Ontario NP - 2026 Applicants

[Sarah76]

Hi all, I'm creating this thread for RN's who are applying for NP programs across Ontario for Fall 2026 as a way for us to connect and support one another. I am reapplying for U of T's MN-NP along with TMU's combined Masters + NP Program (first time applying) and possibly McMaster U (depends on whether I can secure 2 academic references). I was waitlisted for U of T's program for Fall 2025. One of my biggest challenges with these applications has been academic references since I graduated with my BScN in 2006. Looking to connect with others.

[SirJiggly]

Hey! Planning on applying to western, mac, york, tmu and uft for their MN/PHCNP combined program this year! Did 3 years in adult emerg and currently half a year in pediatric emergency!

Applied last year but got waitlisted to TMU, UFT, York. Hopefully, this year is the year for all of us!

[Sarah76]

SirJiggly said:

Hey! Planning on applying to western, mac, york, tmu and uft for their MN/PHCNP combined program this year! Did 3 years in adult emerg and currently half a year in pediatric emergency!

Applied last year but got waitlisted to TMU, UFT, York. Hopefully, this year is the year for all of us!

Hey there! I remember you from last year's thread. I am applying to U of T and TMU. Looks like McMaster is out for me as they require two formal academic references.
I was also on the waitlist for U of T last year and I'm hopeful that this is the year us as well!
I have over 15 years experience in primary care, diabetes and geriatric settings. I think my more specialized experience in diabetes for over 10 years may be what made me less competitive compared to other applicants from last year with more diverse experience.
Took an additional course this year outside of diabetes management and have new references. 🤞 

 

[Liam RN]

Hi everyone!

I will also be applying for the 2026 cycle. I am applying to UofT and McMaster with UofT being my top choice.

I am applying with the minimum hours (just over 2 years exp by program start). Seeing as I graduated from my BScN in 2024, that is definitely the weakest point of my app. However, my experience is in a semi-rural, level 3 ICU with Charge Nurse experience. My BScN GPA was >3.9/4.0. I also did a little bit of NP shadowing on the side.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Liam, RN

[Sarah76]

Liam RN said:

Hi everyone!

I will also be applying for the 2026 cycle. I am applying to UofT and McMaster with UofT being my top choice.

I am applying with the minimum hours (just over 2 years exp by program start). Seeing as I graduated from my BScN in 2024, that is definitely the weakest point of my app. However, my experience is in a semi-rural, level 3 ICU with Charge Nurse experience. My BScN GPA was >3.9/4.0. I also did a little bit of NP shadowing on the side.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Liam, RN

Welcome! That is great experience so far and a high GPA! I'm sure that makes you a strong candidate. 😊 

U of T is my top choice as well. Such a great program and the hybrid/virtual format would really work well for me.

[Liam RN]

@Sarah76 thanks! If I'm being honest, I am shocked that you weren't admitted based off your extensive experience. Especially considering your work in primary care and diabetes. I feel like that alone would make you an incredibly strong clinician! Best of luck to you this time around!

[Sarah76]

Liam RN said:

@Sarah76 thanks! If I'm being honest, I am shocked that you weren't admitted based off your extensive experience. Especially considering your work in primary care and diabetes. I feel like that alone would make you an incredibly strong clinician! Best of luck to you this time around!

Thanks Liam. We were told that there was a very high applicant pool last year which made the program particularly competitive. It was also a very long wait to hear back about being placed on the wait list. I applied Jan 16th and didn't hear back until late May. My goal is to get my U of T application in early this year (before the early deadline) and hope for the best 🤞 

[Liam RN]

Sarah76 said:

Thanks Liam. We were told that there was a very high applicant pool last year which made the program particularly competitive. It was also a very long wait to hear back about being placed on the wait list. I applied Jan 16th and didn't hear back until late May. My goal is to get my U of T application in early this year (before the early deadline) and hope for the best 🤞 

Wow! Well I am really hoping it isn't as competitive this year. Although, I feel it will continue to become more popular every year. Luckily they added more seats fairly recently - hoping this works in our favour! I am also planning on having everything submitted by the early deadline!

[torontoRN1997]

Hi all! I am applying for this cycle and applying to UofT, TMU, York and McMaster. This is my first time applying and I am so nervous haha. 

I'm a graduate of UofT's accelerated RN program, GPA 3.91. 1 year surgical oncology inpatient, 3 years specialized oncology experience in an outpatient/primary care setting. I also been very privileged to be able to complete many projects, write abstracts, attend conferences etc while working in my current role.

Best of luck to you all! 

[Liam RN]

torontoRN1997 said:

Hi all! I am applying for this cycle and applying to UofT, TMU, York and McMaster. This is my first time applying and I am so nervous haha. 

I'm a graduate of UofT's accelerated RN program, GPA 3.91. 1 year surgical oncology inpatient, 3 years specialized oncology experience in an outpatient/primary care setting. I also been very privileged to be able to complete many projects, write abstracts, attend conferences etc while working in my current role.

Best of luck to you all! 

Nice to meet you! Welcome to the forum :) Sounds like you have some really good experience and the research/projects will look great as well. Best of luck to you too!

[Sarah76]

torontoRN1997 said:

Hi all! I am applying for this cycle and applying to UofT, TMU, York and McMaster. This is my first time applying and I am so nervous haha. 

I'm a graduate of UofT's accelerated RN program, GPA 3.91. 1 year surgical oncology inpatient, 3 years specialized oncology experience in an outpatient/primary care setting. I also been very privileged to be able to complete many projects, write abstracts, attend conferences etc while working in my current role.

Best of luck to you all! 

Welcome! You have some great experience and are a strong candidate.Wishing you the best of luck!

I wish I could apply to McMaster as well but they ask for 2 academic references and aren't flexible with accepting non-traditional references. It's been a real barrier for me since I graduated more than 15yrs ago.

[Liam RN]

Sarah76 said:

Welcome! You have some great experience and are a strong candidate.Wishing you the best of luck!

I wish I could apply to McMaster as well but they ask for 2 academic references and aren't flexible with accepting non-traditional references. It's been a real barrier for me since I graduated more than 15yrs ago.

I agree. Even though I graduated only a few years ago and developed good relationships with several profs and nursing professionals, finding 4 referees was incredibly challenging! I started reaching out early Summer and got my final reference a couple weeks ago.