Becoming a Nurse in Ontario

[chaneljako]

When becoming a nurse in Ontario what is the difference between the university vs college route?

[Guest andrea55]

Hi there.

I will do my best to answer your question.

In Ontario the college route is a diploma program leading to a diploma as a registered practical nurse (RPN). The way I understand it is a more basic practical program and prepares nurses to care for stable patients with expected outcomes (as a general rule).

The University route is a 4 year degree that leaves you with a bachelor of science in Nursing when you have finished. Generally speaking the first two years are much more theory based (basic anatomy/physiology, microbiology, pharmacology etc) and the final two years includes multiple clinical placements. Each school is a little bit different and structures their years differently. But University educated nurses end up with more background knowledge as a basis.

The exception here would be that some Universities offer BscN programs in partnership with a college. But in the end you come out with the University degree, the classes are just located on a college campus.

I hope that helps to answer some of your questions.