Operating Room Nursing - RPN to RN Bridging

The Operating Room Nursing - RN Bridging certificate program is designed for operating room nurses who have obtained a prior OR certificate as a registered practical nurse (RPN) and who are now a registered nurse (RN) seeking to advance their practice in perioperative nursing. This certificate is based on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) competencies for perioperative nurses, current research, and adheres to the current Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) Standards, Guidelines, and Position Statements for Perioperative Registered Nurses.

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR):The following courses will be fulfilled through PLAR assessments based on prior learning and experience, OPER 511, OPER 512 and OPER 513. Upon successful completion of the assessments, learners will complete the online and lab course, OPER 514.

Following the theory courses, learners will move to the clinical placement consisting of 80 hours (two weeks full time) pre-arranged with their employer. Completion of the clinical placement includes a focus on circulating nurse skills or scrub skills in novel specialties which are demonstrated at the novice level.

Applications for the September 2026 intake will open on April 13, 2026, and close on June 1, 2026.

We encourage all interested candidates to apply promptly as spots fill up quickly, and applications will be reviewed on a first come basis. Admission decisions will be communicated by June 15th, 2026.

SOME NURSES MAY CHOOSE TO OBTAIN A CLINICAL PLACEMENT INDEPENDENTLY. PLEASE NOTE ANY CLINICAL PLACEMENT ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION.

User Defined Field 1