Nursing – RPN to BScN Bridging
Undergraduate Program Overview
All Students
**
Become a Skilled & Compassionate Nurse in a High-Demand Field
Are you an RPN ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Nipissing University’s RPN to BScN Bridging Program is designed specifically for Registered Practical Nurses who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs) while building on the education and experience they already possess.
Through a combination of theory, simulation-based learning, and clinical placement opportunities, this program supports RPNs as they transition into broader nursing roles with greater responsibility, enhanced skills, and expanded career option
Program Highlights
This bridging program builds on your existing RPN knowledge while preparing you for RN-level practice through advanced study. Key areas of the curriculum include:
- Health Assessment & Complex Care
- Pharmacology & Medication Management
- Mental Health & Therapeutic Communication
- Indigenous & Community Health
- Ethical & Legal Aspects of Nursing
Clinical Placements
Clinical learning is a core component of the RPN to BScN Program. After completing the bridging semester, students gain advanced clinical experience in settings such as:
- 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.
Resources
Program Related
Why Nipissing's Nursing – RPN to BScN Bridging Program?
Designed for Working RPNs
The bridging curriculum acknowledges your prior training and clinical experience, allowing you to progress efficiently into upper-year BScN studies.
CNO-Approved & NCLEX-RN Ready
Graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN and register as a Registered Nurse through the College of Nurses of Ontario.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
Train with high-fidelity patient simulators in our advanced nursing labs, allowing you to develop confidence before stepping into real-world healthcare settings.
Personalized Learning Experience
With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong support network, we ensure our students receive individualized attention throughout their studies.
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 Bridging program in that page.
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
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
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
Explore Other Programs
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.