The Practical Nursing program at Wrenford Polytechnic prepares you for a career in healthcare through a blend of classroom learning, simulation practice, and supervised clinical placements. Over two years, you will develop the clinical judgment, technical skills, and professional values needed to support patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.
Career outcomes
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Long-Term Care Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Surgical Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%.
- Grade 12 Science (S or U), minimum 60%.
- Proof of current immunizations and criminal record check required before clinical placements begin.
Tuition
2024–25 tuition: $3,690 per year (domestic).
Courses
- COMM 1580 Technical Communication Foundations
- COMM 2300 Organizational Communication Theory
- MATH 1910 Technical Mathematics II
- MATH 2740 Statistics for Health Care
- MATH 2910 Quantitative Methods for Business
- NURS 1100 Anatomy and Physiology I
- NURS 1230 Foundations of Nursing Practice
- NURS 1420 Pharmacology for Nurses
- NURS 1520 Mental Health Nursing I
- NURS 1800 Infection Control Protocols
- NURS 2350 Medication Administration Safety
- NURS 2400 Pediatric Nursing Fundamentals
- NURS 2460 Chronic Disease Management
- NURS 2790 Emergency Nursing Procedures
- NURS 2830 Surgical Nursing Care
What you will learn
In the Practical Nursing program, you will build the clinical skills and professional knowledge needed to support patient care across the lifespan. You will train in our on-campus simulation centre, where you can practice assessments, medication administration, and emergency procedures in a controlled environment. You will also study health science foundations, communication strategies, and ethics to help you work confidently alongside doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Throughout the program, you will complete supervised clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care homes, and community health centres to apply what you learn in real settings.
How the program runs
This is a full-time program delivered over two years and four terms. Classes and labs take place on the Benchlands Campus, with theory sessions held in the Corvid Hall teaching spaces and hands-on labs in the School of Health Sciences simulation centre. You can begin the program in September or January. The schedule is fixed, and you should plan to attend all theory classes, lab sessions, and clinical placements as required. You will also complete a final preceptorship term that mirrors a full-time practical nursing role under the guidance of an experienced nurse.
Admission
Admission to this program is first-come, first-served. You must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or qualify as a mature student (19 or older by the start of classes). You must have completed Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 12 Science (S or U), each with a minimum grade of 60%. Once you submit your application, the Admissions office will review your documents and contact you with next steps. You can also explore prior learning assessment options if you have completed relevant healthcare training or hold a certificate in a related field.
Tuition and fees
2024–25 tuition: $3,690 per year (domestic). Ancillary fees are $1,125 per year and cover services such as the library, IT support, student association membership, and fitness centre access. International students pay $17,600 per year. You can pay your fees in full at the start of each term or set up a payment plan through Student Financial Aid. If you need help covering costs, you can apply for Ontario student financial assistance or explore scholarships and bursaries available to nursing students.
After you graduate
Graduates are prepared to write the provincial licensing exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. You will qualify to work in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, rehabilitation centres, and community health programs. The program also gives you a strong foundation if you later choose to complete a bridge program to become a registered nurse. Our Co-op & Career Services team helps you build a professional portfolio, practice interview skills, and connect with regional health employers for your first role.
How to apply
Domestic applicants apply through the provincial college application service. International applicants use the polytechnic's own application form. You can upload your transcripts and supporting documents through the student portal once you create an account. For questions about the application process, contact the Admissions office or book a virtual campus tour to see the labs and classrooms. We recommend applying early, as seats fill quickly each term.