Practical Nurse, Diploma

Contact Information
Contact Name: 
Maureen Matejka
Contact Title: 
Chairperson

Program Information

Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information visit the Nursing Department, under Academic Departments.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

In order to be admitted to the program the student must:

1. meet the following academic requirements:

 

  • 60% in ELA 30-1
  • 60% in a level Biology 30
  • 60% in one of the following: Math 20-1, Math 20 (old), Math 30-2 or Math 33 (old) OR 70% in Math 20-2 or Math 20-3

New for Sept 2014: Math 20-3 will no longer be accepted for admission to the Practical Nurse program.

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

2. Immunization to be completed prior to program start date.

Other Requirements: 

In addition to the above requirements the student must provide evidence of current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider Level. You must recertify each year.

Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a Criminal Record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is the decision of each agency or institution to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check. The current criminal record check process is under review by Alberta Health Services and may change during the academic year. You will be notified should these changes affect you.

Graduation Requirements: 

You must pass all required courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Program Content

Year 1 Fall Term:

  • COMM 191 Oral Communication
  • PN 216 Anatomy, Physiology & Microbiology
  • PN 217 Adult Health Assessments
  • PN 218 Nursing Science I - Foundations
  • SOCI 260 Sociological Concepts & Perspectives (or equivalent 3 credit humanities, social science or science course)

Year 1 Winter Term:

  • PN 225 Pathophysiology
  • PN 226 Applied Pharmacology
  • PN 227 Nursing Science II - Advanced Skills
  • PN 228 Growth & Development Across the Lifespan
  • PN 229 Continuing Care Practicum

Year 1 Spring Term:

  • ENGL 219 Language & Literature

Year 2 Fall Term:

  • PN 231 Mental Health
  • PN 235 Nursing Science III - Medical/Surgical Nursing
  • PN 237 Acute Care Practicum
  • PN 236 Health Education

Year 2 Winter Term:

  • PN 242 Pediatric Nursing
  • PN 243 Maternity Nursing
  • PN 246 Community Nursing
  • PN 247 Nursing Science IV - Transition to Graduate
  • PN 248 Focused Practicum
  • PN 249 Comprehensive Practicum