Professional Practice, Clinical Leadership and Education

This program is designed for practicing registered nurses who have completed a master’s degree in nursing or a health-related field looking to advance their careers in one of three areas of concentration: clinical education, professional practice, or clinical leadership. Delivered over one year, the program includes online courses and a final term practicum featuring completion of a mentored, practice-based project. The practicum topic will be aligned with the participant’s area of interest and mentored by faculty and a dedicated nursing/healthcare subject expert. Through the combination of course work, practicum, and mentorship, learners gain the theoretical knowledge and leadership tools needed to navigate the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Program Length

• 2 or 3 Terms

Program Design

• Full-time study
• Course-based

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with no practice restrictions.
• Completion of a master’s degree in nursing or a field related to health care.*
• GPA of 78% (B+) or higher. Admission averages are based on the last two years of full-time study or the last 10 part-time credits.
• Out of province applicants may apply with other Canadian registration if the practicum can be arranged in their province of registration or as a remote placement.
• Completion of the equivalent of three years of full-time RN practice experience in the past five year

Application Requirements

• One academic and one professional reference
• Referees are contacted after their names are submitted in the online application.
• The academic reference should be provided by a faculty member from the applicant's master’s program who will be able to attest to their scholarly skills, in particular, writing, analysis, and critical thinking.
• The professional reference should be provided by a graduate-educated manager, advanced practice nurse or educator in the area of practice.
• Transcripts of any postsecondary coursework (including bachelor’s degree(s) and any advanced degrees obtained)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of interest – one page, explaining why the applicant is interested and the impact they expect to make in their area of practice
• Entrance interview may be requested
• Supplemental form (https://www.uwo.ca/fhs/nursing/graduate/files/PPCLE-Supplemental-Form.pdf)
• Applications to the Graduate Diploma will be submitted online through Western’s graduate admissions system at https://grad.uwo.ca/admissions/apply.html.

English Language Proficiency

Proof of English language proficiency is not required for those with CNO registration, as the CNO requires it for internationally educated nurses when registering with them.

Application Deadline

Applications will open at the beginning of March each year, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.