Practical Nurse Re-Entry Program

The Practical Nurse Re-Entry Program is designed for candidates whose Practical Nurse License has expired. The program allows them to update their knowledge and skills to meet current practice standards and licensure requirements.

Once candidates successfully complete all program requirements, they will be eligible to have their license reinstated by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).

The program begins with 4 months of exam preparation workshops followed by challenge exams that cover 16 subjects. Candidates who successfully pass at least 7 out of the 14 subjects will be eligible to continue in an individualized 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.

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

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, and police information check fees. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for advice on financing your education.

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 14 subjects:

1. Adult Health Assessment
2. Anatomy and Physiology
3. Community Nursing
4. Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills
5. Maternity Nursing
6. Mental Health Nursing
7. Nursing Science Lab I: Basics
8. Nursing Science Lab II: Intermediate
9. Nursing Science Lab III: Advanced
10. Nursing Theory I: Basics
11. Nursing Theory II: Intermediate
12. Nursing Theory III: Advanced
13. Pathophysiology
14. Pediatric Nursing

Mandatory Courses

• Practical Nurse Refresher (PRNR 170)
• Adult Health Assessment (PRNR 158)
• Transition to Graduate Nursing (PRNR 181)
• Applied Pharmacology with Medication Therapy (PRNR 154)
• Pre-Practicum Skill Evaluation
• 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

• Referral from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)
• Proof of graduation from a recognized Practical Nurse Program
• Credit in a Medical Terminology course

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.