Program Overview

Important Note:

The Operating Room - RPN certificate program includes three intensive online theory and lab based courses over a total of six weeks. The courses are asynchronous. Weekly onsite labs are scheduled by the Program Advisor (Saturday or Sunday). A fulltime clinical placement of six weeks completes the program.

Program Description

The Operating Room Nursing certificate program is designed for registered practical nurses (RPNs) seeking to advance their practice in 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. Completion of the certificate includes a clinical placement where scrub skills are demonstrated at the novice level.   

Application Process

Registration in this program is for CNO registered practical 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.

The September 2025 intake for the Operating Room Nursing RPN program is now full. Application are open for January 2026.  APPLY NOW!

SOME NURSES MAY CHOOSE TO OBTAIN A CLINICAL PLACEMENT INDEPENDENTLY. PLEASE NOTE ANY CLINICAL PLACEMENT ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION.

Admission Requirements

• Registered practical nurse (RPN)
• Canadian Citizenship or PR status

Supporting Documents

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

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! Please email cehealthsciencesOPER@humber.ca for more information.

Fees

•  The total tuition costs are approximately $2200
•  Lab kit fees are approximately $50 (paid with OPER 511). Lab kit will be distributed in the first lab
•  Nurses need to buy their own required textbooks

As this is a highly competitive program, students in the Operating Room RPN certificate are expected to complete all 3 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.

How to Apply

To apply to this certificate program, please select Next Steps below

Courses

Compulsory

• OPER 511: Operating Room Foundations
• OPER 512: Operating Room Surgical Procedures
• OPER 513: Operating Room Laparoscopic Procedures
• OPER 515: Operating Room RPN - 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
647-577-5334

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.