Overview

Algonquin College is proud to be a partner in the Nursing Transformation: PSW to PN Pathway Initiative. This initiative is designed to remove barriers, recognize prior learning and experience, and encourage Personal Support Worker (PSW) graduates to continue their studies in the field of Practical Nursing. The pathway initiative consists of six individual courses that, once completed, can be used to transition into the second term of the Practical Nursing program.

Please note that acceptance into the pathway does not guarantee a spot into level 2 of the Practical Nursing program. You will still be required to apply to the Practical Nursing program after completing the pathway. Space is limited and therefore priority will be given to the students with the highest marks.

The application process for the PSW-PN pathway is now closed. Applications are currently being reviewed and selected students will be notified. Please check back for updates as to when the application process will reopen.

Eligibility

To be eligible for PSW to PN pathway courses you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status or appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that permits an individual to engage in the practice of nursing in Ontario.
  • Graduated with a 65 percent cumulative average from a PSW program in Ontario that meets the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities program standards (includes PSW programs offered by the public colleges, private career colleges, and district school boards in Ontario).
  • Have worked as a PSW in Ontario on a regular basis within the past five years.

If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to start taking these pathway courses, please complete the Admission Request Form to have your eligibility verified.

An official transcript of your marks from the college that you attended must be submitted to be considered for the PSW-PN pathway

We recommend starting this process at least three weeks before the course start date(s) as space in the courses is limited.

You can expect to hear back about your eligibility within 7-10 days. If you have any questions about eligibility please reach out to Susan Ogilvie at ogilvis@algonquincollege.com

Pathway Course Registration

Once your eligibility has been confirmed, please contact the Registrar’s Office to register for the PSW to PN Pathway courses. We recommend calling at least two weeks before the course start date(s) as space in the courses is limited.

Local: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-GRAD (4723)

There are six courses total, and you can register for one, or more of the courses at a time. The courses are designed with flexibility in mind and are delivered asynchronously online, so you can complete them when and where you want. The six courses you must complete are:

Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Theory Pathway
Nursing Professionalism
Math for Practical Nurses
Health Assessment
Transition to Practical Nursing

If you have any questions about applying to these courses, please reach out to the AC Online support team at ACOProgramSupport@algonquincollege.com

Applying to the Practical Nursing Program

Once you complete the pathway courses at Algonquin College or another Ontario College, you are eligible to apply for Level 2 of the Practical Nursing program at the Ottawa, Pembroke, or Perth campuses. Before starting the PN program, students must have required immunizations, updated CPR, and a recent criminal reference check.

For questions about applying to the Practical Nursing Program, please contact Susan Ogilvie at ogilvis@algonquincollege.com

Please note that acceptance into the pathway does not guarantee a spot into level 2 of the Practical Nursing program. You will still be required to apply to the Practical Nursing program after completing the pathway. Space is limited and therefore priority will be given to the students with the highest marks.

Available Funding

You may be eligible for funding to complete these pathway courses through the Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program offered by the Registered Practical Nurses Association. For more information visit the WeRPN BEGIN Student Toolkit for eligibility and program details. For more information visit begin.werpn.com or email info@begin.werpn.com.

 

Info Session

Learn more about the PSW to PN Pathway Initiative by watching the info session.