The Nursing Program is based on a conceptual framework of nursing adopted by the John Abbott Nursing Department, which is designed to meet the Nursing competencies provided by the MESRS (Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique).
Graduates of this program receive a CEGEP diploma and are eligible to write the Québec licensing examinations administered by the Ordre des infirmières du Québec (OIIQ). Some students must also demonstrate appropriate knowledge of oral and written French with the Office de la langue française before a license to practice will be granted.
John Abbott College is also part of the McGill Consortium which includes three other Anglophone CEGEPs that offer Nursing. The consortium and John Abbott have adapted concepts and content with the McGill program to prepare students to continue with university studies. After completion of the 3-year CEGEP diploma in Nursing at John Abbott College, eligible students may apply to McGill University and pursue their studies for two years full-time or three to four years part-time toward a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BN).
- Students who require a mise à niveau English or French course will be required to pass it before they can take their introductory course in English or French.
- Mise à niveau courses do not fit in the Nursing program schedules. If the results of your English/French placement tests indicate that you are required to follow mise à niveau course(s), you may need to defer your admission to this program until these courses have been completed.
- To obtain your license to practice in Québec, you must meet the requirements of the Office québécoise de la langue française and pass a provincial licensing examination.
- Students will be required to pass a Ministerial Exam of Language of Instruction and a Program Comprehensive Assessment in Nursing.
Semester 1
ENGLISH | 603-101-MQ
Students are required to successfully complete four (4) English courses to obtain their DEC. Courses 603-102 and 603-103 may be taken in either order only after successfully completing 603-101. Course 603-200-MQ is the 4th and last English course required. Click here to view courses list.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 109-1xx-MQ
Students are required to successfully complete three (3) Physical Education courses to complete their DEC. Courses 109-101-MQ and 109-102-MQ may be taken in either order, but both must be successfully completed before registering in 109-103-MQ. Click here to view courses list.
COMPLEMENTARY COURSE
Complementary courses provide an opportunity for students to explore subjects outside their field of concentration and are offered in six different areas. Except for Liberal Arts, Arts & Sciences and Double DEC programs, students must take two (2) complementary courses as part of their General Education requirement.
Students are encouraged to select courses from subjects that are outside their program of study;
Students can take a course from each ensemble of the same domain;
Or
Students can take a course from either ensemble of two different domains;
Or
Students can take a course from the same ensemble of two different domains;
Domain 1, Domain 2, Domain 3 , Domain 4 , Domain 5 and Domain 6
Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 101-805-AB
This course is the first of several courses designed to introduce students to the study of the human body. In this course, students will first review the structural and functional organization of the body. This will include an overview of all body systems by examining the anatomy of each system and investigating how each system works to maintain homeostasis (balanced functioning of the human body).
Students will then study the chemical, cellular and tissue levels of body organization before making a detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems. Students will learn basic scientific terminology as it is applied to medical and surgical nursing practice and will develop competency in various relevant laboratory skills such as proper dissection techniques, the proper use of the compound microscope and modern physiological equipment.
Developmental Psychology | 350-803-AB
Human development consists of several related sections beginning at conception and ending at death. Each stage or section will focus on the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes and development of that particular period. Students will study and compare all three aspects of each of the different stages.
Nursing 1: Introduction to Nursing 1 | 180-10D-AB
The first Nursing course in the program introduces the conceptual framework of the program. The concepts include caring, health and illness, nursing process, development, nursing abilities and human needs. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and skills from classroom content, nursing laboratory and clinical experience. Content in the semester includes an introduction to the profession, the need for comfort, health assessment, hygiene care and vital signs. There is also an introduction to pharmacology including legalities and medication administration. Students will care for clients with health concerns in rehabilitation, convalescent, and long-term health care settings.
Semester 2
ENGLISH | 603-1xx-MQ
After successfully completing their 603-101 course, students may choose to take either a 603-102 or a 603-103 course. Click here to view courses list.
COMPLEMENTARY COURSE
Complementary courses provide an opportunity for students to explore subjects outside their field of concentration and are offered in six different areas. Except for Liberal Arts, Arts & Sciences and Double DEC programs, students must take two (2) complementary courses as part of their General Education requirement.
