The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the regulatory body for nursing in the province. It is not a school.
CNO sets the requirements for entry-to-practice for the profession, articulates practice standards for its members and approves nursing programs in Ontario. Approved nursing schools offer programs, courses and educational opportunities for those 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.
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 that grants a diploma in practical nursing. For a complete list of Ontario colleges that offer approved practical nursing programs, click on the link below.
Baccalaureate Nursing (RN) Programs
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. For a complete list of programs in Ontario that offer approved baccalaureate nursing programs, click on the link below.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
To register as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Ontario, nurses must graduate from a CNO-approved university NP program that grants a Certificate in one of the following Specialties: Adult, Pediatric, and Primary Health Care. For a complete list of approved NP programs, click the link below.