A female nurse holding her note pad with the hospital front desk in view behind her

Nursing – RPN to BScN Blended

Intake(s):
Fall, Winter
Available as:
Honours Specialization
Available to:

 All Students

Degree type:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

**

Course load:
Full-time, Part-time
Online
PGWP Eligible

Become a Skilled & Compassionate Nurse in a High-Demand Field

Are you a working RPN looking for a way to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing without pausing your career or relocating? Nipissing University’s RPN to BScN Blended Delivery Program offers the flexibility you need, combining online theory courses with clinical placements arranged in your region. 

This pathway is tailored for RPNs who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through a program that fits their work schedule, family life, and community commitments; all while still receiving the academic quality and support Nipissing is known for. 

Program Highlights

The blended program begins with a Bridging Semester, designed to build a strong academic foundation and transition RPNs into upper-year BScN coursework. Students then continue with online theory and in-community clinical experiences. The program maintains the same academic standards as the on-campus stream while offering greater schedule flexibility and location independence. Key areas of study include: 

  • Advanced Health Assessment & Nursing Skills 
  • Pharmacology & Medication Management 
  • Mental Health Nursing & Therapeutic Communication 
  • Nursing Care Across the Lifespan (Pediatrics, Maternity, Gerontology) 
  • Leadership, Ethics & Professional Practice 
  • Community, Population, & Indigenous Health 

Clinical Placements

Clinical learning remains a key part of the blended pathway. After completing the bridging semester, students complete clinical placements in their communities whenever possible. Blended-delivery students still complete over 1,400 hours of clinical experience across the full BScN program, ensuring strong preparation for RN practice. Clinical placement settings may include: 

  • Hospitals (Emergency, ICU, Surgery, Pediatrics, Maternity, Psychiatry) 
  • Long-Term Care Facilities 
  • Public Health & Community Clinics 
  • Home Healthcare & Indigenous Health Services 

Nipissing University’s programs in the School of Nursing are approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Our programs are also accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.

The School of Nursing is proud to be designated by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization.

Join Us for a Live Online Info Session!

Don’t miss your chance to connect and get answers—register now to reserve your spot!
Register for a session?

What to Expect
Explore your options for earning a Nursing degree—wherever you are. Our RPN to BScN Information Sessions will be hosted online, giving you a chance to ask questions and learn more about our flexible programs.

How to Join
All you need is internet access (Google Chrome recommended)!
All sessions run from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST). You can log in as early as 6:45 PM. A link to join will be emailed to you the day before.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Tuesday, June 10, 2025
  • Tuesday, June 24, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Why Nipissing's Nursing – RPN to BScN Blended Program?

Flexible Coursework

Complete theory courses online from home, allowing you to balance learning with work and personal commitments. 

Clinical Placements Close to Home

Clinical experiences are arranged in partner hospitals and health-care settings within your community, reducing the need for travel. 

CNO-Approved Pathway

Graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN and register as a Registered Nurse through the College of Nurses of Ontario 

Supports Working Nurses

The blended format recognizes your RPN experience and provides a realistic route to degree completion while maintaining employment. 

Accessible Learning Environment

Online courses include faculty support, virtual simulations, and interactive learning tools to keep you engaged and connected. 

4 nursing students in green scrub, standing around a simulation bed with a robot patient

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission, students must have successfully completed a Practical Nurse (PN) diploma.

To find specific requirements details, use the College/University Transfer Admission button below, select transferring from College and choose the Nursing-RPN to BScN Blended program in that page.

Additional Working Requirements for Nursing-RPN to BScN Blended Program

Ensure you are employed with one of our partners.
Learn more about this requirement.

Working Requirements

You must be employed at one of our partner health care agencies to be eligible to apply for admission consideration for this program.

Use the buttons below to search through our partner list or see the entire list.

If your employer has not developed a partnership with Nipissing University, but is interested in more information they can contact the School of Nursing, Nipissing University, email [email protected] or 705-474-3450 ext 4567.

Future Careers

Upon graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam and register with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Nurse. Our graduates are in high demand, with strong employment rates across Canada. 

Real People, Real Impact

Discover how real students have found support, opportunity, and belonging at Nipissing.
A student in green nursing scrub in front of a lab background

What I love most about the nursing program is the real-life, hands-on experience we get in the hospital setting, starting as early as the first year. We also have a psychologically safe lab environment where we can practice and build confidence before entering clinical placements.

Paris G.

Class of 2026

A group of nursing graduates in white and black dresses posing in front of a nature background

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Nipissing University was an amazing experience. I gained valuable hands-on nursing experience through simulation labs and hospital placements that prepared me for real-world practice.

Abby W.

Class of 2022

Program Requirements

How the Common Degree Structure Works

At Nipissing, you can choose a minor, major, specialization, or honours specialization—each offering a different level of focus and flexibility to match your goals.

Check out this breakdown of the Common Degree Structure to see how you can make your interests fit your degree.

Program Options & Course Requirements

Find required courses for each type of specialization using this link. 

Request More Info

Learn more about our Office of Indigenous Initiatives?

Explore
Other Programs

3 nursing students in green scrub all focused on the patient in the simulation lab
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A group of nurses in scrubs working on their laptop in the nursing lab
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Notes:

This program does not follow the same degree format as the majority of other programs. This program you can either graduate with an Honours degree or a degree without Honours.

Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, Nipissing’s Academic Calendar is the official reference.