LPN Training in Ontario, Canada
Although many places have a type of nurse called an LPN (licensed practical nurse), the correct term for this type of nurse in Ontario is an RPN (registered practical nurse). According to the College of Nurses of Ontario, the two main categories of nurses in Ontario are registered practical nurses and registered nurses (RNs). Both must complete an educational program and exam to practice nursing.
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Requirements
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The College of Nurses of Ontario outlines seven requirements for becoming a nurse in Ontario: education in a practical nursing program, Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or work authorization granted by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, completion and passing of the Canadian Practical Nursing Registration Examination, recent practice of safe nursing, fluency in English or French, a criminal background check and demonstrated good character, and registration in the area of the student's completed nursing program or the eligibility to register as a nurse in the area of the student's completed nursing program. As part of training to become an RPN, a student needs to work toward meeting all of these requirements.
Registered Practical Nurse Programs
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RPN programs generally take two years to complete, and they end with the student earning a diploma. Ideally, students attend an approved nursing school in the same jurisdiction where they intend to practice nursing, but students with degrees from other provinces or even other countries may be able to transfer their degrees to Ontario and bypass having to attend nursing school in Ontario. Students who went to school elsewhere will have to submit nursing school transcripts to the College of Nurses of Ontario or to an accredited nursing school to see whether or not the education is transferable to Ontario.
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Recent Safe Nursing Practice
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As part of training to become a RPN, students need to gain some actual time practicing safe nursing. RPN programs within Ontario include sufficient time practicing safe nursing. Nurses who received training outside of Canada who have recently worked as nurses can have their employers verify that they have worked at least 1,125 hours in the past five years. Nurses with degrees from outside of Canada who have not worked as nurses within the past five years need to complete more training that will include time practicing safe nursing.
The Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination
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As part of RPN training, students study in order to be able to pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination---a requirement for registration as a nurse in Ontario. Many RPN programs cover most of what students need to know for the exam, so students can train for the test by studying previous class material. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions in either English or French.
Language Fluency
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The College of Nurses of Ontario recommends that nurses who are not fluent in English or French train for the nursing exam by becoming fluent. Since students must take the exam either in English or French, prospective RPNs will have a much easier time passing the test if they have a solid understanding of at least one of the two languages.
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- Photo Credit the nurse with a mask on face sits at a table image by Cosmic from Fotolia.com
