Practical Nursing (Simcoe) at Fanshawe College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-09

Program overview

Program Overview

Fanshawe's Practical Nursing diploma program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). This program emphasizes a blend of theoretical learning, clinical practice, and simulations, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector. With a focus on administering medications, performing medical procedures, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, this program is an excellent choice for those eager to embark on a fulfilling and in-demand career.

Program Structure

The Practical Nursing diploma program at Fanshawe College is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a 63-week period. This program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, allowing flexibility for students. Key features of the program structure include:

Full-time and part-time options available at multiple campuses including Simcoe, London, and Woodstock.
Hands-on clinical practice integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring students gain real-world experience.
Simulation labs that provide a safe environment for students to practice nursing skills.
Curriculum that evolves in response to current nursing and healthcare trends.

Students are encouraged to consider preparatory pathways, such as the Pre-Health Sciences program, to enhance their readiness for the rigors of the Practical Nursing program.

Featured Experiences

The Practical Nursing program at Fanshawe offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Extensive clinical practice in acute, community, and long-term care settings under the supervision of qualified professionals.
Integration of simulations throughout the curriculum to develop practical skills in a controlled environment.
Opportunities to participate in collaborative projects with healthcare providers, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
Preparation for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination, ensuring graduates are ready for licensure.

Career Options

Graduates of the Practical Nursing program from Fanshawe College can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job opportunities:

Registered Practical Nurse (RPN): Provide patient care in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics, focusing on surgical care, mental health, and emergency services.
Community Care Nurse: Deliver personal and nursing care to clients in their homes, including medication administration and health assessments.
School Nurse: Offer direct care to students, addressing health concerns and promoting wellness within the school environment.
Long-Term Care Nurse: Work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, providing support and care for elderly patients.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Assist patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, focusing on rehabilitation and health maintenance.

With a strong emphasis on communication and problem-solving skills, graduates are well-prepared to excel in these roles and contribute positively to the healthcare community.

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

Visit Fanshawe College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-09

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Practical Nursing diploma program at Fanshawe College, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with a minimum final grade of 65 in each of the following courses:
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (U or M) or Grade 12 Math (C* or U)
In addition to meeting the academic course requirements, applicants must complete the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics test (CASPer) assessment.
This is a competitive program; the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of seats available. Applicants who do not meet admissions requirements may choose to do the one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees preparatory program.
Graduates who have a final cumulative GPA of 3.0 and no grade in the courses listed above below 65% will meet all the admissions requirements for this program.
International students must successfully graduate from Pre-Health Sciences before being considered for this program.

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

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the admission requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

For the Practical Nursing (Simcoe) Diploma program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 5.5 with no score less than 5 in reading and listening; 5.5 in writing and speaking
IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 with no score less than 6.5 in reading and listening and a score of 7.0 in writing and speaking
CAEL: 70 in writing, reading and speaking and a score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic: 65
Cambridge English: Overall score of 185 with no language skill less than 176 and a score of 185 in listening
ESL4/GAP5: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Duolingo: 135, with no score less than 130 in speaking and writing and 125 in listening and reading
LANGUAGECERT: Overall score of 75 with no score less than 70 in reading and listening and a score of 75 in writing and speaking

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!

Last updated on 2026-02-27

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Simcoe
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Woodstock
September 2026	Closed	Not Available	Not Available	London