FAQ
Practical Nurse Program
1. What is the number of students accepted each year?
There are 64 seats available for this program.
Apply early as the program is very popular and fills up quickly.
2. Can a student start in January?
The program starts in September of each year and runs for two full academic years (September - April).
You are able to apply October 2 for the following fall intake.
3. Program Costs
4. What will my schedule look like?
When you are in the classroom or theory portion of your program you can expect to be in a class or lab during most of the day.
During the fall semester of year 1 only, you will take COMM 191 (communications) and Sociology 260 in the afternoons.
In clinical practicum courses you can expect to work day and evening shifts. The length of shifts varies from course to course, from 6 hours per day to 12 hours per day in the final preceptorship.
5. When do I take English 219?
Most students will take this in the spring semester between first and second year.
6. Will I have to travel for any of the clinical practicum experiences?
All students require access to reliable transportation that will enable them to complete the requirements in clinical courses, in the event that clinical occurs outside the Red Deer area.
Students are responsbile for any associated travel costs.
There is an expectation that students are able to travel, as we are not always guaranteed placements with the city of Red Deer.
7. Are there opportunities for me to bridge into the RN program?
We do not have a formal bridging program here at RDC (you can check with the University of Calgary and Athabasca University on this).
LPN's who apply to the BScN program do receive some credit for courses they have completed in their PN program of study.
Right now credit is determined on an individual basis and is based on transcripts submitted by interested students.
8. Do I have to provide a Criminal Record Check?
Newly admitted students 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. Please bring your Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check to your first day of classes.
While not an admission requirement for the program: applicants are advised 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, and professional licensure therefore affecting 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. Students who do not have a clear criminal record should discuss the matter with the department Chair prior to applying for admission. CRC must be issued no earlier than August 1, 2012 for September 201 program start date.
9. Must I have CPR recertification?
All students recertifying or certifying in CPR, must do so at the "Health Care Provider Level." This is in keeping with the new national guidelines and legislation. This applies to new and current students. Students must re-certify yearly.
Please be sure to have your current CPR card with yo uduring the first week of classes to show proof of CPR certificatio at the Health Care Provider Level.
10. Do I have to provide my immunization records?
All students must complete the immunization form and provide to the Health & Wellnss Centre (room 901) or bring to your first class. For information about immunization requirements, please contact Health & Wellness Centre at 403.342.3427.
Note: Students will not be allowed in the clinical setting until this requirement is met.