The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the regulatory body for nursing in the province. It is not a school.

CNO sets the entry-to-practice requirements for the nursing profession, develops and publishes practice standards for its members and approves nursing education programs in Ontario. Approved nursing schools offer programs, courses and educational opportunities for people seeking to become nurses in Ontario.

Nursing programs listed on our website have all been approved by CNO.

Please contact the nursing schools directly for more detailed information about the programs and courses they offer. CNO itself does not offer any approved nursing programs.

Approved nursing programs

Baccalaureate nursing (RN) nrograms

To register as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario, applicants must graduate from a CNO-approved university or college program that grants a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The Baccalaureate Nursing (RN) Programs page contains a complete list of programs in Ontario that offer approved baccalaureate nursing programs.

Education pathways for internationally educated nurses

If you have been informed that your nursing education is not substantially equivalent to programs that meet CNO’s nursing education registration requirement, you can meet this education requirement through a CNO-approved internationally educated nurse (IEN) education pathway. Visit the IEN Pathways page for a complete list of approved pathway programs.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs

To register as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Ontario, nurses must graduate from a CNO-approved university NP program. Visit the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs page for a complete list of approved NP programs.

Practical Nursing (PN) programs

To register as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Ontario, applicants must graduate from a CNO-approved college of applied arts and technology (such as a college or polytechnic) that grants a diploma in practical nursing. Visit the Practical Nursing (PN) Programs page for a complete list of Ontario colleges that offer approved practical nursing programs.

RN prescribing education programs

To become authorized to prescribe medications as an RN in the General Class in Ontario, RNs must complete a CNO-approved prescribing education program. These programs are offered after RNs are registered with CNO and are not part of entry-level RN competencies. However, some RN programs have integrated this education into their baccalaureate programs. Visit the RN Prescribing Education Programs page for a complete list of approved programs for RNs who have already graduated.

Transition to Practice courses

Many CNO applicants meet the Transition to Practice registration requirement through their nursing education or existing registration. Internationally educated applicants can meet the requirement by completing a CNO-approved Transition to Practice course of their choosing. Visit the Transition to Practice Courses page for a complete list of approved courses.