FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Practical Nursing
What is the Learn and Stay Grant?
The Ontario government has announced that students who enroll in select healthcare programs will be eligible for free tuition through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. To be eligible, you must successfully apply and enroll in the program and be a resident of Ontario who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
This is a limited initiative; however, eligible Practical Nursing students who enroll in the Practical Nursing program at the Pembroke Campus for the Fall 2025, Winter 2026 and Spring 2026 intakes can take advantage of the grant.
You can learn more about the Learn and Stay Grant here.
What documents do students need to submit to the College to complete their clinical field placements?
All Practical Nursing students are required to submit several documents; see the Accepted Applicant page for more information.
- Proof of a clear Police Records Check for Service in the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS)
- Immunization Records, 2-step TB testing & Immunity Blood Work
Do I have to have a clear criminal records check to be eligible to complete my clinical field placement?
Yes. Healthcare is a vulnerable sector, and therefore, all applicants to the Practical Nursing program are required to provide the college with a clear criminal record check at the beginning of each semester. Without a clear criminal records check, students will be unable to participate in clinical placements and will not be eligible to graduate from the program. SEE THE CLINICAL PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS for more information.
How do students obtain the CPR Certification required for the program?
A current Standard First Aid and CPR Level “C” certificate is required by your second week of classes. Algonquin College in Pembroke is offering some First Aid/CPR-C training courses.
What types of materials do I need to purchase in addition to my textbooks in preparation for the fall semester?
You are required to purchase a nursing lab kit. This can be purchased through the College Connections store online at the following cost:
Will I get a choice in where I complete my clinical placements?
Not necessarily. While students are allowed to make requests for their placements, the College cannot guarantee that these requests will be met. The College collaborates with its local healthcare partners to offer clinical learning experiences; however, there is a limit on the number of students that can be placed with some healthcare organizations.
Can I receive advanced standing for my Practical Nursing education, should I want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree?
Yes. A bridging program is available to Practical Nursing graduates, allowing them to receive advanced standing in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. However, this program is not offered at the Pembroke Campus. Seats are limited in the program, and students must still meet the pre-admission requirements for the BScN program.
Once I have completed the Practical Nursing program, do I have to complete the Nursing Registration Exam?
Yes. The Nursing Registration Exam is overseen by the College of Nurses of Ontario (the College), which is the regulatory body for nursing in Ontario. Its mission is to regulate nursing in the public interest. The College sets the requirements for becoming a nurse in Ontario and the standards of practice that must be met to maintain that designation. Only a person with a valid Certificate of Registration from the College can practice as a nurse in Ontario and use the protected titles Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). In four of the past five years, our Practical Nursing graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on their provincial nursing exams administered by the College of Nurses. Source: see page 22 of the most recent Provincial Exam Results.