Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities
Q. What is the difference between the Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities Program and the Practical Nursing Program?
A.The admission requirements are identical and the program of studies is identical. Given the unique nature of the program, the curriculum is enhanced for application within Aboriginal Communities. Six Nations Polytechnic and Mohawk College will give preferred admission to First Nations people applying to the Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities program, consistent with the Statement of Political Relationship between the Ontario Government and First Nations Communities.
Q. At what time of year would I start this program?
A. The next program start date is October 2010.
Q. Have the admission requirements changed for the Practical Nursing program?
A. Yes. For students entering the program beginning September 2010, Grade 11 Math, M or U has been added to the current requirements of 2 senior English, including Grade 12 English general, advanced, C or U and 2 Senior Sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) general, advanced, C or U. Note: The admission requirements for science can be:
- Two Grade 11 sciences OR
- Two Grade 12 sciences OR one Grade 11 and one Grade 12 science
Q. At what campus is the program offered?
A. All courses will be offered at Six Nations Polytechnic and the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences, Hamilton. Transportation is provided from Six Nations Polytechnic to the Mohawk-McMaster Institute as well as from Hamilton to Six Nations Polytechnic for all classes and labs.
Q. What are the tuition fees for the Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities Program?
A. Cick here to view program fees.
Q. Are there any additional costs, above books and supplies, for which I need to plan?
A. Yes. You need to pay for hepatitis injections and fitting for a facial mask. Hepatitis injections, which are mandatory, cost $80.00 for all 3 injections and must be paid up front by cash or cheque. Fitting for a facial mask costs $40.00 and is required prior to commencing clinical experience. Mask fitting is scheduled at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute and must be renewed every two years.
Q. What financial assistance is available?
A. Aboriginal students may be eligible for funding from their First Nations Post Secondary Education Office. Contact the office in your home community for information.
Q. Do you offer the program on a part-time basis or by distance education?
A. No. The program is offered full-time only. We do NOT offer the NURSING courses by distance education. However, many of the non-nursing courses can be taken by distance education. Please review the Program of Studies for non-nursing courses required. Then consult the Mohawk College Continuing Education catalogue for distance education offerings. You may browse the catalogue on the web.
Q. What is the teaching methodology in the Practical Nursing program?
A. Collaborative learning is the teaching methodology used in the nursing courses. Students are responsible for their own learning and for contributing to the learning of their peers. The faculty member provides structure and acts as a facilitator through consultation and providing feedback to the students.
Q. When do clinical placements begin in the program and where are the clinical placements?
A. Clinical placements begin after the first seven weeks of the program for two days per week. Clinical placements will occur in the health care agencies of Hamilton, Brantford, Six Nations, Halton, Simcoe and the surrounding regions. Your clinical placement can be scheduled for either the day or the evening shift. Day shifts start at 7:00 AM.
Q. Does the College provide transportation to the clinical areas?
A. No. It is the student’s responsibility to provide their own clinical transportation and assume the cost of parking
Q. Am I eligible for a student rate when using the Hamilton bus system (HSR)?
A. Yes. Students attending the Mohawk-McMaster Institute are eligible for a U-PASS. This covers unlimited travel on the Hamilton bus system for 8 months. You can purchase a U-PASS at the Student Life Office on campus.
Q. How many hours of homework might I expect to do in the Practical Nursing program?
A. You can expect to spend the same number of hours doing homework as you spend in class; e.g. 18 hours of class time per week would mean 18 hours of homework each week. You could lighten your workload by taking some of the non-nursing courses prior to starting the program through Continuing Education. If you plan on reducing your course load, please check with a class advisor or counselor and your funding agency in order to ensure that you maintain full-time status.
Q. Is CPR certification required prior to starting the Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities program?
A. Yes. Students must have current C.P.R. Health Care Provider (BLS-C) Heart & Stroke certification upon entry into the program.
Q. Where do I go to take a CPR (Level C) course, once I am accepted into the program?
A. Mohawk College Continuing Education, St. John's Ambulance, YMCA and most municipal recreation departments offer these courses. All expenses related to CPR certification must be absorbed by the applicant.
Q. I have been out of school for a few years and wonder how I can co about applying as a mature student?
A. You should attend one of the "Go To College" sessions held at both the Fennell campus in Hamilton and at the Brantford campus. For dates and times, please check the College website, or phone the Student Recruitment Office (905) 575-2115 or from Brantford, phone (519) 759-7200. No appointment is necessary.
Q. Are there preparatory courses available for mature students?
A. Preparatory courses (i.e. Biology and Chemistry) are offered by Six Nations Polytechnic and Mohawk College. Contact the institutions for further information on availability.
Q. I am a Personal Support Worker (Health Care Aide). Can I receive any credits for courses taken in the Personal Support Worker program should I take Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities?
A. There is no transferability of health care course credits but you would receive credit for your non-health care courses.
Q. Can I receive any credit for courses taken in the Practical Nursing program should I wish to apply to the BScN program?
A. Yes. Upon successful completion of the Practical Nursing Diploma program, you may apply to the Post Diploma RPN to BScN Program (E) Stream at Mohawk College. You will receive 30 Units of credit from your Practical Nursing program. For more information, please click on Post Diploma RPN to BScN from the Mohawk College nursing home page.
Q. How do I apply to the Post Diploma RPN to BScN Program (E) Stream?
A. This program is offered by Mohawk College, in collaboration with McMaster University. For this collaborative program, students apply to the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) at www.ontariocolleges.ca
Q. How can I arrange a tour of the Mohawk-McMaster insitute?
A. To arrange a tour, please contact the Student Life Office at 905 540-4247 Ext 26710.
For more information:
- Contact the Aboriginal Access and Student Recruitment Coordinator
-
Six Nations Polytechnic
2160 Fourth Line, Ohsweken, ON
Phone: (519) 445-0023 or Fax: (519) 445-4416
Links You may be interested in:
- Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, www.anac.on.ca
