Practical Nurse Diploma for
Internationally Educated Nurses

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.

This program has four main components:

• ESL bridging communication and culture for nursing
• Accelerated PN courses and PN required courses
• Practicum training workshops
• 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/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
• Birth certificate and picture identification with your legal name (or passport)
• Clear criminal record check; must include vulnerable sector 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
• Physical and mental abilities questionnaire completed and submitted

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

2009/2010 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

Funding Your Education

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

Program Outline (2009/10)

This program is under review and the sequence of courses may change.

Year 1

Year 2

Last updated: October 19, 2009