Program Description

Advance your knowledge and skills with Canada’s first and only Public Health Nursing Graduate Certificate.

Taught by experienced Public Health Nurses, this postgraduate program provides critical skills for Registered Nurses who are new graduates or new hires in public health. The program will help you develop practice knowledge related to primary health care, chronic disease, injury, infectious disease prevention, epidemiology, the Population Health Promotion Model, social justice, health equity and inclusion, postcolonialism and racism, community as partner, engagement, and collaboration.

This advanced preparation contributes to strengthening the response to current and future public health challenges, and prepares leaders in Public Health Nursing practice.

Graduates of this program will gain increased opportunity for employment in public health organizations in your jurisdiction. The Public Health Nursing Certificate Program also prepares those who are eligible for the Canadian Nurses Association Community Health Nursing certification examination.

Potential and in-progress students must be aware that most agencies accepting clinical/placement students require you to be fully vaccinated with Health Canada approved vaccines. If you are not fully immunized, it may have a significant impact on your ability to participate in clinical/field placement.

Additional Details

Tuition and Fees

Course Fees

Continuing Education students will register and pay on a course-by-course basis. Students will pay for each course selected during the registration process. The Continuing Education course cost breakdown can be found on the Fees and Financial Information webpage. OntarioLearn fees will be charged where applicable.

PC/Laptop Requirement

Students are required to have reliable access to a computer/laptop.

Textbooks

Textbook costs can be found on the Campus Store website.

Preplacement Requirements

If programs include a clinical, practicum, or field placement, students may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in the course. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services website.

Admission and Registration

You require a current RN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario or a graduate nurse registration with your respective provincial/territory regulator.

You must submit your credentials by completing the RN Registration Submission form. Your credentials will be verified and you will be notified if you are accepted to start the program. 

Interested in taking a single course? Provided you have the appropriate prerequisites, the courses in this program can be taken individually.

Financial Assistance

green checkmark OSAP funding may be available. Learn more about Financial Assistance Options for Continuing Education Students.

Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes outline what graduates need to know, and be able to do, after they complete a program.

Review the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) program learning outcomes.

Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will gain increased opportunity for employment in public health organizations in your jurisdiction. The Public Health Nursing Certificate Program also prepares those who are eligible for the Canadian Nurses Association Community Health Nursing certification examination.

For details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).

Next Steps

Wait for confirmation of acceptance. Once accepted, you will receive information on how to register for courses.

Field Placement / Clinical

Students preparing for laboratory and clinical experience should visit our Preclinical / Clinical webpage and our Clinical FAQ for details and information on the process.

You MUST register for Preplacement/Clinical Service (HLTH10223), which is not part of the program of study, to complete required health clearances prior to registering for a clinical.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Health, Nursing and Community Studies
Email Us
1-844-767-6871

Completion Requirement

9 Course(s)

Nurse in discussion with patient and baby

 

This program of studies applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion email the Program Contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Click on the course names to view current availability.

A selection of courses will be offered each term. Visit our course schedule page for a tentative list of future offerings.

Courses must be completed in the order below.

Required fields are indicated by .