TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber College has developed Ontario’s Continuous Professional Learning Certificate tailored for Registered Nurses in response to a recent government announcement that authorizes Registered Nurses to prescribe and administer certain medications and communicate a diagnosis for purposes of prescribing, if they meet specific requirements, including completing an education program approved by the Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
After meeting the necessary requirements, Registered Nurses in Ontario will be able to independently prescribe essential medications in key areas such as immunization, contraception, travel health, topical wound care, smoking cessation, anesthetics (topical only), epinephrine for anaphylaxis, and over-the-counter medication.
Humber has crafted a comprehensive three-course program called Registered Nurse Diagnosing and Prescribing to meet the necessary competencies for this new role.
“Humber's program is responding to the evolving landscape of this industry by providing essential training to learners,” said Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president, academic. “This new program for Registered Nurses will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to increase the capacity of our healthcare system and get patients the treatments they need.”
Nurses completing the certificate will focus on the accountabilities, standards and competencies associated with prescribing. They will learn interviewing skills and follow up-methods through in-person simulated labs. Finally, participants will practice these skills in a clinical placement supported by Humber-led facilitators and experienced practitioners based at the clinical location such as community health centres and long-term care homes. Nurses will be able to complete these hours on a schedule that works with their current obligations.
To support nurses in furthering their scope of practice, this certification will be offered free of charge for the initial cohort.
“Our government is taking action to make it easier and more convenient for people to connect to care by expanding the role of registered nurses,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We are excited to work with partners like Humber College to equip registered nurses with the tools they need to succeed in their expanded role to provide convenient and connected care to patients, where and when they need it.”
Enrollment for the certificate program is open.
About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Innovation. Opportunity. Partnership. Support. At Humber College, we bring it all to more than 86,000 learners, in-person and online. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber provides in-depth theoretical learning, hands-on, work-integrated experiences and applied research opportunities to students at three main Toronto locations and beyond. Extensive industry connections, experienced faculty and a comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates prepare career-ready global citizens for success in the future world of work. Visit humber.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Sylvie Lendvay
Media Relations Specialist
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Sylvie.lendvay@humber.ca | 416.729.8940