School of Nursing

Occupational Health Nursing

Post-Graduate Certificate
Occupational Health Nursing

Program Overview

Occupational Health Nurses are registered nurses who play a vital role in workplace wellness. Their exciting role encompasses health promotion, health maintenance, and the prevention of illness and injury in the workplace.

If you are seeking a role in nursing where you will work independently as well as in collaboration with others, and where you will advocate for workers to improve workplace health and safety - this career is for you.

Who Qualifies

To enroll in this program you must be a graduate of a recognized bachelor of nursing program, and be licensed and currently registered with the registered nurses' licensing body in the province where you will participate in clinical practice education.

Why Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's post-graduate certificate in Occupational Health Nursing will prepare you for the pace and pressures experienced by a nurse working in industry. Best of all, the program is available online, which allows you to study at a time, pace, and location that is convenient for you.

Your specialized studies will focus on:

  • assessing workers, and disabilities
  • exploring safety systems
  • assessing hazards
  • creating safe work environments
  • managing projects
  • providing nursing leadership in the workplace

Your studies will be based on the latest, evidence-informed practice for the specialty. You will have an opportunity to apply theory and demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and skill mastery in a simulated lab setting.

Your learning experience culminates with an 80-hour field work opportunity in an industry setting, where you will apply what you have learned and will be mentored by an employed registered nurse.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Occupational Health Nurses play a unique role in health promotion and safety. They work independently and as part of a team, in outpatient care centres, educational institutions, factories, large corporations, public health clinics and hospital settings.

As a result of industry growth in western Canada, an aging population, and a focus on workplace safety, there is an increase in employment opportunities in this specialty.

If you want to make a difference in workplace health and safety - this career is for you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Occupational Health NurseRegistered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (3012)$65,100 - $99,900

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

Ongoing


For more information, contact:
Occupational Health Nursing, School of Nursing
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina Campus
Phone:      306-775-7445
Toll Free:   1-866-467-4278
Email:       occupationalhealthnursing@saskpolytech.ca


Length: Part-time study equivalent to approximately 19 weeks

Locations

  • Online/Distance

    • Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Part-time Delivery

To graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply to the program and be admitted before taking any program courses.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • Graduate of a bachelor of nursing program (or other relevant bachelor's degree)
  • Licensed and currently registered with the registered nurses' licensing body in the province where you will participate in clinical practice education
  • English Language Requirement

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Varies by course

Courses

Expand All +
Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
LEAD 202
Leadership and Team Management in Occupational Health Nursing
3
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You will develop the knowledge and skills to effectively manage a health services unit, lead a team, and participate in team work. You will be prepared to provide strong leadership and communication skills emphasizing planning, supervision, problem solving, team work, and team effectiveness.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287
Equivalent Course(s): LEAD 202CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
NRSG 287
Foundations of Occupational Health Nursing
3
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You will be introduced to the specialty role of the occupational health nurse. You will explore occupational health nursing as it relates to health in the workplace and inter-professional partnerships. You will examine legal and ethical considerations, occupational health and safety standards and frameworks for professional practice. You will develop a professional portfolio (as an assignment) related to occupational health nursing.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 287CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
NRSG 288
Health Assessment and Health Promotion in Occupational Health Nursing
3
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You will relate the basic principles of health assessment including history taking and physical examination to occupational health nursing. You will relate the principles of health promotion to the occupational health environment. You will discuss specific alterations to health experienced in occupational health environments and the related health promotion.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 288CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
NRSG 289
Work Environments and Health 1
3
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You will be introduced to the basic principles of industrial hygiene, sometimes referred to as occupational hygiene. You will prepare to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control workplace hazards. You will focus on issues such as occupational contamination, chemical, biological, radiation, and electrical hazards. Your assessment and treatment skills will be enhanced for related occupational disease and injuries.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 289CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
NRSG 290
Work Environments and Health 2
3
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You will prepare to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and mitigate the effects of noise, thermal, ergonomic, confined spaces, respiratory and fire hazards. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with sampling techniques and equipment and you will prepare to assess and treat workers who encounter these hazards.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287, NRSG 289
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 290CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
NRSG 291
Disability Case Management in Occupational Health Nursing
4
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You will be introduced to disability management as an essential component of an occupational health and safety program. Disability management starts at the time of illness or injury and continues until the individual has recovered and returned to work. You will acquire knowledge and skills to develop, implement, and market a disability management program including Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims information and return to work plans. You will focus on: worker assessment, accurate completion of reporting requirements and the creation of a disability management program.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 291CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
NRSG 292
Occupational Health Nursing Lab
1
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You will be provided with an opportunity to apply theoretical learnings, enhance nursing assessment techniques, and demonstrate clinical practice skills in a simulated setting as they relate to the role of the occupational health nurse. You will demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration with other health team members.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 12.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287, NRSG 288, NRSG 289, NRSG 290, NRSG 291, PROJ 205, SFTY 201, LEAD 202
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 292CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online
PRAC 214
Occupational Health Nursing Practice Education
5
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You will be provided with a field work opportunity and spend 80 hours in an occupational health setting, preferably in an industry setting. You will be mentored by a registered nurse who is employed in an occupational setting.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 292
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 214CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual
PROJ 205
Project Management in Occupational Health Nursing
3
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You will focus on project management knowledge and application. You will have the opportunity to practice using a project management framework to develop a project management plan for the development and revision of an occupational health and safety program. Your knowledge of needs assessment, gap analysis, and program evaluation skills will be enhanced.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287
Equivalent Course(s): PROJ 205CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
SFTY 201
Managing Health and Safety Systems from an Occupational Health Nursing Perspective
3
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You will focus your studies on elements of organizational culture and behavior which directly impact the effectiveness of an occupational health and safety system. You will explore safety systems, safety culture, learning organizations, responsibility systems, legislation, risk management, accident causation, auditing program elements, and management theories relate to health and safety. You will develop inspection and accident investigation skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 50.0
Prerequisites(s): NRSG 287
Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 201CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.  See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for courses in this program.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Additional Information