Practical Nursing – (weekend Delivery) at Durham College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-04

Program overview

Program Overview

The Practical Nursing program is designed to equip graduates with the essential skills and attitudes required to practice as safe, competent, and professional practical nurses. This program emphasizes the importance of combining knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide ethical nursing care tailored to the unique needs of patients across various health challenges. The weekend delivery format includes classes on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays, making it accessible for those with weekday commitments.

Program Structure

The Practical Nursing program spans five consecutive semesters, providing a comprehensive education in nursing. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online learning to enhance flexibility for students. Key features of the program structure include:

Weekend delivery format with classes on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Continuous learning over 75 weeks, with intakes available every semester (September, January, and May).
Emphasis on practical hands-on experience through simulated lab practice and real-world clinical placements.
Access to Digital Health Canada membership, offering educational and professional career benefits.

This rigorous program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of nursing in today's healthcare environment.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on clinical placements in various settings, including community service agencies, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.
Practicum experiences that allow students to apply their learning in supervised environments.
Membership in Digital Health Canada, providing access to networking opportunities and professional development resources.
Focus on therapeutic communication skills to enhance patient interactions.
Preparation for the Regulatory Exam – Practical Nurse (REx-PN) to become a registered practical nurse (RPN) in Ontario.

Career Options

Graduates of the Practical Nursing program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Registered Practical Nurse (RPN): Provide frontline care to patients in various healthcare settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Community Health Nurse: Work with community service agencies to promote health and wellness among diverse populations.
Long-term Care Nurse: Deliver care to elderly patients in long-term care facilities, focusing on their unique health needs.
Hospital Nurse: Provide nursing care in hospitals, assisting with patient recovery and rehabilitation.
Mental Health Nurse: Support patients with mental health challenges in psychiatric and acute care settings.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Canada.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Durham College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-04

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for the Practical Nursing program are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status AND
Grade 12 English (C or U) with a minimum of 60 percent
Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U) with a minimum of 65 percent
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, M or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C, M or U)

Recommended:

Keyboarding/basic computer skills

Please note that this program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process. For any clarification and support regarding the admission requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, it is essential to ensure that you meet the above requirements. If you are a Vietnamese or Asian student, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors for tailored guidance and support in your application process.

Language Requirements

To be eligible for the Practical Nursing program at Durham College, applicants must meet specific language proficiency requirements. The following English language tests are accepted:

Grade 12 English (C or U) (English Speaking Countries only); or
IELTS Academic minimum 7.0 overall bands with no band less than 6.5;
TOEFL 94, with no section score less than 23.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as admission is highly competitive. Preference will be given to applicants with the highest qualifications.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!