A secondary school diploma with several prerequisite courses is required for entrance into most LPN programs. For example, Mohawk College requires two senior college or university-stream English courses, grade 11 mathematics and two senior college or university or college-stream science courses. The senior science courses may be in biology, chemistry or physics. Mature applicants (those older than 19) may also be considered for admission as long as they have completed two senior sciences. Mature applicants may be requested to undergo testing in both English and math. All applicants should acquire Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification as well as the Health Care Provider (BLS-C) certificate prior to applying to this program. An up-to-date immunization record and evidence of a negative TB skin test must be provided before commencing studies. Prior to beginning any clinical placements, a mask-fitting and a criminal record check is generally required. These requirements are generally consistent across the provinces.
In order to become a registered nurse in Canada, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required. Application to the program requires the applicant to have acquired a secondary school diploma. The specific prerequisite courses may vary slightly between provinces, but generally include university-stream English, Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors, university-stream biology and chemistry and two other grade 12 university-stream courses. A minimum overall average of 75 percent is necessary for consideration. Individuals with college and university experience may also apply. A minimum average of 70 to 75 percent from all courses taken is required. These courses will be assessed for advanced credit upon acceptance into the program.
An individual who has completed LPN training can apply for advanced standing in a BScN program in some provinces. The applicant must have acquired a minimum of one full year (1,700 hours) of work experience as a LPN. Letters from employers are required at the time of application for verification. Applicants must also submit secondary school transcripts that show a minimum of 60 percent in grade 12 English and two grade 12 science courses. If these are not available, the applicant can substitute these courses with comparable college or university English and science courses.
Applicants who have completed all of the non-nursing courses of the BScN undergraduate degree prior to applying to the BScN program may apply to this accelerated stream so long as they have obtained a minimum GPA of 3.0. The prerequisite courses are: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics and 15 units of chemistry, psychology, sociology, biology or philosophy.
Applicants who have acquired at least 54 university units with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 may apply to this accelerated BScN program. Particular prerequisites are also required including six units of psychology, six units of human physiology, three units of statistics and six units of biochemistry or chemistry.