Students are encouraged to select courses from subjects that are outside their program of study;
Students can take a course from each ensemble of the same domain;
Or
Students can take a course from either ensemble of two different domains;
Or
Students can take a course from the same ensemble of two different domains;
Domain 1, Domain 2, Domain 3 , Domain 4 , Domain 5 and Domain 6
Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 101-806-AB
Prerequisite: 101-805-AB
This course continues the study of the human body. The content of this course includes a study of the body’s control systems (nervous and endocrine systems) and concentrates on how the digestive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and urinary systems work to maintain homeostasis, as well as the reproductive system.
Sociology of Diverse Families and Communities | 387-803-AB
This course is an integral part of the Nursing Program. It is designed to meet part of competency 01Q6 of the program. This competency deals with social and cultural realities related to health care and focuses on the diverse families, cultures and communities that comprise Canadian Society. Nursing professionals are required to interact with clients from a broad range of ethnocultural groups, religious groups, and social backgrounds. The purpose of the course is to develop sensitivity to issues which might arise in a variety of professional situations.
Nursing 2: Introduction to Nursing 2 | 180-20G-AB
Prerequisites: 180-10D-AB & 101-805-AB
In the second Nursing course there will be an introduction to professional communication and continued practice in the application and documentation of the nursing process. Content focuses on common illnesses, health promotion, and infection control, including medical and surgical asepsis, wound healing and more in-depth pharmacology and medication administration. Specific human needs studied are safety and activity. Skills of basic assessment and care in minor emergency situations will be developed. Students will care for clients in acute medical and surgical settings.
Semester 3
FRENCH | 602-1xx-MQ
Every student needs one of each of the Block “A” and Block “B” courses in order to complete their DEC. For each block, there are four levels of courses: Level 1 , Level 2 , Level 3 and Level 4.
Placement in the appropriate level of French is determined by the students’ high school marks. The French Department reserves the right to change the placement of a student upon written notice. Students take the Block “B” course at the same level as the Block “A” course.
If placement determines that students do not have a college level of proficiency in French, students may be required to take remedial courses to upgrade their knowledge of the language. Click here to view courses list.
HUMANITIES | 345-1xx-MQ
Students need three (3) Humanities courses to complete their DEC. Courses 345-101-MQ and 345-102-MQ may be taken in either order, but both must be successfully completed before registering in 345-21_-AB. Click here to view courses list.
Microbiology and Immunology | 101-814-AB
Prerequisite: 101-806-AB
This is a general course with a strong emphasis on infection and medically important bacteria, viruses and fungi. Morphology and physiology of microorganisms will be followed by discussions of host-parasite relationships, infections, immunity and epidemiology, the control of microorganisms and chemotherapeutic treatments. Laboratory activities will include aseptic technique, proper handling of microorganisms and some diagnostic procedures.
Microbiology and Immunology is a required course for all students preparing for a career in Nursing and is a critical part of the training for this profession. From the simple but critical act of hand washing to the complex care of a patient with an infectious disease, a sound working knowledge of microbiology and epidemiological principles is essential for safe practice in the health field.
Issues in Psychology and Health Care | 350-813-AB
Nurses must deal with a variety of patient care situations related to the people in their care, and at the same time manage their own physical and mental health. Observing and interpreting patient behaviour, being alert to potentially dangerous situations, and helping patients cope with loss and bereavement are some of the nursing issues related to psychology that will be covered in this course.
In addition, this course will help prepare students for professional demands by addressing topics such as managing one’s own emotions and stress, and learning about professional burnout. By the end of the course, students will have a greater knowledge of psychological theories and research, finding how these relate directly to the practice of Nursing.
Nursing 3: Health and Illness 1 | 180-30K-AB
Prerequisites: 180-20G-AB, 101-805-AB & 101-806-AB
This Nursing course will use the student’s increasing knowledge of nursing care, anatomy and physiology to focus on health and illness. Content focuses on the needs for oxygenation, nutrition and elimination and their related illnesses. Special emphasis is placed on focused health assessment and the process of clinical teaching. Students will be introduced to the care of families and infants during the perinatal period for half of their clinical hours and the other half of their clinical time is spent caring for clients in a medical setting.
Semester 4
ENGLISH | 603-1xx-MQ
After successfully completing their 603-101 course, students may choose to take either a 603-102 or a 603-103 course. Click here to view courses list.
FRENCH | 602-2xx-AB
Every student needs one of each of the Block “A” and Block “B” courses in order to complete their DEC. For each block, there are four levels of courses: Level 1 , Level 2 , Level 3 and Level 4.
