Overview
The RPN to BScN Bridging program is one semester in length (five courses); followed by Years Three and Four of the BScN program. Upon Successful completion of the program, the graduate will have met the College of Nurses (CNO) RN entry-to practice competencies within the five semesters and qualify to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
Graduates of the Practical Nursing program who successfully complete the courses in the bridging program will enter BScN at Year Three of the four-year program. Upon successful completion of the BScN program, those who entered the program via the RPN-BScN bridging opportunity will have achieved the program learning outcomes and will have met the College of Nurses (CNO) RN entry-to-practice competencies and qualify to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), along with those students who began studies in the BScN program at Year One.
NOTE: The Bridge semester will be offered part time in starting in January 2023. It will be offered full time starting in January 2024.
Bachelor of Science - Nursing (Bridge) is not open to international students at this time.
Courses
Requirements & Program Information
- Graduate of an Ontario Practical Nursing (PN) program, since 2005.
- 70% or 3.0 (on a four-point scale) or higher cumulative program GPA
- Successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nursing Registration Exam (CPNRE) and registration in good standing, with no restrictions with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This must be maintained throughout the RPN-BSCN bridge program.
- A minimum of one year of current work experience as an RPN.
Supplemental Requirements:
- You are required to disclose all post-secondary education, which requires submission of all prior educational transcripts from post-secondary studies. Failure to fully disclose your post-secondary transcript could be grounds for dismissal from the program or disqualification from admission consideration. All official transcripts must be requested and provided on your application through .
- A photocopy of your current CNO registration or proof of the same to admissions@saultcollege.ca.
- A letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you have at least one year of experience sent to admissions@saultcollege.ca.
It is important to note that the specific average that is needed may vary from year to year based on the applicant pool. The minimum requirement does not guarantee acceptance. Ranking used to determine admission is to be determined.
We anticipate this program will be oversubscribed and international applicants will not be admitted at this time. Please continue to follow our website for future updates.
Successful completion of the transition semester of the Bridge program with a minimum of 65% is required for program progression.
Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements
For students to be eligible to complete clinical placement, a mandatory component of the program, specific clinical requirements must be satisfied and documentation submitted by the due date identified. Students are responsible for the full cost of obtaining placement requirements.
All original placement documentation must be submitted to the appropriate college contact by the program/year mandated deadlines. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up-to-date placement requirement documentation and copies to present to faculty and/or placement agencies as required. ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e does not retain copies of any clinical requirement documentation.
The absence of documentation for any requirements or failure to submit the requirements by the expected due date will result in the student being withdrawn from the clinical placement course. Tuition will not be refunded if access to clinical placement is denied.
Clinical Placement Requirements are due as indicated:
- BScN - Honours - Year 1 - September 3, 2024
- BScN - Honours - Year 2, 3, and 4 - August 12, 2024
- BScN - Bridge - November 22, 2024
College Contact for Clinical Requirements: Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca
CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- STANDARD FIRST AID (on entrance into program)
- CPR - Basic Life Support (BLS) Level with AED, must be for Health Care Providers (annually) - no online or blended courses are permitted
- WHMIS training certificate valid within 1 year, upon entry into the program
- N95 MASK FIT TESTING CARD (every 2 years), requires a clean-shaven face for appropriate fitting
- CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK WITH VULNERABLE SECTOR SEARCH (CRC & VSS) with Negative results or equivalent (annually) - should be obtained/renewed as close to the start of the academic year as possible e.g. August (Honours) and December (Bridge) - if a Criminal Record is confirmed, contact Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca
- NALOXONE TRAINING (on entrance to program) - Register for tracked version with certificate
IMMUNIZATIONS - Health & Community Services ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Immunization and Health Record Form will be available on LMS and in welcome email, to be submitted with the following:
1. 2 Step TB Skin Test or TB blood test, OR clear Chest X-ray on entrance to program
2. 1 Step TB Skin Test annually OR as needed
3. Measles/Mumps/Rubella Series
4. Tetanus every 10 years
5. Varicella OR MMRV OR documented blood test/titre
6. Hepatitis B series
7. Influenza - October/November annually
8. Covid-19; 2 doses
* The Covid-19 pandemic remains a global concern. We encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider regarding the decision to be vaccinated. Please note clinical placement agencies may require evidence of vaccination prior to entry to placement. Further, they may refuse a student entry who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
9. Additional health information that is appropriate for disclosure
- Acknowledge review of BScN Honours and Bridge Program Handbook, BScN Honours and Bridge Program Clinical Manual, and ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Student Code of Conduct annually
Clinical Requirement Specifics:
Students must have all clinical requirements completed by the specified due date.
²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e cannot guarantee that appointment dates or course times will be available prior to identified program deadlines.
Standard First Aid, CPR - BLS, and the N95 Mask Fit Testing - are available through ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e`s Continuing Education Department. You may also access these courses through other providers, as long as they meet the clinical/placement requirement specifications.
WHMIS is available to registered students FREE of charge on LMS. Registration takes place after mid-August and mid-December when tuition has been paid.
