The following information applies to the new requirements needed for applicants to meet the nursing education requirement to practice in Ontario.

After CNO assesses your foundational nursing education and additional nursing programs, if we determine that your nursing education is not substantially equivalent, you will have the option to meet the education requirement through a different education pathway. 

RN Applicant Pathways

RN applicants whose education is not substantially equivalent to a baccalaureate-prepared graduate have the following options:

• Complete an education pathway to meet substantial equivalence*  
• Complete an Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation 

RPN Applicant Pathways 

RPN applicants whose education is not substantially equivalent to a diploma-prepared graduate have the following options: 

• Complete an education pathway to meet substantial equivalence* 
• Complete a Competency Assessment Supplement

*NOTE: 

• Both the RN and the RPN education pathways include the Transition to Practice course, another theory and application course, and a 400-hour clinical course. 
• You can immediately begin with a Transition to Practice course, which will count towards completing the education pathway for meeting substantial equivalence.
• The additional theory, application and clinical courses will be available in the coming weeks once you have completed the Transition to Practice course.
• If you have already enrolled in gap fillers to meet the current education requirement, we will accept gap-filler courses to meet your education requirement until December 31, 2025. 

Related links:

• Nursing education requirements for RN and RPN applicants
• Nursing education: Substantial equivalency for RN and RPN applicants 
• Nursing education FAQs