Program Overview

As of May 2023, the Operating Room Nursing - RN program is now approved by the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada. https://ornac.ca/en/education/rnfa-programs. 

The Operating Room - RN certificate program includes: 

• Four intensive online theory and lab-based courses in eight weeks 

• Theory learning asynchronous and virtual sessions daily Mondays - Thursdays  

• Weekly onsite labs scheduled by the Program Advisor (Saturday or Sunday). 

• Fulltime clinical placement six weeks (240 hours) 

Program Description

The Operating Room Nursing - RN certificate program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) seeking to transition to perioperative nursing. This certificate is based on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) competencies for perioperative nurses, current research, and adheres to the current Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) Standards, Guidelines, and Position Statements for Perioperative Registered Nurses.

After successful completion of the theory/lab courses, learning will shift to an in hospital clinical placement. This will consist of 240 hours (6 weeks, full time) with a focus on demonstration of scrub and circulating skills at the novice level. Humber College appoints OR nurse Facilitators to oversee and support all nurses during clinical placements. This program academically prepares successful students for the Perioperative Certification Exam.

Application Process

Registration in this program is for CNO registered nurses entitled to practice without restrictions. It is advisable to have either acute care hospital nursing work experience or prior operating room nurse work (international) however this is not required. New grads are welcome to apply. Self-apply, employer-recommended, and sponsored nurses may apply. Successful candidates will be offered admission into the program through the program advisor.

NEW! Are you working as an RPN in the OR but have now become registered as an RN? If so, bridging to the Operating Room Nursing – RN program is available! For more information visit this page OPER RPN to RN Bridging.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE MARCH 31, 2025 INTAKE. SOME NURSES MAY CHOOSE TO OBTAIN A CLINICAL PLACEMENT INDEPENDENTLY. PLEASE NOTE ANY CLINICAL PLACEMENT ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION.

Admission Requirements

• Registered nurse (RN)
• Canadian Citizenship or PR status

Supporting Documents

• Resume
• Verification of employment and/or Letter of recommendation
• CNO Entitled to Practice confirmation

Fees

The entire program, including the clinical placement, can be completed in 14 weeks.

The total program is approximately $2700 and includes the following:

• Registration/payment for theory courses due upon acceptance
• $700.80 for clinical placement due date TBA
• students are responsible to purchase all textbooks and are not included in these fees

Students in the Operating Room RN certificate are expected to complete all courses within one semester. If a student is unable to continue in the program, 25% of the total program fees will be withheld. Students who are requesting a refund based on exceptional circumstances will need to apply in writing and provide supporting documentation for review.

Courses

Compulsory

• OPER 511: Operating Room Foundations
• OPER 512: Operating Room Surgical Procedures
• OPER 513: Operating Room Laparoscopic Procedures
• OPER 514: Operating Room - RN Circulating
• OPER 516: Operating Room RN - Clinical Component

How to Register

You are required to register for each individual course included in a CE program. You can register for a course by selecting it and following the instructions in the “How to Register” box.

Fees

Each CE program is comprised of a series of courses which may all have different fees. You are required to register for each course individually and pay the associated fees. Once you select the course, the fee is displayed in the “How to Register” box.

Contact Information

Humber Continuous Professional Learning Health Sciences & Wellness
cplhealthsciences@humber.ca
416.675.6622 ext. 4554

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person. On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.

Select information only is included in this printable PDF. For complete program details, refer to humber.ca/programs.