Three medical professionals in blue scrubs collaborating in a hospital room

Confederation College Recognition of Achievement

Nephrology Nursing

The Nephrology Nursing program prepares practicing nurses to provide competent, safe, and ethical kidney-care across the spectrum—from early detection through dialysis, transplant and palliative care.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
5028
Any Time
Up to 5 years
1 semester
Part-Time
Online Self-Paced
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

This program prepares nurses to deliver kidney care to affected patients across all stages of the kidney care journey, from early detection through dialysis, palliative care and transplant. Current nurses will learn the knowledge required to promote and deliver competent, safe and ethical care to those at risk for developing or affected by renal disease and/or insufficiency.

The curriculum has been designed and developed in accordance with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) nephrology nursing competencies and standards of practice established by the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists (CANNT).

Please review the Courses, Admissions Requirements and Getting Started tabs for more information on this program.

Getting Started

Learn how to begin your educational journey by visiting our Getting Started page.

Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (5028)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. 19 years of age or older or
  2. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
  3. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  4. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  5. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program - LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.

Complete the Application for Admission to Part-time Program

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Courses

1 intake

Any Time5028

Semester 1

OL 233

Renal Replacement Therapies - Nursing Care of the Transplant Patient

42 hours

This course examines professional nursing practice in the context of caring for individuals in need of kidney transplantation. Emphasis is placed on the delivery of competent, safe and ethical care for this patient population, as guided by the nursing process, evidence-based practices and a person-centred approach to care. Methods and tools that support clinical decision-making and comprehensive approaches to care are emphasized. Prerequisite: OL271 Normal and Abnormal Kidney Function, Current RN/RPN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario

OL 270

Living with Chronic Kidney Disease

42 hours

This course prepares students by providing a deepened understanding of the complexities related to the experiences and effects of kidney disease on the daily life of individuals and their families. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on person centered care as it applies to kidney disease. Students will be given the opportunity to examine current research, use critical thinking and problem solving skills, and incorporate nursing models and frameworks to further their understanding of the lived reality that kidney disease patients and their families must undertake. Pre-requisite: Current RN/RPN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

OL 271

Normal and Abnormal Kidney Function

42 hours

This course prepares the learner with the knowledge required to understand the normal anatomical and structures and physiological functions of the renal system. It introduces the experienced nurse to etiology and pathophysiology related to acute and chronic kidney conditions, their diagnoses, typical progression and common implications for individuals at risk for developing or affected by kidney disease and their families. Pre-requisite: Current RN/RPN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

OL 393

Nursing Care Across Kidney Disease Trajectory

42 hours

This course deepens the learners understanding of authentic therapeutic relationships within the context of caring for the person with kidney disease through health promotion, disease prevention and management and palliative/end-of-life care. A person-and family-centered approach is emphasized as foundational to developing and implementing an individual plan of care in collaboration with the inter-professional team. Team-based interventions to support patient empowerment and well-being throughout the lifespan and course of treatment are stressed. Pre-requisite: Current RN/RPN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

OL 437

RRT - Nurse Care of Peritoneal Dialysis Patient

42 hours

Examine professional nursing practice in the context of caring for individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Emphasis is placed on the delivery of competent, safe and ethical care for this patient population, as guided by the nursing process, evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach to care. Methods and tools that support clinical decision-making and comprehensive approaches to care are emphasized. PREREQUISITES: Proof of current RN/RPN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario and OL271 Normal and Abnormal Kidney Function

OL 439

RRT - Nurse Care of Hemodialysis

42 hours

Hemodialysis is a common renal replacement therapy offered in hospital-based units and increasingly in community-based settings, including the home. This course prepares the learner with requisite knowledge for providing competent, safe and ethical care to the hemodialysis patient, as guided by the nursing process, evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach to care. Methods and tools that support clinical decision-making and comprehensive approaches to care are emphasized. PREQUISITES: Proof of current RN/RPN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario and OL271 Normal and Abnormal Kidney Function

Meet the Program Staff

1 staff member

Careers

Potential career and industry options may include: Kidney disease and dialysis, acute care nephrology units or in-home care.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

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