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Ministry-Approved Program Title: Registered Nurse Critical Care Nursing
Critical care nurses are responsible for the most vulnerable patients. They have the responsibility to vigilantly monitor, assess and treat the critically ill, while providing support to their families. Whether you are a new critical care nurse, an experienced critical care nurse, or a nurse interested in working in the critical care unit, this program offers a flexible, professional development opportunity by enabling you to access continued learning regardless of your location, shift pattern or other commitments.
Please note: this program is delivered in modules that include online theory delivered over two semesters followed by simulation and then practicum. As a result, students should expect their studies to extend beyond two consecutive semesters.
Please note: The advanced concepts and theory introduced in this program builds on prior foundational knowledge from nursing, Acute care experience is highly recommended.
Related information:
Fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students can also apply to the program but will not be able to complete the practicum portion until proof of RN registration is provided. A letter of recommendation from a professor/clinical teacher is required and should be forwarded to the program coordinator.
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To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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905.721.3000
This program is designed for students with previous education. Please see the entrance requirements section of this page for more detail.
Designed for registered nurses (RNs), it consists of an introductory course to e-learning, five theoretical courses offered online, a critical care simulation component held at Durham College or a partner site and hands-on preceptored experience in a CCU.
If you are a novice or experienced critical care nurse or interested in working in the critical care unit, this program offers flexible learning and certification.
The program begins with a brief course on the study methods required in an e-learning environment which is key to your success in the remaining five e-learning critical care courses.
A measurement of your knowledge and competency will occur throughout each e-learning course. Following successful completion of six online courses, you will complete the 39-hour simulation component of the program.
The Simulation course takes place at Durham College or one of its partner sites. This course provides an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge to integrated case-based scenarios facilitated by an experienced inter-professional team of instructors.
Students in this program receive free membership to Digital Health Canada, a not-for-profit professional association that provides members with numerous educational and professional career benefits. Membership includes access to learning and networking opportunities, unique awards applications, as well as discounts for Digital Health Canada online and on-demand courses, Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS-CA) exam fees, and event registrations.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
The final component of the program is an integrated practicum, which includes 120 hours of clinical practice in an adult critical care practice environment. You will demonstrate competency in the Standards of Practice for Critical Care Nursing in Ontario under the direct preceptorship/mentorship of an experienced critical care nurse and the facilitation of a Durham College faculty advisor.
Upon successful completion of the program, a critical care certificate will be awarded. Transfer credit, advanced standing, or challenge will be considered on an individual basis. Please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/criticalcare or contact the program co-ordinator.
Please note: You will be required to adhere to and meet the pre-placement documentation requirements of the host agency.
For students living and working outside of Ontario, practicum placements outside of the province of Ontario (but in Canada) MAY be accommodated if an affiliation agreement between Durham College and the out-of-Ontario organization can be arranged. If you are considering an out-of-Ontario placement, you will need to self-identify yourself to Durham College before confirming your acceptance to the program.
Please send an email with your intent to complete an out-of-Ontario placement to:
Lynn Tulloch, Student Advisor and Placement Officer
Students who are requesting a placement outside of their employer are required to complete pre-placement documents.
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests, and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this program. You must (at your expense) provide:
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To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
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