Practical Nurse

Program Year: 2010-2011

Program Length: 2 years (68 weeks)

Program Description:

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This two-year program prepares you to become a professional practical nurse educated to give high-quality care in a variety of health-care settings. You may take the program full-time, or on a part-time basis. You will be eligible for jobs in acute care hospitals, continuing care centres, community care settings, client homes, clinics, or doctors’ offices. The practical nurse has a 100% employment rate. Upon successful completion of the Practical Nurse program and the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, graduates are eligible to become licensed through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Practical nursing is a self-regulating profession with a unique body of knowledge, standards of practice, its own code of ethics, clearly defined competencies and a societal contract to provide safe, quality, holistic patient care.

Students who would like to decrease the workload in this very intensive two-year program are encouraged to complete some of the university transfer courses before starting the program. Please refer to the University Studies section in the calendar for more information or our college website at www.northernlakescollege.ca.

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Program of Study:

Program Delivery:

The program is offered using a mix of distributed delivery strategies. These include: computer conferencing, self-directed study, instructor led face-to-face classes and labs, and clinical practicums.
The distributed delivery methods allow students to pursue their educational goals in selected communities. Students in the program are likely to have to relocate for short periods of time to another community in order to complete the clinical requirements of the program. Students are responsible for all expenses related to clinical practicums.

Admission Requirements:

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have the following courses or equivalents:
- 60% in English 30-1 (English 30) or 70% in English 30-2 (English 33) or an assessed English equivalency;
-credit in Pure Math 20 (Math 20) or 60% in Applied Math 20 (Math 23) or 60% in MATH0190 or equivalent;
-60% in Biology 30 or 60% in ANPY0190 or credit in ANPY1000 or equivalent.

NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicants must demonstrate good physical and emotional health

- Must have fluency in English.
Students for whom English is a second language must present one of the following: TOEFL 560/220 and TSE 50 and pass an interview with the Program Advisor.

- Immunizations must be up-to-date

- Applicants must provide a current and clear criminal record check.
NOTE: students without a clear criminal record will not be able to complete the practicum requirements of the program.

- Current Standard First Aid and CPR for Health Care Professionals - must be supplied prior to January, 2011

Students who enter this program should also have basic computer skills (the ability to use the Internet, e-mail, and a word processor).

Students must submit all post-secondary transcripts upon application.

Application Process:

APPLICATION: Complete and submit the Northern Lakes College application form (available at all Northern Lakes College locations and on the college website).

TRANSCRIPTS: Provide an official high school and/or post-secondary transcript. This must be forwarded directly to Northern Lakes College, Admissions Services, from the granting institution (there may be a charge for this). If the high school is in Alberta, the college may be able to obtain marks directly from Alberta Learning. When transcripts are received at NLC, they are reviewed to determine if the academic requirements for admission to the program are met.

FORMS: Applicants who meet the academic requirements are sent forms (criminal record check, health status form and immunization record) that must be completed. These are to be returned as soon as possible to the address indicated on the instructions sent with the forms.

ACCEPTANCE: Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be accepted and offered a space in the next available offering of the program. In some cases, the spaces at a specific location may be full and accepted applicants will be placed on a waitlist. These applicants will be accepted in the order of ‘first qualified, first served.” It may also be possible to transfer to another location if there is space. Applicants will receive a letter informing them of their acceptance status.

FUNDING: Applicants are encouraged to check on funding options early. Counsellors can assist with identifying funding options and applying for sponsorship of fees and living costs.

REGISTRATION: Before the start date of the program, accepted applicants will receive information about registration dates, times, locations and other information to assist them.

Cost Estimates:

Locations:

Athabasca, Barrhead, Fairview, Grande Prairie, High Level, High Prairie, McLennan (Smoky River), Slave Lake, Westlock

Offering Dates:

Registration Date: September 1, 2010 (at each campus)
Term 1 - September 7, 2010 – December 20, 2010
Term 2 – January 4, 2011 – May 20, 2011
Term 3– September 6, 2011 – December 16, 2011
Term 4– January 3, 2012 – May 18, 2012

Transferability:

see ACAT for transferability

Employment Opportunities:
The general outcome of the Practical Nurse Program is to produce a competent entry-level nurse, eligible for registration and licensing with CLPNA, who can provide care to a variety of clients of all ages in a variety of health settings.  Students will be eligible for jobs in acute care hospitals, continuing care centres, community care centres, and primary care settings.  The Licensed Practical Nurse is a vital member of today's health care team and is in much demand throughout the province.

Contact Information: