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Continuing Education > Part-time Programs & Professional Learning > Health & Wellness > PSW to PN Pathway

PSW to PN Pathway   

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Practical Nurse (PN) courses are designed as a pathway for working PSWs to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). These courses offer flexible study options and are built around the core components of the pathway to Practical Nursing programs offered at Ontario's public colleges. A new career with a wide range of job opportunities is waiting for you. Creation of these courses was funded through the Ontario government's Nursing Program Transformation in Ontario's Colleges initiative. 

View the pathway outline, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the online courses here.

Important Notice: Beginning Fall 2025: All tests must be written in a proctored environment. It is the responsibility of the student to plan and share them with the course professor. The student must provide the day, time, location where they are writing the test and name and contact of the proctor.  Any costs associated with writing the proctored test is the responsibility of the student. 

 

  • Nursing Theory Bridge (PSW-PN) [CSSL1000]
  • Fee: $306.38
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSSL1000
    Dates: 9/9/2025 - 10/28/2025
    Course hours: 21
    Credits: 2.00

    In this course, you will identify nursing concepts and theories optimal for nursing care. You will explain the nursing metaparadigm and theoretical principles of nursing science. You will apply the nursing process to identify and plan holistic (client-centred) nursing care for clients with a variety of health conditions, with consideration to health promotion, health education, and the determinants of health. You will identify dimensions of human needs with an emphasis on the significance of self-responsibility, cultural diversity, and individuality. NOTE: Course takes place over 7 weeksTextbook Reqiured.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Nursing Theory Bridge (PSW-PN) [CSSL1000]
  • Fee: $306.38
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSSL1000
    Dates: 11/3/2025 - 12/22/2025
    Course hours: 21
    Credits: 2.00

    In this course, you will identify nursing concepts and theories optimal for nursing care. You will explain the nursing metaparadigm and theoretical principles of nursing science. You will apply the nursing process to identify and plan holistic (client-centred) nursing care for clients with a variety of health conditions, with consideration to health promotion, health education, and the determinants of health. You will identify dimensions of human needs with an emphasis on the significance of self-responsibility, cultural diversity, and individuality. NOTE: Course takes place over 7 weeksTextbook Reqiured.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Nursing Professionalism (PSW-PN) [CSSL1001]
  • Fee: $410.67
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSSL1001
    Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Course hours: 42
    Credits: 3.00

    In this course, you will discover the role and evolution of the professional practical nurse. You will explore concepts of professionalism. You will describe legal and ethical standards by using practice standards and guidelines from the College of Nurses of Ontario to gain insight into professional roles and responsibilities. You will apply theoretical models of learning that support critical thinking while interacting with clients and that use specific strategies, such as learning, teaching, facilitating, and promoting change.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Anatomy and Physiology (PSW-PN) [CSNC1000]
  • Fee: $410.67
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSNC1000
    Dates: 10/1/2025 - 1/7/2026
    Course hours: 42
    Credits: 3.00

    This course supports an understanding of how the integrity of the human body, in the biological sense, influences health. The content focuses on the anatomical structure and physiological function of all body systems. Throughout the course the learner will examine how the body systems individually and collectively contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, and thus optimal health of the overall system. Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Math Foundations for Nurses (PSW-PN) [CSDU1004]
  • Fee: $306.38
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSDU1004
    Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Course hours: 28
    Credits: 2.00

    In this course, you will be building foundational mathematical knowledge necessary for clinical nursing practice. These crucial mathematical concepts and calculations are essential to providing safe and competent care to patients. The focus of this course is understanding how to perform the mathematical operations necessary in clinical practice using practical application and repetition. Students will practice foundational mathematical operations including decimals, fractions, ratios, and percentages; effectively perform unit conversions, and understand introductory medication administration. Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Math Foundations for Nurses (PSW-PN) [CSDU1004]
  • Fee: $306.38
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSDU1004
    Dates: 11/3/2025 - 2/9/2026
    Course hours: 28
    Credits: 2.00

    In this course, you will be building foundational mathematical knowledge necessary for clinical nursing practice. These crucial mathematical concepts and calculations are essential to providing safe and competent care to patients. The focus of this course is understanding how to perform the mathematical operations necessary in clinical practice using practical application and repetition. Students will practice foundational mathematical operations including decimals, fractions, ratios, and percentages; effectively perform unit conversions, and understand introductory medication administration. Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Math for Practical Nurses (PSW-PN) [CSDU1002]
  • Fee: $410.67
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSDU1002
    Dates: 10/1/2025 - 1/7/2026
    Course hours: 42
    Credits: 3.00

