Bridging to University Nursing is a two-semester graduate certificate program that will help registered practical nurses (RPNs) bridge to a degree in nursing.

Beginning Fall 2023, all sections of our program will implement an updated curriculum. Importantly, with our updated curriculum we are now offering approximately 30-50% of the courses in the Full-time stream online/virtually, synchronously and asynchronously. This key change along with exciting new and updated courses will make the learning experience at Centennial College even greater. Making our program even more flexible and student centred.

The Bridge to University nursing program's curriculum is based on the College of Nurses' of Ontario Standards of Practice for Nursing and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Nurses. It will aim to provide a solid foundation for nursing practice and the transition from PN to RN by emphasizing cultural awareness, ethics and professional practice, health assessment, pharmacology, skill mastery, nursing leadership, research and caring for clients with acute and chronic illness.

An exciting and unique aspect of this health program will be its focus on caring for individuals, groups, and communities in acute care settings.

To ensure you're prepared for the field, this School of Community and Health Studies program will give you opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction, facilitation and guidance of faculty.

When you complete the Bridging to University Nursing program, you'll have the ability to:

• Utilize scholarly communication, collaboration, and relational skills in a variety of healthcare settings to ensure and enhance the professionalism of practice.
• Incorporate information, communication technologies, and digital tools to supports nursing practice that meets evidence informed, organizational, ethical, regulatory, and legislative requirements.
• Examine the language, process and goal of research and the implications of research findings on clinical practice at a foundational level
• Engage in self-inquiry, relational inquiry, and critical reflection to develop strategies, and practice of self-care as a health care provider.
•  Utilize professional development resources and supervision to increase professional capacity, mentoring, learning and leadership skills.
• Develop the capacity to work with all individuals, families and groups including those that identify with Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, as well as members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ and communities with disabilities, by identifying systemic inequities and barriers, integrating practices such as trauma informed care, and respecting the inherent rights to self-determine.
• Demonstrate advanced clinical practice as an RPN transitioning to an RN utilizing theoretical knowledge, critical reasoning, clinical judgment, and problem-solving skills in the provision of care to individuals, families, groups, and communities with acute/complex/unpredictable care outcomes.
• Participate as part of an inter-professional health care team, making appropriate use of resources, while building strategic partnerships using the Three-Factor Framework for decision making.
• Provide safe, therapeutic, ethical, compassionate, and culturally responsive nursing care that meets the current College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards for Registered Nurses

Notes

• The Bridging to University Nursing program does not accept transfer credits for ANY Nursing courses obtained through your Practical Nursing (PN) education. Communication courses taken during PN education may be accepted. This post-diploma specialty program is designed to build on prior learning obtained through your PN program.
• When you graduate, you may apply to a post-diploma PN to BScN Program (e.g., at Toronto Metropolitan University). Graduation from the Bridging Certificate at Centennial College does not provide a guaranteed admission to university. Graduates are encouraged to review appropriate admission requirements to university and to know that applications remain competitive. Please check the Toronto Metropolitan University website for current admission requirements.
• The clinical placements will be offered within Great Toronto Area. By applying to the program, you agree to have clinical placement in Great Toronto Area.

Program Highlights

• New curriculum starting in Fall 23
• 30-50% of our theoretical courses in the 9251 section will be delivered online (synchronously and asynchronously), allowing greater flexibility for our learners
• Evidence-based practices will be threaded through the program's delivery.
• As part of the Bridging to University Nursing program, you'll gain an understanding of nursing knowledge acquisition, and how to utilize and apply research to complex client care situations.
• The School of Community and Health Studies houses a well-equipped nursing lab that will be available for independent and self-directed practice.
• Opportunities will exist, during labs and clinical experiences, to develop communication and leadership skills at an advanced level.
• Clinical placement will allow you to partake in networking opportunities.
• The needs of adult and English-as-a-second-language students will be supported.
• The certificate that's earned will provide evidence of reflective, competent and up-to-date practice.

Career Outlook

• Registered nurse
• Public health nurse
• Community nurse
• Critical care nurse
• Coronary care nurse
• Intensive care nurse
• Trauma nurse

Education Pathways

Successful graduates of the Bridging to University Nursing program have the opportunity to apply their credits towards further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.