Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Nursing (PSW to PN Bridging Stream)
Q. At what campus is the program offered?
A. The program is offered at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences, on the grounds of McMaster University in Hamilton.
Q. What are the tuition fees for the Practical Nursing program?
A. Tuition fees for 2009-2010 are: Semester 1 - $1907.31, Semester 2 - $1697.32; Semesters 3 & 4: $1691.12 each semester. Fees are paid one semester at a time.
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 three 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 for Applied Health Sciences and must be renewed every two years.
Q. Do you offer the Practical Nursing program on a part-time basis or by distance education?
A. At this time, 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 at: http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/CE.html
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, Halton, Niagara and the surrounding regions. Your clinical placement can be scheduled for either the day shift or the evening shift. Day shifts start at 7:00 AM and evening shifts will end by 8:00 PM.
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. There is no additional cost for a U-PASS as this has been included in your tuition fees and it covers unlimited travel on the Hamilton bus system for 8 months.
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, eg. 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.
Q. Is CPR certification required prior to starting the Practical Nursing 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. How does the Mohawk Practical Nursing program compare to programs offered by other post-secondary institutions?
A. This Mohawk College program is unique in the following areas:
- Facilities:
- Enjoy Mohawk’s campus on the grounds of McMaster University adjacent to the McMaster University Medical Centre.
- State-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre (nursing lab) with a 30 bed mini-hospital.
- Full body simulation mannequins.
- Faculty:
- Clinically experienced faculty.
- Nursing professors teach both classroom theory and applied clinical courses.
- Registered Nurse technologists to assist with clinical skills.
- Feedback from Graduates:
- Wide variety of hands-on experience.
- Peer-tutoring by students is offered free of charge in the Learning Resource Centre.
- 1:1 supportive student-faculty relationships.
- Co-operative learning with an adult education focus.
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 for your Practical Nursing program. For more information, click on Post Diploma RPN to BScN from the 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 Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) at www.ontariocolleges.ca
Q. How can I arrange a tour of the Mohawk-McMaster Institute?
A. To arrange a tour, please contact the Student Life Office at: (905) 540-4247 Ext. 26710.
We're here to assist you!
Counselling: 905-540-4247 Ext. 26751
Financial Aid: 905-540-4247 Ext. 26352 / 26354
Off Campus Housing:
- Mohawk College http://housing.mohawkcollege.ca
- McMaster University http://www.macocho.com
Mohawk College Admissions :
- 905-575-2000 from Brantford 519-759-7200 Ext. 2000
- Toll free in Canada: 1-866-410-4795
- Website: www.mohawkcollege.ca email: ask@mohawkcollege.ca
