Practical Nursing

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Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
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Please note:

​Classes for Waterloo students are held at Schlegel Villages - The Village at University Gates, on the lower level of the long-term care and retirement suites.

Program description - September 2025

Practical Nursing is a career-focused program where the student will gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to become a member of the nursing profession and health-care team. The foundational knowledge for practical nursing is based on scientific theory from nursing, the physical and psychosocial sciences and humanities. Person-centred care is learned in context through real-life experiences and career-related work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. Seniors care is given special attention to meet the needs of an aging population.

Regulatory obligations

The Nursing Act

The Nursing Act requires that all graduate practical nurses wishing to work in Ontario must be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario. The Nursing Act also states graduates must not have been convicted of a criminal offence or an offence under the Narcotic Control Act (Canada) or the Food and Drugs Act (Canada). In addition, the Nursing Act identifies a number of other abilities and requirements that must be met in order to practice nursing in the province of Ontario.

The College of Nurses of Ontario

Graduate practical nurses wishing to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario must sign a declaration of their status regarding: citizenship; permanent residence; immigration; convictions of a criminal offence under the Narcotic Control Act/Food and Drug Act; involvement with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Ontario in another health profession; any mental or physical disorder, which makes it desirable in the public interest that the person not practice nursing. These conditions also apply throughout the program. In preparation to pursuing a nursing career, we encourage all prospective nursing students to carefully consider the requisite skills and abilities for nursing practice in Ontario outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

The Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College 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.

 

Note:

  • This is a highly competitive program. Apply by February 1 (for September), July 15 (for January). See oversubscribed programs for more information.
  • Canadian students living outside of Ontario are not eligible to apply.
  • Admission requirements for this program may be met by completing a Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas Program.
  • International students interested in studying in the Practical Nursing program are required to successfully complete the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas. Direct entry into the Practical Nursing program is not available. Admission to Practical Nursing after completion of the Pre-Health Pathway program is not guaranteed.

Program details

Code: 1077
Start: September 2025
Campus: Kitchener – Doon
Delivery: Hybrid
Length: 2 years
Credential: Ontario College Diploma

Program contacts


Academic school

Health & Life Sciences

Open House at Conestoga
Conestoga College

Explore Conestoga at various campuses during our Fall Open House on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Tuition & fees


​Tuition and fee details for the 2024-2025 academic year (September to August) are listed below. Books and supplies may be additional. Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2025 and later will be available Spring 2025.


2 Terms

Canadian

International

Tuition
$3370.00
$15961.00
Ancillary Fees
$3807.22
$5087.22
Total Fees
$7177.22
$21048.22

Canadian fee details

Description Fall 2024 Winter 2025
Full-time Program Tuition $1685.00 $1685.00
Administration Fee $25.00 $25.00
Capital Development Fee $84.22 $84.22
CSI Advocacy Fee $8.00 $8.00
CSI Association Fee $102.00 $102.00
CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee $330.00 -
CSI Legal Care Fee $30.00 -
CSI UPass Fee $118.97 $118.97
eText Fee $1151.00 $692.00
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee $20.00 $20.00
HST $8.84 -
ONE Card Fee $7.50 $7.50
Recreation/Athletics Fee $70.50 $70.50
Student Services $86.00 $86.00
Supply Fee (Taxed) $68.00 -
Technology Enhancement Fee $110.00 $110.00
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee $115.00 -
CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) $70.00 -
CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) $4.00 $4.00
CSI Student Events Fee (optional) $30.00 $30.00
Sustainability Fee (optional) $5.00 $5.00
Term Total $4129.03 $3048.19
Year Total   $7177.22

Returning student tuition & fees

View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels

International fee details

Description Fall 2024 Winter 2025
International Program Tuition $7980.50 $7980.50
Administration Fee $25.00 $25.00
Capital Development Fee $84.22 $84.22
CSI Advocacy Fee $8.00 $8.00
CSI Association Fee $102.00 $102.00
CSI College Int'l Health Insurance Plan (CIHIP) $530.00 -
CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee $330.00 -
CSI Legal Care Fee $30.00 -
CSI UPass Fee $118.97 $118.97
eText Fee $1151.00 $692.00
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee $20.00 $20.00
HST $8.84 -
ISR (International Student Recovery) $375.00 $375.00
ONE Card Fee $7.50 $7.50
Recreation/Athletics Fee $70.50 $70.50
Student Services $86.00 $86.00
Supply Fee (Taxed) $68.00 -
Technology Enhancement Fee $110.00 $110.00
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee $115.00 -
CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) $70.00 -
CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) $4.00 $4.00
CSI Student Events Fee (optional) $30.00 $30.00
Sustainability Fee (optional) $5.00 $5.00
Term Total $11329.53 $9718.69
Year Total   $21048.22

Returning student tuition & fees

View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels

Program device requirements

Program device & software requirements

This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.

view device requirements

Financial assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website. For more information, please visit OSAP & aid.

Awards & scholarships

Student Financial Services awarded more than 400 awards, scholarships and bursaries last year.

Search for awards.

Delivery sequence - September 2025 - Kitchener – Doon

FALL WINTER SPRING
Class Class Break
Class Class