athabasca University 1 University Drive Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3 Canada 800-788-9041 ext. 6381 athabascau.ca

2SIAST

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The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) offers a LPN Bridging program. Only applicants with an LPN diploma will be considered. The degree is offered through the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan located in Saskatoon. There is a part-time study option available and some courses can be taken online.

Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan Registration Services SIAST Kelsey Campus Idylwyld & 33rd Street Saskatoon SK S7K 3R5 Canada 866-467-4278 siast.sk.ca

3University of Prince Edward Island

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Students who have graduated from Holland College’s two-year LPN program can apply to enter the University of Prince Edward Island’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. Successful completion of high school or equivalent courses in English, Math, Chemistry, and Biology is required. The University of Prince Edward Island is located in Charlottetown.

School of Nursing University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Ave. Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3 Canada 902-566-0733 upei.ca

4Ryerson University

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Ryerson University in Toronto offers a collaborative Registered Practical Nurses bridging program with Centennial College and George Brown College . Practical nurses can complete a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree in two years. Applicants must have high school courses or equivalent in English, Biology and Chemistry and Mathematics.

School of Nursing Ryerson University 350 Victoria St. Toronto, ON M5B 2K3 Canada 416-979-5300 ryerson.ca

Program Overview

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You may also be interested in the Flexible, In-Class or other options:

• Bridging to University Nursing – Flexible
• Bridging to University Nursing (In-Class)
• Bridging to University Nursing – IEN (Internationally Educated Nurses)

PLEASE NOTE: To take this program, you must be an RPN who holds a diploma from a Ontario community college of applied arts and technology (CAAT) with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

This Bridging to University Nursing Online Hybrid is an academic pathway offered online to assist registered practical nurses (RPNs) to bridge to University. Centennial’s Bridging to University Nursing program (Online Hybrid delivery) is offered on a part-time basis, delivered over six continuous semesters. The goal of this program is to prepare RPNs to be eligible to continue their nursing education at the university level. Degree completion requirements offered by Ryerson University are taken on a part-time basis over 30 months. Please note that admission to Ryerson is not guaranteed and remains a competitive process. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to review all admission criteria for Ryerson University prior to application. 

Students who choose the online hybrid delivery program will spend time asynchronously and synchronously online to support their learning. Students will be self-directed, will apply adult learning principles and will gain knowledge through discovery. A problem-solving approach to each course will develop critical thinking and analytical skills as well as broadening perspectives. 

The curriculum in the Bridging to University Nursing Online Hybrid courses is based on the College of Nurses of Ontario Standards of Practice for Nursing and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Nurses. It aims to provide a solid foundation for nursing practice by emphasizing ethics and professional practice, health assessment, skill enhancement, and caring for clients with acute and chronic illnesses. 

An exciting and unique aspect of this program is its focus on caring for individuals, groups and communities in acute care, mental health and community settings. 

To ensure that you are prepared for the field, this School of Community and Health Studies program will give you opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction, facilitation and guidance of faculty. Placements are allocated within the Greater Toronto Area and students are expected to arrange travel and accommodation where necessary to complete the practicum courses. 

The Bridging to University Nursing Online Hybrid program features the same curriculum as the full-time and flex delivery of the Bridging to university nursing program. 

Please Note: To take this program, you must be an RPN who holds a diploma from an Ontario community college of applied arts and technology (CAAT) with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.