Occupational Health Nursing

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.

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.

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.

Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

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.

Part-time delivery

To graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply to the program and be admitted prior to taking any courses. To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

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

This program is not eligible for the Canada-Saskatchewan student loan program.

Courses

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 link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

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

Occupational Health Nursing
Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing
Regina campus