This part-time Ontario College Diploma program delivers the same curriculum and hands-on training as our full-time Practical Nursing program, but on an evening and weekend schedule. You will complete 15 courses over four terms at the Benchlands Campus, gaining the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to enter the healthcare workforce.
Career outcomes
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Community Health Aide
- Surgical Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Long-term Care Coordinator
- Mental Health Support Worker
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%
- Grade 12 Biology or Chemistry (C or U), minimum 60%
- Mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes) is also accepted
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
The Practical Nursing (Part-time) program at Wrenford Polytechnic equips you with the clinical expertise and compassionate care skills required to work in today's healthcare environment. Through a mix of classroom instruction, simulation lab work, and supervised clinical placements, you will study patient assessment, medication safety, mental health support, and chronic disease management. The curriculum mirrors the full-time program, ensuring you graduate with the same professional competencies and readiness for the provincial licensing exam. You will learn to communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams, while building the critical thinking skills needed for safe clinical decision-making.
How the program runs
Classes are held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working students. The program spans four terms over two years and is delivered entirely at the Benchlands Campus in the Corvid Hall simulation centre and classrooms. You will progress through 15 courses covering health sciences, communication, mathematics, and core nursing practice. There is no co-op work term, but you will complete supervised clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings to build your confidence. The part-time schedule allows you to maintain your current employment while advancing your career.
Admission
Admission to this program is based on first-come, first-served priority. You must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, or qualify as a mature student. Grade 12 English and a Grade 12 science course (Biology or Chemistry) are required with a minimum grade of 60%. We also evaluate prior learning and transfer credits on a case-by-case basis for applicants with existing healthcare credentials. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. All admitted students must complete a criminal reference check before beginning clinical sessions.
Tuition and fees
2024–25 tuition: $3,690 per year (domestic). Ancillary fees of $1,125 per year apply separately. You can request a tuition payment plan through Student Financial Aid. Financial support is available through the provincial college financial assistance program and in-house bursaries if you face financial barriers.
After you graduate
Graduates of the Practical Nursing (Part-time) program are prepared to sit for the provincial licensing exam and enter the workforce as entry-level nurses. You will qualify for roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and private practice settings. The program provides a strong foundation for further education, including access to our Bachelor of Science in Nursing collaborative degree.
How to apply
To apply for the September intake, submit your application through the provincial college application service. Once your application is processed, you will receive instructions to complete the intake forms and upload required documents in the myWrenford portal. For questions about the application process, visit How to apply or contact Admissions at 519-555-0171.