College Diploma - Practical Nursing (S121) at GBC - George Brown College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-24

Program overview

Program Overview

The Practical Nursing program (S121) at George Brown College is a comprehensive two-year diploma program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to work as registered practical nurses in Ontario. This program not only prepares students for the practical aspects of nursing but also ensures they meet the entry-to-practice requirements set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to write the national Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), paving the way for a rewarding career in healthcare.

Program Structure

The Practical Nursing program is structured as follows:

Program Length: 2 years (4 semesters)
Method of Study: Full-time
Starting Months: January, May, September
Location: Waterfront Campus, at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences

Classes and labs are scheduled between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The program includes a significant component of clinical placements, which are conducted under direct faculty supervision in various patient care settings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Students may be required to participate in placements that involve extended shifts, including evenings and weekends, and may start as early as 6:30 a.m.

Featured Experiences

Clinical Placement: Students gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, which is crucial for developing practical nursing skills.
Simulation Centre: The program features a state-of-the-art Simulation Centre, designed to replicate hospital environments, allowing students to practice their skills in a safe and controlled setting.
Unpaid Clinical Experiences: These experiences are essential for applying theoretical knowledge in practical situations, enhancing learning outcomes.
Varied Patient Care Settings: Students will work in diverse environments, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and long-term care facilities.

Career Options

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

Registered Practical Nurse (RPN): Provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Long-Term Care Nurse: Work in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, focusing on the care of elderly patients.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Assist patients recovering from surgery or injury, helping them regain independence.
Community Health Nurse: Provide care and education to patients in their homes or community settings, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.
Clinical Nurse Educator: Teach and mentor nursing students or new staff in clinical settings, sharing knowledge and best practices.

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

Visit GBC - George Brown College official website

Last updated on 2025-06-24

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Practical Nursing program (S121) at George Brown College, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
Grade 12 English (C or U) with a minimum grade of 70 percent or higher.
Grade 11 Math (M or U) or Grade 12 Math (C or U) with a minimum grade of 70 percent or higher.
Grade 11 Biology (C or U) or Grade 12 Biology (U) with a minimum grade of 70 percent or higher.
Grade 11 Chemistry (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U) with a minimum grade of 70 percent or higher.

Additionally, applicants may be invited for an interview to assess specific competencies related to the field of Nursing. This is a competitive program, and only the most qualified applicants will be invited to complete the online, recorded interview.

For mature students (19 years of age or older without an OSSD), they may take the Admissions Assessment for English, Math, Chemistry, or Biology, or consider upgrading to achieve the necessary credits.

Applicants with existing post-secondary nursing education from Canadian or international institutions are required to submit all transcripts. Please note that transfer credit and course exemptions for credits taken at other institutions related to nursing are restricted and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

It is important to remember that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as admissions decisions will be based on program availability at the time all requirements have been met.

Language Requirements

To be considered for admission to the College Diploma - Practical Nursing (S121) program, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency if English is not the first language in their country. The following English language tests and their respective minimum scores are accepted:

Language Proficiency Testing Program	Diploma/Certificate Programs	Postgraduate Programs and Fast-track/Bridges	GBC Degree Programs
George Brown English for Academic (EAP) Program	Level 8	Level 9	Level 9
IELTS (Academic)	6.0, minimum 5.5 in each skill band	6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band	6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band
TOEFL	80 (online) minimum 20 in each skill band	88 (online) minimum 22 in each skill band	84 (online) minimum 21 in each skill band
MELAB	80	85	85
PTE (Academic)	54, overall minimum 50 in each skill band	60, overall minimum 55 in each skill band	60, overall minimum 55 in each skill band
CAEL	60 (overall)	70 overall (writing 60)	70 overall (writing 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	169 or more (with no individual skill below 162)	176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)	176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)
George Brown Admissions Test (Mature applicants only)	Available	Available	Not Available

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!