Placement in the appropriate level of French is determined by the students’ high school marks. The French Department reserves the right to change the placement of a student upon written notice. Students take the Block “B” course at the same level as the Block “A” course.
If placement determines that students do not have a college level of proficiency in French, students may be required to take remedial courses to upgrade their knowledge of the language. Click here to view courses list.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 109-1xx-MQ
Students are required to successfully complete three (3) Physical Education courses to complete their DEC. Courses 109-101-MQ and 109-102-MQ may be taken in either order, but both must be successfully completed before registering in 109-103-MQ. Click here to view courses list.
Sociology of Health | 387-813-MQ
This course is the second sociology course that addresses a societal perspective and acts as an integral part of the Nursing Program. It is designed to meet competency 01Q6 of this program. This competency deals with social and cultural realities related to health care. This competency enables the students to focus on the social, environmental, and cultural dimensions of health and illness. The focus is on the health care system and relevant federal and provincial legislation. Current problems associated with health care delivery are also explored. As well, ethical and social dilemmas related to the role of health care providers in the institutional context and the larger society is critically analyzed.
Nursing 4: Health and Illness 2 | 180-40K-AB
Prerequisite: 180-30K-AB The student will be introduced to more advanced communication and therapeutic skills with the older adult population and clients with mental health concerns. Competencies related to caring, communication and advocacy will be a focus and will include the ethical and legal issues arising in both clinical areas. Health concerns in aging and mental illness will be addressed in depth. The nursing process will focus on the needs for self-esteem, social interaction and rest and sleep. Clinical areas are in gerontology and psychiatric settings.
Semester 5
ENGLISH | 603-200-AB
After successfully completing their 603-102 and 603-103 courses, students must choose a 603-200 course. Click here to view courses list.
HUMANITIES | 345-1xx-MQ
Students need three (3) Humanities courses to complete their DEC. Courses 345-101-MQ and 345-102-MQ may be taken in either order, but both must be successfully completed before registering in 345-21_-AB. Click here to view courses list.
Pathophysiology | 101-823-AB
Prerequisite: 101-814-AB
The purpose of this course is to study topics in biology not previously covered in detail, i.e. genetics, metabolism, embryology and fetal development. The course will also study selected disease processes that are commonly encountered by students in clinical settings.
Nursing 5: Health and Illness 3 | 180-51J-AB
Prerequisite: 180-40K-AB
The fifth Nursing course will focus on integration of all the needs of the client with complex health problems, diseases and illnesses that require major surgical intervention. Students will apply knowledge of family and cultural issues when caring for clients in both pediatric and surgical settings. Students will assume responsibility for health promotion as well as for assessing and planning for patient discharge. This course is coordinated with the pathophysiology course to maximize the application of learning in class and clinical settings.
Semester 6
HUMANITIES | 345-21x-AB
Students need three (3) Humanities courses to complete their DEC. Courses 345-101-MQ and 345-102-MQ may be taken in either order, but both must be successfully completed before registering in 345-21_-AB. Click here to view courses list.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 109-103-MQ
Students are required to successfully complete three (3) Physical Education courses to complete their DEC. Courses 109-101-MQ and 109-102-MQ may be taken in either order, but both must be successfully completed before registering in 109-103-MQ. Click here to view courses list.
Nursing 6: Integration | 180-60N-AB
Prerequisite: 180-51J-AB
In the final Nursing course, the student will continue to integrate all concepts and skills from previous semesters and demonstrate achievement of the competencies required to graduate. Approximately two-thirds of the course will focus on the client with complex health problems that require major medical and surgical interventions in hospital. Students will spend three days per week in medical or surgical clinical settings consolidating knowledge and skills required to practice competently as a graduate nurse. In class and clinical practice, the student will focus on the transition to the professional role by examining and applying knowledge of current issues in the workplace.
The other segment will focus on the theory and skills relevant to ambulatory and palliative care to provide a perspective of health and illness beyond the hospital.
Comprehensive Assessment | 990-180-01
The Nursing Program comprehensive assessment is an examination that consists of patient scenarios and includes short answer questions. This is an assessment of the student’s ability to meet the ministerial competencies of the Nursing Program.
