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Post-Diploma RPN Stream

POST-DIPLOMA RPN TO BSCN (E) STREAM (3 YEARS)

Please note that the Post-Diploma RPN to BScN (E) Stream is only offered at the Mohawk College site.

The Post-Diploma RPN to BScN (E) Stream is designed for college-trained Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who wish to obtain their baccalaureate nursing degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BScN). The (E) Stream builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the practical nurse diploma program. The curriculum is planned for three academic years of full-time study at Mohawk College.

Upon graduation, students wishing to engage in the professional practice of nursing and use the title Registered Nurse are subject to qualifying examinations and other requirements by the licensing body, the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

Note: All students must demonstrate the capacity to meet the CNO’s Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario and Ontario Requirements for BScN Study.

Program Information

CURRICULUM

The program of study for the Post Diploma Registered Practical Nurses (E) Stream prepares students for practice as Registered Nurses. It builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the diploma practical nurse program. (E) Stream students receive 30 units of advanced credit and enter at Level II. The two Level II nursing courses are designed to assist in the transition of students to baccalaureate studies. Students are integrated with both Basic and Post-Diploma students for most courses. The curriculum is planned for three academic years of full-time study.

 TO BE CONSIDERED, APPLICANTS MUST:

  1. possess a current CNO annual registration payment card or have written the Practical Nurses Registration Examination by May 31 of the year of application;
  2. have a diploma in practical nursing (two year program) from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 75% or higher. Applicants who have satisfactorily completed a diploma practical nurse program but who have not achieved the required Grade Point Average (GPA) may become academically eligible by completing at least twelve units (two full courses or four half courses) of university degree credit in any subject area with a GPA of at least B (75%). This minimum GPA does not guarantee admission
  3. have Grade 12 U English or equivalent and one of the following Grade 12 U Mathematics courses; Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors or Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent
  • For submission of the Grade 12 U English and Grade 12 U Mathematics course, students can present the courses in the second semester of a pre-approved Pre-Health program.

or

  • English and Mathematics courses from a (post-secondary) university program may be considered.

CASPER ASSESSMENT (SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION)

All applicants to the Nursing Program at McMaster University will be required to complete a mandatory online 90-minute computer-based assessment called CASPer, as a component of the selection process. During the selection process, the weighting of the GPA is 80% and CASPer is 20%.

CASPer, the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics is a web-based situational judgement test designed to evaluate key personal and professional characteristics essential for students to be successful in nursing school and ultimately, as practicing nurses. Some of these characteristics include professionalism, empathy, resilience, problem solving and equity. Since CASPer assesses non-cognitive and interpersonal characteristics, studying is not required.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure technical requirements including a reliable internet connection on their selected test date. No exceptions will be made for applicants who are unable to take CASPer online due to unreliable internet connection caused by technical or political factors. Applicants may want to explore details of the requirements and the structure of this assessment at takealtus.com.

The Snapshot assessment is not required.

Applicants must:

  1. Apply online using the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) with the non-high school application no later than February 1.
  2. Complete online CASPerTM  at takealtus.com
  3. All applicants must submit transcripts by February 1.

With an understanding that Indigenous learners can face specific barriers or challenges when pursuing higher education, schools and programs within McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences have facilitated admissions streams for applicants with Indigenous North American (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) ancestry. This process is intended to provide equitable access to Indigenous applicants and aligns with the intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.

In alignment with the Faculty of Health Sciences Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP), applicants wishing to apply through McMaster’s FIAP need to complete the supplementary self-identification application in addition to McMaster University and program specific application processes.

The FIAP self-identification application is submitted to McMaster’s Indigenous Health Task Force (IHTF) through the Indigenous Students Health Sciences (ISHS) Office by February 1st, 2024.

To encourage and support Indigenous applicants, the School of Nursing has 5% reserved seats for Indigenous students in all BScN streams, who have successfully completed the program’s admission requirements.

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FIND OUT WHAT COURSES YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE

  • The Academic Advisement Report (PDF) on Mosaic lists all required courses for your program and shows you which ones you have completed and which are still outstanding. Be sure to expand all headings so you can see the full report.
  • Additionally, the Undergraduate Calendar lists all course requirements.

ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS:

Review your Advisement Report (PDF) for how many electives you are required to complete. Additional elective requirements include:

  • Minimum 6 units from Level 2 or above coursework

Elective course work must be completed prior to the start of the final term in Level 4.

WHAT COURSES CAN I TAKE FOR ELECTIVES?

McMaster offers a variety of courses across all Faculties that students can complete to satisfy their elective requirements. Students in the Nursing program can also take non-mandatory NURSING or HTHSCI courses offered by the School of Nursing toward their elective requirements (to a maximum of 6 units), including independent study/research project courses HTHSCI 4AR3 and HTHSCI 4BR3.

WHAT IS LEVEL 2 OR ABOVE COURSEWORK?

Courses are designated Level 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. You can learn what level a course is designated by the first numeric digit in the course code (ex. PSYCH 1A03 is a Level 1 course while HISTORY 3A03 is a Level 3 course). Courses designated Level 2 or higher are called Upper Level courses.

Find elective courses

Mohawk site students have the option to take COLLAB courses at their site.

LETTER OF PERMISSION – Click to find out how to take courses at other institutions towards credit at McMaster.

REGISTRATION TO PRACTISE NURSING IN ONTARIO

On receiving the B.Sc.N. degree after successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The exam is administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a requirement of registration to practice nursing in Ontario. To facilitate this process, the School of Nursing provides information to the CNO confirming each student’s expected program completion term and verification of program completion. Students will be contacted in their final year of the program to consent to the release of this information to the CNO. If you have any questions related to practice as an R.N. or the Regulated Health Professions Act, please contact the College of Nurses of Ontario directly.