International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person. The option to attend online does not apply to you. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
About the Program
In this two-year diploma program, you will be working with experienced faculty to gain the knowledge, skills and judgment required for competent clinical nursing practice. You will study anatomy, physiology, English, as well as psychology which will prepare you to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination. In addition, you will participate in a variety of learning modalities, online interactive learning, collaborative group learning, simulation experiences and direct nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.
The Practical Nursing program at Seneca is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | King | Closed |
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Closed |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | King | Closed |
| Sept. 2025 | King | Closed |
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Closed |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
Your Career
To practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse, you must successfully obtain and maintain your registration certificate through the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination.
As a result of regulations arising out of the Nursing Act 1991, applicants for registration in Ontario must not have:
- Convicted of a criminal offence or an offence under the Narcotic Control Act (Canada) or the Food and Drugs Act (Canada)
- Any physical or mental condition/illness that may affect ability to practice
Applicants who do not meet the requirements will be reviewed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to determine if registration will be granted.
Successful Ontario registrants are eligible for registration throughout Canada (French required in Quebec).
Affiliations/Associations
You will also qualify to become a member of the following affiliations and associations:
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario
Student Experiences
Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing
Explore Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing hands-on labs and classrooms where students gain practical skills for in-demand careers.
Graduate Career-Ready
Take the next step in your academic journey at Seneca. Join thousands of graduates who are making a difference here and around the world.
Honouring nurses during National Nursing Week
Doris Benavides, a single mother of two, worked full-time as a lab technician while pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.
Seneca Polytechnic helped her get there in record time.
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Seneca Grad, Birgit Uwaila Umaigba came in at #1 on Chatelaine Magazine’s 2022 Dorris Anderson Award recipients list. Read about how she leveraged interviews and social media activism to become one of the strongest advocates for Canadian Nurses during the pandemic.
What Our Graduates Say
Ervin Sevilla
Registered Practical Nurse, University Health Network
Practical Nursing
"I chose Seneca because of its strong reputation for hands-on learning, industry connections and flexibility."