Practical Nurse Diploma (Part-Time)

The 8-semester Part-Time Practical Nurse Diploma program prepares graduates to provide high-quality nursing care in the areas of medical, surgical, pediatric, maternity, mental health, and geriatric care.

Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta use critical thinking to interpret assessments, implement a variety of treatments, and provide professional, comprehensive care.

Upon successful completion 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).

This program begins every fall semester and can be completed in 8 semesters (2 years and 9 months). All program courses must be completed within four years.

Program delivery combines traditional classroom learning, labs, and clinical experiences. Some courses may be offered online but are subject to availability. Classes are scheduled 2-3 evenings per week, but clinical shifts may include evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

This is a highly-respected and popular career program that fills up quickly. We advise applying at least 6 months before the first day of classes.

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 the Program Tuition Fee Chart for an estimate of the cost of earning a Practical Nurse Diploma. When creating a budget, students should consider tuition, additional fees, lab kits, textbooks, and police information check fees. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for advice on financing a Bow Valley College education.

Courses in Program

Semester 1 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH150)*	6	90
Health Education: Personal Health and Wellness (HEDU150)*	3	45
Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills (COMM180)*	3	45

Semester 2 (16 weeks)

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

Semester 3 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Pathophysiology (PRNR163)	3	45
Adult Health Assessment (PRNR158)	4	60
Nursing Science Lab I: Basics (PRNR190)	3	45
Clinical Experience Continuing Care: Basic (HHC0137)	3	77

Semester 4 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Nursing Theory I: Basics (PRNR160)*	3	45
Nursing Theory II: Intermediate (PRNR164)*	4	60
Applied Pharmacology (PRNR154)	3	45
Nursing Science Lab II: Intermediate (PRNR198)	3	45

Semester 5 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Clinical Experience Continuing Care: Intermediate (HHC0138)	5	156
Mental Health Nursing (PSYC152)*	3	45
Community Nursing (PRNR155)*	3	45

Semester 6 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Nursing Theory III: Advanced (PRNR162)*	3	45
Nursing Science Lab III: Advanced (PRNR189)	4	60

Semester 7 (16 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Clinical Experience: Acute Care (PRNR194)	9	271
Maternity Nursing (PRNR156)*	3	45
Pediatric Nursing (PRNR157)	3	45
Transition to Graduate Nursing (PRNR181)*	3	45

Semester 8 (20 weeks)

Course	Credits	Hours
Pre-Grad Practicum I: Community and Focus (PRNR199 - 4 weeks)	3	150
Pre-Grad Practicum II: Comprehensive (PRNR197 - 5 weeks)	3	188

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

Admission requirements

Academic Requirements

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

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.

†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

For transferability information, please see the Full-Time Practical Nurse Diploma listing.