Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse Diploma Program

The Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse Diploma Program is designed for learners who have completed a provincially recognized Health Care Aide Certificate and would like to pursue a Practical Nurse Diploma.

This two-semester full-time program prepares learners to enter Semester 3 of the Practical Nurse Diploma Program. Learners also have the option of completing the required courses on a part-time basis. All requirements of the Practical Nurse Diploma Program must be met within 4 calendar years of commencing the Bridging program.

Program delivery combines traditional classroom learning, labs, and clinical experience. Some courses may be offered online but they are subject to availability.

Prior learning recognition based on completion of a recognized Health Care Aide Certificate will be given for the following three Practical Nurse Diploma Program courses:

Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills (COMM180)
Health Education: Personal Health and Wellness (HEDU150)
Nursing Science Lab I: Basics (PRNR190)

Upon successful completion of Semester 4 of the Practical Nurse Diploma Program and the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE), graduates will be eligible for licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to travel to various locations in order to complete their clinical and practicum placements. Every effort is made to accommodate students in clinical placements within the time frame of the program, however in rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a clinical placement can be arranged. Clinical shifts may include evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Tuition

Please refer to Semesters 1 and 2 of the Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse Diploma Program and Semesters 3 and 4 of the Practical Nurse Diploma Program on the Program Tuition Fee Chart for an estimate of the cost of earning a Practical Nurse Diploma via the Bridging Program. Additional expenses will include textbooks, lab kits, and police information check fees. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for advice on financing your education.

Courses in Program

Semester 1 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH150)*	6	90
Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan (PSYC151)*	3	45
Introduction to Sociology (SOCI150)*	3	45
English: Composition (ENGL150)*	3	45

*These courses may sometimes be offered online through Blackboard or eCampus but are subject to availability.

Semester 2 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Health Care Aide Bridge to Practical Nurse Theory (HHC0267)	2	30
Applied Pharmacology (PRNR154)	3	45
Pathophysiology (PRNR163)	3	45
Adult Health Assessment (PRNR158)	4	60
Nursing Science Lab II: Intermediate (PRNR198)	3	45
Clinical Experience Continuing Care: Basic (HHC0137)	3	77

Semesters 3 and 4 (36 weeks)

After completion of Semesters 1 and 2 students join Semesters 3 and 4 of the Practical Nurse Diploma Program.

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Successful completion of a Provincial Health Care Aide Certificate†
Completion of 1,900 hours of work experience as a Health Care Aide
Minimum final mark of 60% in English 30-1 or 70% in English 30-2 or equivalent
Credit in Math 20 Pure or a minimum final mark of 60% in Math 20 Applied or equivalent
Minimum final mark of 60% in Biology 30 or a minimum final mark of 60% in Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH 150) †† at Bow Valley College or equivalent

Applicants who do not meet the Math and/or English admission requirements may take the following Bow Valley College courses instead. Applicants must apply to the Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse program and receive a referral from the Admissions Department in order to register for the courses below.

College Preparation English for Practical Nurses (ACF0014)
College Preparation Mathematics for Practical Nurses (ACF0015)

English Language Proficiency Requirements

See English Language Proficiency Requirements for details.

Pre-Program Requirement

A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a vulnerable sector search must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes in order for a student to maintain their seat in the program. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent clinical placement or professional licensure. Updated PICs must be submitted every 6 months. International and out-of-province students arriving in Alberta less than 6 months before the start of the program should obtain their PICs in their home country or province prior to arriving in Alberta.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

Students who do not meet the following requirements before the first day of clinical will not be allowed to participate in clinical placements under any circumstances:

CPR Healthcare Provider Level Certificate must be updated every 12 months.
Immunization Requirements are good for the duration of the program. Detailed instructions will be provided to successful applicants in their acceptance package.

†Acceptable certificate programs must closely follow the Alberta Provincial Curriculum for Health Care Aides and include 500 hours of combined theory and practicum. Applicants may be required to demonstrate proof of completion of the following courses: Vital Signs, Medication Administration, and Communications.

††Applicants may complete Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH 150) at Bow Valley College before the program starts either in-class through the Continuing Education Department or online through eCampus pending availability. Applicants may be eligible for Transfer Credit in Semester One if they achieve a high enough grade and submit a Request for Transfer Credit Form to the Registrar's Office at least one month before the first day of classes. Please note that Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing Programs might not accept ANPH 150 in place of 30-level science courses.

Transferability

Following successful completion of the Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse courses, students will continue with Semesters 3 and 4 of the Practical Nurse Diploma Program.