About the program

Public health is the science and practice of improving the health and well-being of populations. Conestoga's Public Health Nursing graduate certification program offers an in-depth exploration of the field of public health, with a specialized focus on the unique role of public health nurses. Developed in alignment with the Ontario Public Health Standards and the Public Health Agency of Canada's Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada, this program equips students with the vital skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for public health nursing practice. Tailored for nursing professionals looking to expand their expertise in public health, this program covers topics from the history and structure of public health in Canada to specialized areas like epidemiology, environmental health, program planning, communication strategies, leadership, health equity, and infection control. This program may also be of interest to nurses working in other areas, such as correctional facilities and community health settings.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, degree or equivalent Colleges of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) registration
or

  • Diploma or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an Accredited Ontario College or University. Applicants with credentials from outside of Canada must have a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (as assessed, by country, to Ontario standards).

Note re: admission requirements

  • Graduate Certificate (Excluding TESL) and Exception Diploma Programs Standard Language Requirements:
    • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
    • TOEFL iBT 88
    • CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
    • PTE Academic 58

Admission procedures

  • Submit proof of admission requirements.
  • Applicants not meeting the credential requirements must submit a resume outlining work experience and career goals. Please submit the resume directly to the Conestoga College Admissions Office.
  • Final acceptance is based on a review of post-secondary background and relevant documentation.

Program requirements

  • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT 88
  • CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
  • PTE Academic 58
  • Conestoga English Language Assessment and Placement (CELAP) 82 or higher

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Research and analyze the complex interplay between populations and their environments to support the optimal delivery of coordinated services.
  • Lead public health advocacy and interventions with community members to foster strategic partnerships.
  • Create evidence-informed materials that are based on the principles of effective health communication such as assessing health literacy and managing communication risk.
  • Plan and implement health promotion and disease prevention programs using evidence-informed actionable strategies to deliver public health nursing services.
  • Comply with applicable Canadian legislation, regulations, standards, and ethical practices to ensure safety of clients, self and others.
  • Analyze and interpret health data to make informed and evidence-based decisions within the community and public health contexts.
  • Design inclusive public health and health promotion strategies that address the diverse needs of community members including concerns and challenges across the lifespan.
  • Use regulatory communicable disease frameworks and policies to practice safely and manage threats in the domain of public health.

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opened November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 3, 2025