Practical Nursing
North Campus, Canada
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Humber Polytechnic
Nursing & Healthcare
Program Overview: Practical Nursing at Humber Polytechnic
Humber Polytechnic's Practical Nursing diploma program prepares you with the knowledge and clinical skills needed for a rewarding career as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Ontario. Graduates are prepared to complete the practical nursing registration exam and pursue positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings across the province.
The comprehensive curriculum integrates nursing theory, practicum experiences, and a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and liberal studies. Humber is the only English-speaking college in Ontario with access to an on-campus cadaver lab for practical nursing students, complemented by advanced simulation labs and bioscience facilities.
Offered at three convenient Toronto locations — North Campus, Lakeshore Campus, and the new Humber Heights Living Classroom — the program provides flexibility and extensive practicum opportunities across the Greater Toronto Area. This program is recognized by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as an approved nursing program, and graduates are eligible to register with the CNO.
Key Program Highlights
- Access to Ontario's only English-speaking college on-campus cadaver lab for practical nursing students, providing unparalleled hands-on anatomical learning.
- Approximately 1,000 hours of supervised professional practicum experience across diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care, and community agencies.
- Small class sizes combined with leading-edge simulation labs, bioscience labs, and anatomy labs that give students a competitive edge in clinical education.
- Clear pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree through Humber's RPN-to-BScN bridging program, plus post-graduate advanced-skills education in specialties such as surgery, dialysis, and cardiology.
Curriculum & Course Modules
The Practical Nursing curriculum spans four semesters over two years, blending nursing theory with progressive clinical practicum experiences. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ethics, patient safety, and leadership concepts, ensuring you graduate fully prepared for professional practice.
Nursing Foundations & Health Assessment
Semester 1Introduces fundamental nursing concepts, relational inquiry, health assessment techniques, and professional practice standards. Students begin practising essential nursing skills in Humber's simulation learning lab.
Anatomy & Physiology
Semesters 1-2Provides a comprehensive foundation in human body structure and function, leveraging Humber's on-campus cadaver lab and bioscience laboratories for hands-on anatomical study.
Pharmacotherapeutics & Medication Administration
Semesters 2-3Covers pharmacological principles, drug classifications, safe medication administration practices, and dosage calculations essential for competent nursing care.
Clinical Practicum: Long-Term Care & Community Health
Semesters 1-2Includes supervised practicums in long-term care settings and a unique community-service learning (CSL) practicum in various community settings, guided by Humber's clinical education experts.
Complex & Acute Care Nursing
Semester 3Focuses on nursing care in rehabilitation, complex, and acute-care settings. Clinical simulation activities complement supervised practicum placements in hospital and rehabilitation environments.
Pre-Graduate Preceptorship Practicum
Semester 4In this capstone practicum, students work one-on-one alongside a practising Registered Practical Nurse in a clinical setting, consolidating all skills in preparation for professional registration.
Liberal Studies & Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma program is competitive and based on academic history, program availability, and additional requirements. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on meeting these requirements and submitting your application.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- English RequirementGrade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
- Mathematics RequirementGrade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCV4U or equivalent)
- Biology RequirementGrade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent)
- Chemistry RequirementGrade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall band score of 6.0 (contact Uni4Edu to confirm minimum band scores for this program)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80 (contact Uni4Edu to confirm sub-score requirements)
- Duolingo / PTE / OtherContact Uni4Edu for accepted alternative English language tests and minimum scores
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Humber Polytechnic offers several scholarship and bursary opportunities for both domestic and international students in the Practical Nursing program. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options and application procedures.
Humber International Entrance Scholarship
Awarded automatically to international students who demonstrate academic excellence based on their high school GPA. No separate application is required; recipients are selected from those with the highest GPA after commencing studies.
Humber Bursaries for Diploma Programs
Varies based on financial needAvailable to students in certificate, diploma, and degree programs primarily based on demonstrated financial need. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Practical Nursing Graduates
Graduates of Humber's Practical Nursing program are prepared to write the College of Nurses of Ontario registration exam and enter a high-demand healthcare profession. RPNs are valued members of healthcare teams across Ontario, working in diverse clinical settings with strong employment prospects.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers & Work Settings
Rankings & Recognition
Humber Polytechnic is recognized as a leading polytechnic institution in Canada, with strong rankings in applied research, industry collaboration, and overall educational quality. The Practical Nursing program is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), ensuring graduates meet provincial professional standards.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Top 50 Research Colleges (Overall) | Research Infosource | #6 in Canada (2025) |
| Industry Research Income | Research Infosource | #1 in Canada (2025) |
| Top College in Toronto | CourseCompare | #1 in Toronto |
| Top Research Institution in the GTA | Research Infosource | #1 in GTA |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Nursing
Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, United States
Earliest Intake
October 2026
Gross Tuition
45280 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Child and Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons)
University of Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
July 2026
Gross Tuition
22500 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Nursing (BSN)
Seton Hill University, Greensburg, United States
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
42294 $
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Adult Nursing BSc
University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
19500 £
Certificate & Diploma
24 months
Nursing Associate
University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
16950 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