Two Step TB Skin Test or Blood Test - Please be advised that the Step Two TB Skin Test is available locally through Algoma Public Health, however, testing is limited. It is our suggestion that you schedule this test early so that you complete the requirements by the deadlines listed on this page for your applicable program. Algoma Public Health contact information is (705) 541-7085. In the event that Algoma Public Health is not offering TB skin testing, please contact your health care provider and watch for information regarding clinics on LMS.
Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS):
For your program, a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) is required.
The laws, rules and regulations regarding the acquisition of a criminal record check and the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Criminal Record Check Policy shall be enforced and applied in accordance a manner consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 and all other applicable statutes or regulations.
Why is a Police Vulnerable Sector Check necessary?
²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e placements are bound by this policy and the policies of placement providers. Given this, the purpose of a police vulnerable sector check includes but is not limited to the following:
1. The protection of vulnerable persons;
2. The protection of the interests of students;
3. The protection of the interests of the placement agencies; and
4. The protection of the interests of the College and its employees.
Students will be advised of the process to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check during the first month of the first semester or when field placements are confirmed.
Individuals who have charges, pending charges or a criminal conviction for which record suspension has not been granted, must contact the College Contact listed above for their program. A meeting will be scheduled with the Chair to discuss their ability to participate in experiential learning in order to complete all program graduation requirements. If a student fails to disclose this information, their academic status will be adversely affective. Prospective students should know that if a criminal record exists, the student’s ability to complete the academic requirements and graduate from their program may be in jeopardy.
Student questions about the Police Vulnerable Sector Search and the submission of these documents may be made to the College Contact listed above for their program.
Please visit the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Criminal Record Check Policy and procedural information located on the Student Portal. On the Student Portal, select Support Services, then select Forms and Policies.
Students must also sign a Statement of Confidentiality.
Notice to International Students:
The necessary immunizations for your program can be obtained from your home country and you will need to submit those immunization records along with the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Health Form to the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Health Centre: Anne.Erechook@saultcollege.ca
All other requirements (i.e. Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, N95 Mask Fit, Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, Naloxone training) must be obtained and completed after your arrival in Ontario.
As per Canadian Immigration policy, all International Students completing a program with a field/clinical placement must obtain a Coop/Work Permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada stating that they are permitted to attend field/clinical placement as an integral part of their studies. International students will not be able to attend clinical placement without obtaining this permit.
Career Path
You will be prepared for nursing in traditional settings: community, private practice, acute and chronic care
hospitals and settings yet to be realized. Over the next ten years there is an expected shortage of nurses
provincially, nationally and internationally. Once you graduate, you may choose to specialize in an area of
nursing practice or continue on with your studies at the graduate and post graduate levels. Sault
College Honours BScN graduates will be prepared to create and influence the future of nursing
practice at a political, social and professional level by responding to and anticipating the changing health
care needs of society.
In Ontario, the Regulated Health Professional Act (RHPA) and the Nursing Act have conditions for provincial
registration that impact Ontario students entering and completing the Nursing program and writing the
National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) required for licensing. These
conditions are required to protect public interest.
When applying for provincial registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario, information must be
provided about citizenship, previous incidence of criminal offences, professional misconduct, and
incompetence or incapacity in another health profession in Ontario, or in nursing in another jurisdiction.
Applicants must also provide information about any physical and/or mental disorders that make it
desirable, in the public interest, that the person does not practice.
This new legislation for all individuals requesting registration should be reviewed by students applying to
the Nursing program. For information on the implications of this new legislation, call the College of Nurses
of Ontario at 1-800-387-5526 or view their web site, http://www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/
Dress code
Lab, Clinical and Community Dress Policies
Identification Pin (name tag) is worn in all hospital and community clinical experiences, as well as for
formal presentations.
Nursing Lab Classes/Data Collection: Students wear a royal blue polo shirt with the BScN logo and
professional pants in a neutral color.
Community Placements: Students wear professional dress. Depending on the location; students may
choose their BScN royal blue polo shirt and professional pants in a neutral color.
Hospitals/Nursing Homes: Royal Blue Uniform with ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing Program logo.
Warm-Up Jacket, is to be black with the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Honours BScN logo.
Note: Uniforms with the BScN logo are available for purchase in the College Bookstore.
Shoes: Students should be careful and cautious of shoe heel height and shoe sole surface material to help
mitigate any risk of injury and ensure a safe environment (i.e. non-slip).
* Clinical footwear will have a closed toe and heel, be visibly clean, and must be designated only for clinical
practice. Athletic footwear is commonly worn. If you are unsure about the acceptability of your footwear,
please check with your clinical course professor.
Jewellery: small studs, watch with a seconds hand.
Hair: off collar and face. Lengthy braids and ponytails must be secured up above the collar. Facial hair, if
present, must be neatly groomed.
Nails: appropriately cut, no polish including clear; false nails not permitted.
Body adornment is to be consistent with clinical agency policy.
Fragrance free products are required.
Attention to personal hygiene is expected.
Fees & Costs
Domestic | International | ||
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Full-time tuition and ancillary fees for January 2024 is approximately $3,831.65 CAD. Part-time fee will depend on course registration. Please contact registrar@saultcollege.ca for further information.
Contact
Program College Contact: Kay Vallee, kay.vallee@saultcollege.ca
NOTE: The RPN to BScN Bridge is an in-person program at the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e campus in Sault Ste. Marie.