There is a 2-year Intensive Nursing program that is offered at John Abbott College every January. It has been developed on recommendation from the Ministry of Education in response to the critical shortage of nurses in Québec. The objective of this Intensive Nursing Program is to prepare students for the challenging and exciting role of the graduate nurse in a 24-month period.
Students eligible for this program must have completed all of their CEGEP general education courses (4 English, 2 French, 3 Humanities, 3 Physical Education, and 2 Complementary courses) before entering the program and have the following prerequisites: Sec IV Environmental Science & Technology (058404 or 558404) or Sec. IV Science the Environment (058402 or 558402), Sec. V Chemistry and Sec. IV Math Technical & Scientific Option (064406 or 564406) or Sec. IV Math Science Option (065406 or 565406).
Graduates receive a CEGEP diploma and are eligible to write the Québec licensing examinations administered by the Ordre des infirmières du Québec (OIIQ). Some students must also demonstrate appropriate knowledge of oral and written French with the Office de la langue française before a license to practice will be granted.
John Abbott College is also part of the McGill Consortium which includes three other Anglophone CEGEPs that offer Nursing. The consortium and John Abbott have adapted concepts and content with the McGill program to prepare students to continue with university studies. After completion of the 2-year CEGEP diploma in Intensive Nursing at John Abbott College, eligible students may apply to McGill University and pursue their studies for two years full-time or three to four years part-time toward a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BN).
- To obtain your license to practice in Québec, you must meet the requirements of the Office québécois de la langue française and pass a provincial licensing examination.
- Students will be required to pass a Program Comprehensive Assessment in Nursing.
- Students may be required to pass a Ministerial Exam of Language of Instruction if not already completed.
Semester 1
Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 101-805-AB
This course is the first of several courses designed to introduce students to the study of the human body. In this course, students will first review the structural and functional organization of the body. This will include an overview of all body systems by examining the anatomy of each system and investigating how each system works to maintain homeostasis (balanced functioning of the human body).
Students will then study the chemical, cellular and tissue levels of body organization before making a detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems. Students will learn basic scientific terminology as it is applied to medical and surgical nursing practice and will develop competency in various relevant laboratory skills such as proper dissection techniques, the proper use of the compound microscope and modern physiological equipment.
Developmental Psychology | 350-803-AB
Human development consists of several related sections beginning at conception and ending at death. Each stage or section will focus on the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes and development of that particular period. Students will study and compare all three aspects of each of the different stages.
Nursing 1: Introduction to Nursing 1 | 180-10D-AB
The first Nursing course in the program introduces the conceptual framework of the program. The concepts include caring, health and illness, nursing process, development, nursing abilities and human needs. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and skills from classroom content, nursing laboratory and clinical experience. Content in the semester includes an introduction to the profession, the need for comfort, health assessment, hygiene care and vital signs. There is also an introduction to pharmacology including legalities and medication administration. Students will care for clients with health concerns in rehabilitation, convalescent, and long-term health care settings.
Semester 2
Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 101-806-AB
Prerequisite: 101-805-AB
This course continues the study of the human body. The content of this course includes a study of the body’s control systems (nervous and endocrine systems) and concentrates on how the digestive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and urinary systems work to maintain homeostasis, as well as the reproductive system.
Sociology of Diverse Families and Communities | 387-803-AB
This course is an integral part of the Nursing Program. It is designed to meet part of competency 01Q6 of the program. This competency deals with social and cultural realities related to health care and focuses on the diverse families, cultures and communities that comprise Canadian Society. Nursing professionals are required to interact with clients from a broad range of ethnocultural groups, religious groups, and social backgrounds. The purpose of the course is to develop sensitivity to issues which might arise in a variety of professional situations.
Nursing 2: Introduction to Nursing 2 | 180-20G-AB
Prerequisites: 180-10D-AB & 101-805-AB
In the second Nursing course there will be an introduction to professional communication and continued practice in the application and documentation of the nursing process. Content focuses on common illnesses, health promotion, and infection control, including medical and surgical asepsis, wound healing and more in-depth pharmacology and medication administration. Specific human needs studied are safety and activity. Skills of basic assessment and care in minor emergency situations will be developed. Students will care for clients in acute medical and surgical settings.
