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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the official name of the program?
  • Where do I go to obtain a Transfer of Credit form?
  1. What is the official name of the program?
    Critical Care Nursing Graduate Certificate Program.
  2. How do I register?
    View the How to Apply page.
  3. Who should register?
    Nurses new to critical care or experienced nurses that would like to obtain a critical care certificate. All applicants must be a member of the College of Nurses in Ontario and be in good standing.
  4. What are the computer requirements to participate in this program?
    View the Computer Requirements page. Minimum requirements have been established in order to ensure the best performance from the program.
  5. Which courses will I need to take to complete this certificate and how long will it take?
    View the Program Details page. All eight courses must be completed successfully. The winter cohort begins January 7 with an end date of August 7. Between those two dates, registered students may work at their own pace, on their own time and at a location of their choosing.
  6. What if I cannot complete the program in the prescribed time?
    Students requesting an extension to the end date must put their request in writing and submit to Sandra Goldsworthy, Coordinator, prior to the end date. Sandra.goldsworthy@durhamcollege.ca
  7. Is this program recommended for someone starting in the ER? It says it is recommended for the ICU.
    Many of the courses are suitable for the Emergency environment.
  8. I just finished applying for the critical care program, on-line. The system would not allow me to send a transcript because I attended Durham College. Is this correct?
    Yes. If you graduated from Durham College or UOIT, you do not need to submit a transcript.
  9. May I take more than one module at a time?
    While students will have access to all modules, it is highly recommended that students complete one course at a time, beginning with e-Learning, followed by Foundations, Advanced Health Assessment, Cardiac, Respiratory/Neuro, GI/Renal/Endocrine.
  10. How do I order the recommended textbooks?
    Please visit the Elsevier portal: http://www.elsevier.ca/article.jsp?pageid=604 to review books or to order textbooks individually or in a cost savings package. Books will be sent with no shipping charges.
  11. How do I order the PDA?
    If you wish to order a handheld PDA preloaded with books in PDA format, please visit www.skyscape.com/durhamcch.
  12. What if I already own a PDA?
    If you already own a handheld device and want to order the PDA products only, please visit www.skyscape.com/durhamcch.
  13. When do we take the sim lab and practicum?
    All six on-line theoretical courses must be completed before the student may take the sim lab. The sim lab must be completed before the student may take the practicum.
  14. Where does this simulation course occur?
    The simulation course is a 39 hour course that will be typically offered over 2 weekends or in a one week compressed fashion.  You may register for sim through one of our 9 sim partners across the province or you may take it at Durham College.
  15. Where are the Simulation labs being held?
    Please visit the Simulation page for further details regarding the scheduled simulation dates and locations for the Fall cohort.
  16. I am a nurse with many years of experience. May I challenge any of the courses within the Critical Care Certificate program?
    If a student is highly accomplished in any of the on-line courses areas and wishes to challenge any of the certificate courses, he/she must contact the Coordinator, Sandra Goldsworthy. Please note that the Introduction to E-Learning and Simulation Course cannot be challenged.
  17. I am currently working in a ICU/CC Unit. Can I use this experience toward my practicum?
    If you wish to challenge the Practicum component, contact the Co-ordinator, Sandra Goldsworthy.
    In order to be eligible for a practicum challenge, the student must:
    a) have demonstrated success in the Critical Care Simulation course (CCSI 2501);
    b) have greater than 3 years of recent full time experience in a Level 2 or Level 3 critical care unit (completed within the last 5 years), or a minimum of 5850 hours in a Level 2 or Level 3 critical care unit;
    c) provide a letter of reference from their clinical educator and/or manager indicating their competency level and suitability for challenge of the practicum component of the critical care certificate.
  18. What is the mentor model?
    The mentor model is for those who are not eligible to challenge practicum but currently work in an ICU and are not preceptored (ie have completed orientation).  In this model, you can complete your clinical on scheduled work hours.
  19. Can I take Sim and Practicum at a location near my home?
    Yes, there is a Sim Partner near your home.  If you choose to take your Sim outside of Durham, there will be an additional tuition for Simulation and Practicum (approximately $700.00).
  20. Where is the practicum offered?
    You may want to take the practicum in the unit you work in or in another unit.  Your host college will set up clinical  for you and provide you with a preceptor and a faculty advisor.
  21. When is the practicum offered?
    You will complete your practicum 10 x 12 hour shifts once the sim course is completed.
  22. Where do I go to obtain a transfer credit form?
    Go to Subject Credit and choose Subject Credit Application.