Practical Nurse Diploma

Contact:
Sheila McKay
Chairperson

Program Information:
E-mail:  inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone:  403.342.3400  OR  1.888.732.4630

Two Year Diploma

This program delivered over two academic years prepares the graduate to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) following graduation and successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam.  As a LPN, the graduate will provide nursing care in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, the community and other health care agencies.

Admission Requirements 

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

  1. meet the following academic requirements:
    - 60% or better in ELA 30-1  
    - 60% or better in Biology 30 
    - 60% or better in Math 20 (Pure), Math 20 (old), Math 30 (Applied) or Math 33 (old) OR 70% or better in Math 20 (Applied) or Math 23 (old) 
  2. Immunization and Testing Records Form to be completed prior to program start date. 

Additional 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 to some agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a criminal record may prevent clinical placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore, may affect employment prospects. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check. Prospective students who have a criminal record should discuss the matter with the department Chair prior to applying for admission.

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

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

Program Cost Estimates - 2009/2010

Graduation Requirements

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