RPN to BScN Bridge — 3rd Year Entry – Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the RPN to BScN bridging pathway:

  1. Canadian citizenship or authorization to practice in Ontario
    • Citizenship, permanent resident status or appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) that allows the individual to practice nursing in Ontario.
    • At Confederation College, verification of valid status will be required at the time of application.
  2. Graduation from an approved 2-year Practical Nursing diploma program
    • The program must be approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
    • A cumulative GPA of 65% or higher in that program is required.
    • Note: Applicants whose graduation date is no later than 2005 will still be considered, provided all other criteria are met.
  3. Current registration in good standing as an RPN with the CNO
    • Applicants must be registered as a Registered Practical Nurse and have no active disciplinary issues or restrictions.
  4. Work experience as an RPN in Ontario within the past 5 years
    • At least part-time or casual employment as an RPN in Ontario during the last five years is required.
    • Applicants should be prepared to provide verification of employment (e.g., employer letter, pay stubs) with dates of service.
  5. Successful completion of all bridging program courses
    • Once admitted into the bridging pathway, the applicant must complete all required courses and achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each course in order to qualify for advanced standing into the BScN program.
    • Note: At Confederation College, the bridging courses compose part of the pathway; the successful applicant will then apply for advanced standing into Year 3 of the BScN program as the designated receiving college.

Additional Notes & Application Steps

  • Applicants must apply to the pathway via Ontario Colleges and be accepted by Confederation College (or another participating institution) before registering for the bridging courses.
  • The bridging courses are offered online asynchronously (with a short on-campus or in-person skills session) and are recommended to be completed within a 2-year timeframe.
  • Completing the bridging pathway does not automatically guarantee admission into the BScN program; advanced standing admission is still competitive and subject to the receiving college’s criteria and availability of spaces.
  • Funding assistance may be available (e.g., tuition reimbursement via the Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program) for eligible RPNs. 

How to Apply

  1. Confirm you meet all the admission requirements listed above.
  2. Submit your application to Confederation College via the Ontario Colleges application portal under the “Nursing Transformation: RPN to BScN” pathway.
  3. Upon acceptance, register for and complete the bridging courses.
  4. After successful completion, apply for advanced standing into Semester 5 of the BScN program at the receiving college.
  5. Ensure all documentation (transcript, CNO registration, work verification, citizenship/authorization status) is submitted and verified.