Program Overview
The Competency Upgrade Pathway is for Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) who want to qualify as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in Ontario. The Pathway consists of 13 courses, 11 theory and 2 skills based. The theory courses are delivered asynchronous online through OntarioLearn.
The flexible delivery approach allows IENs to address the specific competency gaps, as identified by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in their assessment letter, without having to complete a full program/pathway. The student is expected to take only those courses needed to address the competencies outlined in their individual letter of assessment.
Eligibility Requirements
These course offerings are free of tuition for students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
You are an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN)
You have proof of one of the following:
Canadian citizenship status; or
Canadian permanent resident status; or
Appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that permits you to engage in the practice of nursing in Ontario.
You have a letter from CNO containing the results of your education assessment and the additional education you need.
Tuition and Supplies
IENs who meet the above criteria are eligible for a tuition award to cover the full tuition cost for these Nursing Transformation competency upgrade courses. Eligible students will also receive a stipend of $400 per course to help them with the costs of books and other supplies.
Note: the stipend is subject to a maximum of $2000 per student. These IEN supports are made possible through funding by the Ontario government. When registering for a course, the college will let you know how to access the tuition award and the supplies stipend.
Application Form
To apply, you are required to fillout the IEN Competency Upgrade Pathway Application Form here.
To learn more about the entry-level competencies met by completing each course, download CNO's IEN info pdf
Program Delivery Format
These courses are offered in an online asynchronous delivery format through OntarioLearn. New starts will be available each month.
For more course information, please refer to the course outlines found on the course page.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your application or would like to meet with an advisor to discuss this program in more detail, please contact capsadmissions@sheridancollege.ca