Curriculum & Program Timeline - RPN Stream B

Students in lab setting

The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing is committed to providing students with the best possible learning experience. The RPN Stream B within the Compressed Time Frame (CTF) Program spans six consecutive terms, beginning with a preliminary summer term. 

Progression Requirements

All students in the BScN CTF Program (RPN Stream B) must:

  • Successfully complete all courses for each term before proceeding to the next term
  • Meet the progression requirements and maintain clinical skills in all courses at a satisfactory level
  • Submit documentation for all medical and non-medical pre-placement requirements

Curriculum for students entering the RPN Stream B Summer 2025 and beyond

Preliminary Summer Term: May to July

Students in the RPN Stream B will commence their academic journey in the summer prior to the other streams in the CTF program. This preliminary summer term will assist learners in preparing for academic expectations to be successful within the university setting. Students will further their learning regarding personal and social determinants of health as well as analyze how registered nurses use theoretical models and evidence-based practices to address health care needs in a variety of settings and with different populations. Additionally, students will create a portfolio to illustrate concepts related to the professional transition from the RPN to RN role.

  • Nursing 1050A/B – Academic & Professional Strategies
  • Nursing 1101A/B – Theorizing Practice
  • Nursing 1102Q/R/S/T – Professional Transformation Portfolio
  • Health Sciences 1001A/B – Personal Determinants of Health
  • Health Sciences 1002A/B – Social Determinants of Health

Level 1: September to December

Students will begin to gain an understanding of the philosophical, theoretical and ethical foundations of the nursing profession and nursing practice. Concepts such as health promotion, relational practice, social determinants of health, social justice, and person-centered collaborative care are emphasized. An introduction to health informatics in nursing is also explored.

Theory-Based Courses

  • Nursing 1140A – Introduction to Health Informatics within Nursing
  • Nursing 1201A – Foundations of Nursing Practice
  • Nursing 2440A – Pathophysiology
  • Nursing 2630B – Nursing Care for Clients with Acute & Chronic Health Challenges I
  • Nursing 3800R – Simulation: Clients with Health Challenges
  • Nursing 3820A – Microbiology & Immunology for Nursing Students

Level 2: January to April

Students will build upon their knowledge from first level and gain deeper insights and experience with more diverse populations. Concepts related to mental health care as well as application of principles in simulation are experienced. Students spend additional time in the clinical laboratory learning more advanced techniques related to aseptic technique and medication administration.

Theory-Based Courses

  • Nursing 2600B – Mental Health Care
  • Nursing 3630A – Nursing Care for Clients with Acute & Chronic Health Challenges II
  • Nursing 3456B – Indigenous Health: The Influence of Policy and Practices
  • Pharmacology 2060B – Introduction to Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Simulation/Clinical-Based Courses

  • Nursing 2660S/T – Simulation: Mental Health
  • Nursing 3900B – Clinical Application: Nursing Care of Clients with Health Challenges

Level 3: May to July

A deeper focus on acute and chronic healthcare considerations will be discussed by students in theory and simulation environment, as well as the clinical settings in acute care medicine and surgery. Research methodologies, and evidence-informed practice in nursing are also emphasized throughout this level.

Theory-Based Courses

  • Nursing 2250A – Understanding and Using Research
  • Nursing 3310A – Health in a Global Context
  • Nursing 3500A – Nursing & Family Health
  • Nursing 4401W – Integration of Advanced & Complex Concepts for Nursing Practice

Clinical-Based Course

  • Nursing 4410A – Clinical Application: Applying Advanced Care Concepts

Level 4: September to December

Students will enter the fourth level ready to apply knowledge in their integrative practicum experience where they will work alongside a nurse preceptor preparing them to enter the profession as a novice Registered Nurse.

Clinical-Based Course

  • Nursing 4461X – Integrative Practicum

Level 5: January to April

Students will begin to consolidate their knowledge in classes that explore ethical theories and the legal aspects of nurses’ role, nursing regulation and practice standards, social justice, leadership and advocacy. Students will examine the role of the nurse in shaping and influencing future directions in health and health care related to economics, technology innovation, power, and policy.

Theory-Based Courses

  • Nursing 1120A – Community Models of Care
  • Nursing 3340A – Analyzing Data
  • Nursing 4320A – Professional, Ethical & Legal Obligations: A Critical Appraisal
  • Nursing 4440A – Nurses as Leaders in System Transformation
  • Nursing 4499U – Capstone