Semester 3
Microbiology and Immunology | 101-814-AB
Prerequisite: 101-806-AB
This is a general course with a strong emphasis on infection and medically important bacteria, viruses and fungi. Morphology and physiology of microorganisms will be followed by discussions of host-parasite relationships, infections, immunity and epidemiology, the control of microorganisms and chemotherapeutic treatments. Laboratory activities will include aseptic technique, proper handling of microorganisms and some diagnostic procedures.
Microbiology and Immunology is a required course for all students preparing for a career in Nursing and is a critical part of the training for this profession. From the simple but critical act of hand washing to the complex care of a patient with an infectious disease, a sound working knowledge of microbiology and epidemiological principles is essential for safe practice in the health field.
Issues in Psychology and Health Care | 350-813-AB
Nurses must deal with a variety of patient care situations related to the people in their care, and at the same time manage their own physical and mental health. Observing and interpreting patient behaviour, being alert to potentially dangerous situations, and helping patients cope with loss and bereavement are some of the nursing issues related to psychology that will be covered in this course.
In addition, this course will help prepare students for professional demands by addressing topics such as managing one’s own emotions and stress, and learning about professional burnout. By the end of the course, students will have a greater knowledge of psychological theories and research, finding how these relate directly to the practice of Nursing.
Nursing 3: Health and Illness 1 | 180-30K-AB
Prerequisites: 180-20G-AB, 101-805-AB & 101-806-AB
This Nursing course will use the student’s increasing knowledge of nursing care, anatomy and physiology to focus on health and illness. Content focuses on the needs for oxygenation, nutrition and elimination and their related illnesses. Special emphasis is placed on focused health assessment and the process of clinical teaching. Students will be introduced to the care of families and infants during the perinatal period for half of their clinical hours and the other half of their clinical time is spent caring for clients in a medical setting.
Semester 4
Sociology of Health | 387-813-MQ
This course is the second sociology course that addresses a societal perspective and acts as an integral part of the Nursing Program. It is designed to meet competency 01Q6 of this program. This competency deals with social and cultural realities related to health care. This competency enables the students to focus on the social, environmental, and cultural dimensions of health and illness. The focus is on the health care system and relevant federal and provincial legislation. Current problems associated with health care delivery are also explored. As well, ethical and social dilemmas related to the role of health care providers in the institutional context and the larger society is critically analyzed.
Nursing 4: Health and Illness 2 | 180-40K-AB
Prerequisite: 180-30K-AB The student will be introduced to more advanced communication and therapeutic skills with the older adult population and clients with mental health concerns. Competencies related to caring, communication and advocacy will be a focus and will include the ethical and legal issues arising in both clinical areas. Health concerns in aging and mental illness will be addressed in depth. The nursing process will focus on the needs for self-esteem, social interaction and rest and sleep. Clinical areas are in gerontology and psychiatric settings.
Semester 5
Pathophysiology | 101-823-AB
Prerequisite: 101-814-AB
The purpose of this course is to study topics in biology not previously covered in detail, i.e. genetics, metabolism, embryology and fetal development. The course will also study selected disease processes that are commonly encountered by students in clinical settings.
Nursing 5: Health and Illness 3 | 180-51J-AB
Prerequisite: 180-40K-AB
The fifth Nursing course will focus on integration of all the needs of the client with complex health problems, diseases and illnesses that require major surgical intervention. Students will apply knowledge of family and cultural issues when caring for clients in both pediatric and surgical settings. Students will assume responsibility for health promotion as well as for assessing and planning for patient discharge. This course is coordinated with the pathophysiology course to maximize the application of learning in class and clinical settings.
Semester 6
Nursing 6: Integration | 180-60N-AB
Prerequisite: 180-51J-AB
In the final Nursing course, the student will continue to integrate all concepts and skills from previous semesters and demonstrate achievement of the competencies required to graduate. Approximately two-thirds of the course will focus on the client with complex health problems that require major medical and surgical interventions in hospital. Students will spend three days per week in medical or surgical clinical settings consolidating knowledge and skills required to practice competently as a graduate nurse. In class and clinical practice, the student will focus on the transition to the professional role by examining and applying knowledge of current issues in the workplace.
The other segment will focus on the theory and skills relevant to ambulatory and palliative care to provide a perspective of health and illness beyond the hospital.
Comprehensive Assessment | 990-180-01
The Nursing Program comprehensive assessment is an examination that consists of patient scenarios and includes short answer questions. This is an assessment of the student’s ability to meet the ministerial competencies of the Nursing Program.