Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses

The Practical Nurse Diploma Program for Internationally Educated Nurses (PNIEN) is designed for graduates of a recognized Registered Nurse program who hold an RN license from another country.

The program begins with 4 months of exam preparation workshops followed by challenge exams that cover 16 subjects. Candidates who successfully pass at least 8 out of the 16 subjects will be eligible to continue in an individualized diploma program.

The customized study program will includes both mandatory courses and courses where credit was not earned through challenge exams. All candidates must complete 9 weeks of practicum. The duration and cost of the program depends heavily on the challenge exam results. All requirements must be completed within 2 calendar years.

Once candidates successfully earn credit for all of the Practical Nurse Diploma program courses and pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE), they 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.

International Students

If you would like to apply to Bow Valley College as an International Student, please contact the International Education department for assistance arranging your study permit at 403-410-3476. International Students are advised to consider the Full-Time Practical Nurse Diploma Program.

Tuition

The cost of attending the exam preparation workshops and writing the 16 challenge exams is roughly $1050 CAD including additional fees (subject to change). The cost of completing the program depends heavily on the challenge exam results, which determine how many courses will need to be completed. Please refer to the Course Fee Chart for current course tuitions. Additional expenses will include textbooks, lab kits, and police information check fees. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for advice on financing your education.

Application Checklist

Applicants may apply to the PNIEN program online or by bringing the following to the Registrar’s Office on the 3rd floor of our downtown Calgary campus, located at 332 - 6 Ave SE:

• RN License
• $60 application fee (for domestic students)
• Completed Application Form
• Detailed high school transcripts*
• Detailed nursing school transcripts*
• Proof of completion of Medical Terminology
• Proof of meeting the English Language Proficiency Requirements

*Transcripts must be original and must outline all courses and grades achieved. An English translation is required in addition to the original if applicable.

Courses in Program

Exam Preparation Workshops

All candidates spend the first 4 months preparing for the Challenge Exams. A minimum of 8 exam preparation workshops (4 theory and 4 practical skills workshops) will be offered over the course of 4 months. During these workshops, an instructor will facilitate exam preparation by providing directions for independent study.

Challenge Exam Subjects

All challenge exams are multiple choice and candidates must achieve a grade of 64% or higher in order to pass. Challenge Exams will cover the following 16 subjects:

1. Adult Health Assessment
2. Anatomy and Physiology
3. Applied Pharmacology
4. Community Nursing
5. Human Growth and Development Across the Life Span
6. Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills
7. Maternity Nursing
8. Mental Health Nursing
9. Nursing Science Lab I: Basics
10. Nursing Theory II: Intermediate
11. Nursing Theory III: Advanced
12. Nursing Theory I: Basics
13. Nursing Science Lab II: Intermediate
14. Nursing Science Lab III: Advanced
15. Pathophysiology
16. Pediatric Nursing

Mandatory Courses

• Pre-Practicum Skill Evaluation
• English Composition (ENGL 150)
• Introduction To Sociology (SOCI 150)
• Health Education: Personal Health And Wellness (HEDU 150)
• Transition to Graduate Nursing (PRNR 181)
• Pre-grad Practicum I: Community And Focus (PRNR 199) - 4 weeks
• Pre-grad Practicum II: Comprehensive Practicum (PRNR 197) - 5 weeks
• Courses corresponding to any challenge exam subjects where a passing grade was not achieved

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Admission requirements

Academic Requirements

• Proof of Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
• Proof of graduation from a recognized Registered Nurse program
• 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
• Credit in Medical Terminology 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. Please note that Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing Programs might not accept ANPH 150 in place of 30-level science courses.

 

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Transferability

Graduates of this program may be accepted into:

• Athabasca University - Post LPN Bachelor of Nursing Program
• Thompson Rivers University Open Learning Division - Bachelor of Health Science (57 credits) and Bachelor of General Studies (60 credits)
• University of Calgary - Graduates of Bow Valley College diploma programs may be awarded up to 5 full course junior open options