Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses

For information: 644-6700 or

To register: 644-6700

• Two-year diploma
• Designed for ESL students
• Full-time studies
• Daytime classes
• 19 months
• Spring start
• Downtown Edmonton campus

Program Overview

This 19-month full-time program is designed to support the internationally educated nursing professional in achieving academic and employment success. Language training instructors, in partnership with practical nurse instructors, help participants acquire the nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and communication skills required for practical nursing in Canada. Interactive classes, labs, and workshops are designed to target specific student needs and to assist with communication challenges, preparation for the practicum, and the national PN exam.

The program has four main components:

1. ESL bridging communication and culture for nursing
2. Accelerated PN courses and PN required courses
3. Practicum training workshops
4. Nursing practicum for internationally educated nurses

Career Potential

Graduates will receive a PN diploma and be able to start work immediately as practical nurses. Upon passing the Canadian Practical Nurse exam, graduates will be licensed practical nurses. Currently, practical nurses are in high demand. Practical nurses are also being asked to take on appropriate leadership and supervisory roles in hospitals and continuing care units.

Transferability

Practical nurses who are internationally educated may decide to continue with their studies to become registered nurses through re-entry/refresher and/or distance programs.

Admission Requirements

• CLBA 7 (no score lower than a 6) or TSE score of 45 and a TOEFL score of 195 (iBT 70)
• Graduate of a recognized nursing program
• An official transcript from your nursing program
• Course descriptions or outlines of the courses you have taken in your nursing program
• Submission of a document from your country’s professional association, verifying that you were a member in good standing
• Birth certificate and picture identification with your legal name (or passport)
• Clear criminal record check (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program in accordance with work placement requirements.)
• Up-to-date immunization record including hepatitis B
• Health status questionnaire completed and submitted
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and clinical practice courses

Progression

Students must attain a pass grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Credential

After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest Practical Nurse diploma.

Tuition and Fees

Click here for 2008/2009 Tuition and Fees

Funding Your Education

Students in this program may be eligible for Alberta government funding including costs for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Program Outline (2008/09)

Year 1

Term 1
(16 weeks)

Term 2
(15 weeks )

Term 3
(15 weeks )

Year 2

Term 4
(16 weeks )

Term 5
(16 weeks )

Last updated: April 29, 2008