    In this course students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematical calculations as they apply to the nursing clinical practice setting. Students will examine principles of medication administration, Medical Terminology and Abbreviations; Understanding Medication Orders and Analyzing Labels; Dosage Calculation; Safety and Practice; Oral Medications; Parenteral Medications; Reconstitution of Medication to Solutions; Intravenous Solutions and Equipment; Intravenous Calculations; Heparin and Insulin; Pediatrics. Pre-Requisite: Math Foundations for Nurses (PSW-PN) Textbook Required. 


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Math for Practical Nurses (PSW-PN) [CSDU1002]
  • Fee: $410.67
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSDU1002
    Dates: 12/1/2025 - 3/9/2026
    Course hours: 42
    Credits: 3.00

    In this course students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematical calculations as they apply to the nursing clinical practice setting. Students will examine principles of medication administration, Medical Terminology and Abbreviations; Understanding Medication Orders and Analyzing Labels; Dosage Calculation; Safety and Practice; Oral Medications; Parenteral Medications; Reconstitution of Medication to Solutions; Intravenous Solutions and Equipment; Intravenous Calculations; Heparin and Insulin; Pediatrics. Pre-Requisite: Math Foundations for Nurses (PSW-PN) Textbook Required. 


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Health Assessment (PSW-PN) [CSNC1001]
  • Fee: $514.96
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSNC1001
    Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Course hours: 56
    Credits: 4.00

    This course will develop your foundational understanding and skill of a normal health assessment and physical examination of the healthy adult client. You will explore common abnormal findings in physical examination and develop knowledge and skill related to holistic, inclusive, and culturally safe health assessment and physical examination approach. You will demonstrate, document, and communicate a complete holistic and comprehensive head to toe assessment of the healthy adult client. NOTE: This course includes theoretical and virtual lab components. Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Health Assessment (PSW-PN) [CSNC1001]
  • Fee: $514.96
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSNC1001
    Dates: 11/3/2025 - 2/9/2026
    Course hours: 56
    Credits: 4.00

    This course will develop your foundational understanding and skill of a normal health assessment and physical examination of the healthy adult client. You will explore common abnormal findings in physical examination and develop knowledge and skill related to holistic, inclusive, and culturally safe health assessment and physical examination approach. You will demonstrate, document, and communicate a complete holistic and comprehensive head to toe assessment of the healthy adult client. NOTE: This course includes theoretical and virtual lab components. Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Transition to Practical Nursing Theory (PSW-PN) [CSDU1003]
  • Fee: $306.38
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSDU1003
    Dates: 9/9/2025 - 10/28/2025
    Course hours: 21
    Credits: 2.00

    *This should be one of the last courses you take in this pathway* In this course, you will examine the transition in role from Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). This course will include a simulation bootcamp to assist in the identification of the transition in scope from PSW to RPN. Throughout the theory in this course, you will examine from various lenses the change in role from PSW to RPN. This will include an examination of scope of practice, nursing process, communication and documentation as well as critical thinking, decision-making and clinical judgment. Through the identification of your current scope you will be able to clearly see the transition required in your continued studies to become an RPN. NOTE: Course takes place over 7 weeks.Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

  • Transition to Practical Nursing Theory (PSW-PN) [CSDU1003]
  • Fee: $306.38
    Delivery: Online - OntarioLearn
    Course Code: CSDU1003
    Dates: 11/3/2025 - 12/22/2025
    Course hours: 21
    Credits: 2.00

    *This should be one of the last courses you take in this pathway* In this course, you will examine the transition in role from Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). This course will include a simulation bootcamp to assist in the identification of the transition in scope from PSW to RPN. Throughout the theory in this course, you will examine from various lenses the change in role from PSW to RPN. This will include an examination of scope of practice, nursing process, communication and documentation as well as critical thinking, decision-making and clinical judgment. Through the identification of your current scope you will be able to clearly see the transition required in your continued studies to become an RPN. NOTE: Course takes place over 7 weeks.Textbook Required.


    IMPORTANT: You will receive more information by email prior to the course start. If the course is an Online - OntarioLearn course please review our Student Guide
     
 

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