Home > International Learners > RN Bridging/Re-Entry

RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program

The RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program is an entry-level educational program designed to review current nursing practice. Some courses are entirely online, while others are offered online with lab and/or simulation sessions. A preceptored clinical is offered at the end of the program to assist learners in transferring theory to practice. The entire program can be completed in 12 to 14 months depending on the personal commitments of the learner. This program starts in January and September of each year.

The RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program is offered to nurses educated as RNs who wish to:

  • Re-enter nursing practice by upgrading knowledge and skills
  • Begin nursing practice in Canada after nursing in another country
  • Meet licensure requirements by completing courses as identified by regulatory body

Nurses educated in other countries, who want to practice in Canada, will benefit greatly from this well designed program. The RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program can help to smooth the transition between varied knowledge levels and cultures, through comprehensive education on Canadian nursing practice. The program identifies the differences between previous nursing experience and Canadian nursing practice, and helps to meet the educational and practical gaps by focusing on the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected in Canada.

This exceptional program also welcomes Canadian-educated nurses, those currently in practice or who wish to re-enter nursing practice. These nurses may be having difficulty passing the NCLEX-RN or having performance or competence issues. Canadian-educated nurses must be referred to the program by the regulatory body.

The RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program has some flexibility. Depending on your referral, you may need to enroll in just one course, a series of courses, or the entire program. Currently, the program is delivered by way of study modules facilitated through online learning, online discussion forums and face-to-face lab and simulation practice. Some courses are offered entirely online, while others have a blended approach.

This program is available to all nurses living in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Applicants must first receive confirmation of eligibility and a referral from their provincial RN regulator before they can enroll in the program. They must also demonstrate proof of residency* in the province where they are seeking to be licensed.

*Proof of Residency will be requested by RNPDC after receipt of both a referral and an application. Proof of residency would include the following:

  • Photo ID issued by provincial government
  • Government-issued health card
  • Residential lease/property deed to a residence or property in their province of referral (NS or PEI)
  • Utility bill with applicant’s name and address
  • Letter from provincial government/court (marriage license, divorce, government aid)
  • Provincial driver’s license/learner’s permit

To apply for eligibility use the following links to visit your provincial regulator’s website:

Core Courses

The following core courses are offered at specific times throughout the year.

Specialty Courses

Students may enroll in these course at any time.

Applicants must have completed an online application and have an official letter from a referring regulatory body.

Upcoming Course Costs and Dates

Resource Room:

  • A resource room is provided for study. There is shared access to the current program textbooks and computer access for learners in the program. *Please note, access to the resource room may vary during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For additional information, please call 1-800-461-8766