Overview

The Ontario Colleges Nursing Program Transformation Initiative: Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) offers applicants the option to complete one or more courses to address learning needs required to meet CNO's education requirement to be a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

For more information regarding the IEN Competency, please visit the OntarioLearn IEN page.

To read about the entry-level competencies met by completing each course, visit the CNO's Ontario Colleges Nursing Program Transformation Initiative:  IEN Competency.

Students who complete these courses will use the transcripts as evidence of successful completion and eligibility to write the registration exam.

NO CREDENTIAL WILL BE AWARDED for completion of these courses.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are eligible to register into a course(s) if they meet the following criteria:

• You have a letter from College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) containing the results of your education assessment and the additional education you need.
• 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.

 

To register for one of the courses listed, you must meet the eligibility requirements as specified above.  Courses can be free to qualifying students.  To apply for free tuition for a course, complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Fee Waiver Eligibility form for the IEN Competency.
    
2. Email Fee Waiver Eligibility form, CNO assessment letter and proof of status to:
   • Lisa Chevrier
     Admissions Advisor
     Lisa.Chevrier@senecapolytechnic.ca
      
3. If eligible, an admission acceptance letter will be emailed in order to register in IEN Competency Upgrade courses.
    
4. Using the Internationally Educated Nurses Competency, map the competency gaps identified in your CNO letter to the available courses.

Curriculum

The IEN Courses are offered in a flexible online delivery mode providing students with monthly start dates. Students are not required to take all needed courses at one time or in one semester.

The letter provided to IENs by the CNO will outline the specific competencies that need to be addressed.

For information about course details, click on the course code, and then click on the Outline link.

Program Outcomes

This program is for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who want to qualify as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in Ontario.

For more information regarding the CNO's Competency Assessment Program for IEN's - CAP (Internationally Educated Nurses Competency Assessment Program), please visit the website.

Tuition and Supplies

The cost of these courses is funded through the Ontario government's Nursing Program Transformation in Ontario's Colleges initiative. Students who meet the admission requirements and are accepted into the pathway are not required to pay a tuition fee. Eligible students will also receive a stipend of $400 per course to help them with the costs of books and other supplies. The stipend is subject to a maximum of $2,000 per student. When registering for a course, the college will let you know how to access the tuition award and the supplies stipend.

Please note: The tuition award and the supplies subsidy is only available for course sections that start before Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Program Contacts

Lisa Chevrier
Admissions Advisor
Lisa.Chevrier@senecapolytechnic.ca

Kia Cassandra Ladores
Program Assistant
Kia-cassandra.ladores@senecapolytechnic.ca

Lisa Harfield
Academic Program Manager
Lisa.Harfield@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0970