Question regarding LPN to RN... between provinces?

[Violinist85]

Hi again,

I've been able to find anything on the forums regarding my current question so I'm going to post it here.

So I'm considering moving to BC to study practical nursing. However, afterwards I'd like to be able to move back to Ontario and be able to work as a LPN here in Ontario while pursuing more education (a university degree). I realise that as of 2005 the College of Nurses of Ontario made owning a 2 year diploma the requirement for Practical Nurses. However, in the west (ie BC and Alberta) there are many 1 year certification programs for Practical Nurses (ie Camosun).

I guess what I'm asking first is if I want to come back from BC to ON that I should do the extra year of studies and find a college in BC that offers the 2 year diploma right? Even though I could become a LPN in a year over there... I'm thinking I should get the diploma?

My second question is about the Athabasca bridging program and others similar to it. I believe these bridging programs in the west will allow you enrol as long as you're a LPN of that province which could mean you just possess the 1 year certificate instead of the diploma. But what I'm wondering is after you graduate and get your BN or BScN from western Canadian provinces then does Ontario consider you eligible to write the RN exam?

As a resident of Ontario my whole life, does OSAP cover me at all going to BC?

And I'm just throwing this out there, but does anyone perhaps in BC know of any Practical Nursing diploma programs that have multiple intakes in the year besides just Sept? I've found very few.

I think I still had some questions but they elude me at the moment. Bleh.

Thanks for all the help guys. I really appreciate it.

[loriangel14, RN]

I don't know about BC but in Ontario the bridging programs here in Ontario specify that you have to be a diploma RPN, not a certificate holder.

[OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN]

Okanagan College in Kelowna has multiple intakes, (Sept, Nov and Jan), but it's a certificate, not diploma. And the cut off for applying for the Jan intake is long over. The next one anyone can apply for is next Sept. But, it's a great school and great program.

[Fiona59]

Alberta has been issuing a diploma since 2005 (I believe that is the correct year).

Athabasca U gives credit for any university/college transfer courses. I know many certificate LPNs who have two year community college diplomas in other areas. So if you hold a certificate as long as you can submit a transcript with the appropriate college level courses or pick up the first year English, Psych, etc. you're good to go.

[Violinist85]

Okanagan College in Kelowna has multiple intakes, (Sept, Nov and Jan), but it's a certificate, not diploma. And the cut off for applying for the Jan intake is long over. The next one anyone can apply for is next Sept. But, it's a great school and great program.

Damn. =\

That just made me another year older. Sigh.

Alberta has been issuing a diploma since 2005 (I believe that is the correct year).

Athabasca U gives credit for any university/college transfer courses. I know many certificate LPNs who have two year community college diplomas in other areas. So if you hold a certificate as long as you can submit a transcript with the appropriate college level courses or pick up the first year English, Psych, etc. you're good to go.

I'm a bit confused about this. Are you saying that if I go to BC, get a PN certificate, then go to University or College to take like a year's worth of courses to transfer, then I could get the equivalent of a diploma from Athabasca?

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with PNs with certificates rather than diplomas. Rather I'm just worried about being restricted to only BC.

I was really hoping to start this possibly 2 year long adventure this January. Having to wait another year really bites.

[Fiona59]

OK, here goes from what I understand. The certificate granted at completion of a PN programme gives the holder the basic knowledge required to pass the CPNRE. It is up to the provincial College of LPNs where you wish to move to, to determine if your education meets the new province's requirements. I remember that those educated in BC a few years back needed to complete a few extra modules in A&P to cover things that were in the Scope of Practice in Alberta but not in BC.

Those who hold certificates were to be "grandfathered" by other provinces.

The diploma now includes the first year university arts and social sciences courses required to do a bridge.

So, many LPNs that I know who hold certificates of education had already completed the "new" courses in other educational lives. I've nearly finished an Arts degree (at my age I don't plan on working long enough to recover the costs of a BScN).

So despite have "only" a certificate, I have more university arts credits to my name than a new grad with a diploma in PN.

It's smoke and mirrors. I can't take my certificate back and say "look I had all the courses completed before they became requirements", so give me a diiploma.

[frustratednurse]

Is LPN to RN bridging courses available for International Educated Nurses?

[linzz]

If you plan to practise in Ontario as an RPN, you need to contact the College of Nurses (CNO) to find out what additional education you require if you plan to obtain a certificate out there.

[frustratednurse]

Thank you linzz for the quick reply, I am planning to go Alberta. I already applied with the CLPNA. However, if I decided to pursue my RN carreer. Is it possible for an international educated nurse to jump from LPN to RN by upgrading or taking additional subjects?

[linzz]

frustrated nurse: I understand your frustration, it is indeed not easy getting to be a nurse in most provinces. I know for Ontario residents, the path to an RN is either the 2.5 - 3 year RPN to RN bridge or a 4 year program. Other provinces may have other options for working toward your RN. Best of luck to you.