Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses

If you're an internationally-educated nurse who wants to practice nursing in Saskatchewan, you will need to update your credentials to meet the competencies set out by the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA), or for the regulatory body in the province in which you reside. We are unable to accept internationally educated nurses from Ontario. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is here to help you gain the knowledge and skills to work as a registered nurse (RN) in Canada.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses (ONCIEN) program is an online applied certificate program. It is designed to provide the knowledge and skills you need to work as a nurse in Canada. You will:

• learn about the Canadian health care system
• study health assessment, health challenges, communications, and care of the elderly
• study medical technology, terminology and drug therapy theory in Canada
• study regulations, ethics, safety and cultural competency
• explore issues generated by language barriers and cultural differences
• have your clinical skills assessed in comparison to techniques and equipment used in Canada
• take part in simulation labs and supervised clinical practice education, and
• prepare to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)

Why Saskatchewan Polytechnic?

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Orientation to Nursing in Canada program is highly regarded across Canada. Because it is offered online (with access to tutor support via telephone, fax and/or email), you can work from your own home, on your own time and at your own pace. You have two years to complete all courses.

Practical Learning

The program is designed to give you hands-on practice with nursing skills, documentation and equipment. You'll take part in simulation labs and supervised clinical practice education, and you'll have your clinical skills assessed in comparison to techniques and equipment used in Canada.

You’re Ready to Earn Professional Credentials

Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Graduation/Completion Requirements

• Successful completion of all theory courses (except the Communications courses) with a grade of 50% or better
• Successful completion of the Communications courses, skills lab and clinical experience is a pass-fail designation based on identified criteria
• PLAR and Transfer Credit
  • For more information on PLAR and Transfer Credit, please contact the program at oncien@saskpolytech.ca

Your Career

Whether you already live in Saskatchewan or are planning to move here, Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses will help you qualify to practice in the province. Once your credentials are recognized by the SRNA, you'll discover career opportunities in hospitals, northern health facilities, community clinics, long-term care facilities and more.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you or visit www.healthcareersinsask.ca.

September, January and April

64 weeks (16 weeks x 4 semesters)

You will have two years to complete the program.

For a list of currently available courses, click here.

• 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.

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

Admission Requirements

• A letter from the SRNA (or from the regulatory body in the province where the student resides) recommending the candidate for the ONCIEN program and indicating the candidate meets English language proficiency

Note:

• Proof of current Transferring, Lifting and Repositioning (TLR) certification is required prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of TLR certification is your responsibility.
• Current CPR Health Care Provider "C" AED or equivalent is required prior to participating in CLIN 209 Clinical Experience. The cost of CPR certification is your responsibility.
• Current immunization is required prior to participating in CLIN 209 Clinical Experience.
• A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to participating in CLIN 209 Clinical Experience. A student may be declined access to a clinical placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. A student must complete the clinical practice experience to graduate from the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
• Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
• Effective July 1, 2019: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

Admission Method

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 amounts will vary depending on the number of courses assigned by your regulatory body. Please be aware that the cost per credit unit is approximately $316.00. Contact ONCIEN@saskpolytech.ca for specific tuition information based on your assessment and completion timeline.  

Semester 1

NRSG 103

Nursing in Canada

3

NRSG 120

Fundamentals of Canadian Nursing Communication

4

Semester 2

NRSG 104

Health Assessment

4

PHAR 202

Pharmacology Review

3

Semester 3

NRSG 221

Common Health Challenges

3

NRSG 222

Caring for the Elderly Client

2

Semester 4

CLIN 209

Clinical Experience

16

NRSG 223

Clinical Skills Lab

5

• Personal Readiness

• Nursing Re entry
• Perioperative Nursing RN