FAQ
Registered Nursing
1. What is the number of students accepted each year?
We take in 96 students in the first year of the program. You are able to apply for the Nursing Program October 2 for the following fall intake. As the Nursing Program is very popular, you are advised to apply the first day.
Students are admitted into the program in the September of each year only.
2. What is the length of the program?
We have a four year degree program. The Bachelor of Science of Nursing offered in collaboration with the University of Alberta.
3. Do I complete all 4 years of my program here at RDC.
Yes. At the end of third year you complete a "paper transfer" to the University of Alberta and become U of A students for your 4th year - but you remain on the RDC campus. You are expected to complete your program at RDC.
Students are considered RDC students for years 1 through 3, are governed by the policies and standard practices of RDC, and pay their tuition to the college.
During 4th year students are governed by the policies and procedures of the university and pay their tuition to the university.
4. Program Costs
5. What will my schedule look like?
Each semester is divided into a theory course (eg. for 7 weeks) and a clinical course (eg. for 7 weeks). For students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year you start your semester in either one of these courses depending on your registration, and after 7 weeks switch into the other.
All first year students start in a theory course.
In a theory course you will have two 3 hour tutorial sessions, one 3 hour lab session, and 1.5 to 7.5 hours of lecture per week.
Students are expected to do study and preparation in addition to these class times.
Clinical courses run full time, 5 days per week.
Students in acute care clinical work both day and evening shifts in health care facilities throughout our health region.
Students in community bases clinical work primarily day shifts with some evening activities required as part of their clinical practice.
6. How do I transfer to RDC from another nursing program?
You apply through the admissions office (registrars) at RDC, identifying yourself as a transfer student - indicating into which year of the program you are wishing to transfer.
You will be asked to provide transcripts so that they can be reviewed for transfer credit (prior learning assessment).
You may or may not receive prior learning credit for all the courses you have completed elsewhere - you may need to pick up additional courses to meet our program requirements.
Transfer students are asked to provide the Chairperson of Nursing Programs with a letter from their current program Dean/Director/Chair indicating that they are a student in good standing with a minimum gpa of 2.0.
7. Will I have to travel for any of my clinical practicum experiences?
All students are expected to travel in any one or all 4 years of the program as we use clinical agencies throughout Central Alberta for clinical practice.
Students require access to reliable transportation that will enable them to complete the requirements for clinical courses.
Students are responsible for costs associated with this travel.
8. What are electives and when do I take them?
Students are required to take 2 electives which are option courses of the student's own choosing.
They need to transfer to the University of Alberta at a 100 level - use the government transfer guide to check transfer credit: www.acat.gov.ab.ca
Many students take these during the spring semester between years of the program.
Electives must be completed by the end of third year, in time for your application to the university for admission into 4th year.
9. What clinical experience will I have in my program?
There are 2 clinical courses in each year of the program.
In first year students provide care in continuing care facilities and in community - based non-traditional settings, eg. Playschools.
In 2nd year, students practice maternity/public health and on surgical units at the hospital.
In 3rd year, students practice on medical units at the hospital and in mental health practice areas, eg. Schizophrenia Society, in-patient psychiatry units.
In 4th year, students will practice in one of: rural hospital, Home Care, or, peds/SCN.
A senior practicum in the final semester offers a 10 week preceptored clinical.
10. Do I have to provide a Criminal Record Check?
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 for September program start date, please obtain two copies of your CRC one to hand in the first week of classes and the second you will need for N281 clinical placements.
11. Must I have CPR certification?
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 you during the first week of classes to show proof of CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level.
12. Do I have to provide my immunization records?
All students must complete the immunization form and provide to the Health & Wellness 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.