Practical Nurse -Distance Study

Graduate with this certification and enjoy a variety of employment opportunities across Canada.

This program prepares you to become a professional practical nurse and to give high-quality care to clients in a variety of settings. On their first try, 98% - 100% of graduates pass the national examinations to obtain their license to practice nursing. In the Yellowhead Region, the program is available on a part-time basis through distance education with practicums completed in Edmonton.

You will be eligible for jobs in acute care hospitals, continuing care centers, community care settings, client homes, clinics, or doctors' offices. The Practical Nurse program has a 100% employment rate.

If you plan to continue your education, your Practical Nurse Certificate will qualify you for admission to the Post LPN to Bachelor of Nursing program at Athabasca University, BScN Collaborative Program LPN Stream at the University of Alberta and the Nursing Articulation Program for LPN's at Grant MacEwan University.

Your Practical Nurse Certificate also allows you to be considered for the Advanced Education in Orthopedics program at NorQuest College, the Post-Basic Operating Room program for LPNs at Grant MacEwan University and Bachelor of Applied Human Service at Grant MacEwan University.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 19 years of age
• Minimum of 60% in Biology 30
• Minimum of 60% in English 30-1 (English 30) or 70% in English 30-2 (English 33)
• Minimum of 50% in Pure Math 20 or 60% in Applied Math 20
• Clear criminal record check within three months of the program start date
• Completion of health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for nursing lab and practicum courses
• Up-to-date immunizations; Hepatitis B immunization may be completed while in the program
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Basic Rescuer Certificate Level C (clinical requirement)
• WHMIS Certificate (clinical requirement)
• Up-to-date immunizations; Hepatitis B immunization may be completed while in the program
• Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology I and II (ANPH I & II)

Distance dates

Continuous intake allows students to start on the first day of each month.

Fees

Tuition: Total program $12,930.00 (approximately)
Books: Total program $3383.00 (approximately)
National Exam Fee: $550 (required at the end of the program)

NOTE: Tuition and book fees can be paid on a per course basis. Please contact NorQuest for current, individual course costs; 1-866-534-7218.

Course Descriptions

Course work is to be completed through self-directed study. Students must attend workshops to practice nursing skills. Instructors are available by telephone or e-mail. Clinical practice is held in Edmonton and the final practicum is preceptored (supervised). Students have three years to complete their entire program.

Anatomy and Physiology I
ANPH 1001
Study the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is on body organization, support and movement and integration and coordination of body functions.

Anatomy and Physiology II
ANPH 1002
Study the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is on body transport and protection, absorption and excretion, and reproduction.
Prerequisite: ANPH 1001

Introduction to Composition
ENGL 2550
Explore various genres of literature both fiction and non-fiction, and receive formal instruction in writing university-level essays.

Health Education: Individual Health and Wellness
HEED 1000
Gain an overview of the physical, social, mental, environmental, and spiritual aspects of personal health and wellness within the context of the community and the Canadian health-care system. An individualized analysis of personal health issues and physical fitness is included.

Communications for Nursing
NCOM 1000
Study the basic therapeutic communication skills for persons preparing to work as health professionals. Learn about the development of caring relationships between helping professionals and clients and gain a basic understanding of self and of working within a group.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: ENGL 2552

Nursing Foundations I: Introduction to Nursing
NFDN 1001
Develop a basic understanding of the health-care system, nursing models, the Neuman Systems Model, the nursing process, the history of nursing, the ethical and legal aspects of nursing, and the roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse. The course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: HEAS 1000, HEED 1000, NCOM 1000

Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 1040
Learn the basic terminology, concepts, questions, theories, and empirical data that make up the field of psychology and are pertinent to the health-care professional. Focus on human development and learning theory.

Pathophysiology for Health-Care Professions
PATH 1000
Study the pathological processes underlying disease and disorders and the resulting alterations in human physiological function throughout the lifespan.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: ANPH 1002

Basic Pharmacotherapeutics
PHAR 1000
Study the basic scientific knowledge required for the safe administration of medications. Focus on both the therapeutic physiological effects and the non-therapeutic side effects of medications used in treating clients across the lifespan.

Prerequisite/Co-requisite: NFDN 1001, HEAS 1000

Nursing Practice I: Continuing Care Practice
NPRT 1001
Gain experience providing safe, holistic nursing care in a continuing care centre through the application of the Neuman Systems Model, the nursing process, basic care skills, medication administration skills, and therapeutic communications skills. This clinical practicum involves five weeks of instructor-supervised clinical practice.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NCOM 1000, PHAR 1000, PATH 1000, NFDN 1002

Introduction to the Study of Society
SOCI 1000
Explore introductory sociology through the study of social relations, community, and society. Learn about the institutions of Canadian society, such as family, politics, ethnicity, education, and religion.

Nursing Foundations VI: Community Nursing
NFDN 2006
Study the application of the Neuman Systems Model and the nursing process to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and injury throughout the lifespan, individually and within communities and groups. Explore concepts such as community assessment, health promotion, public health, and primary health care.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NFDN 2004, NFDN 2005

Nursing Foundations III: Medical Surgical Nursing
NFDN 2003
Focus on applying the Neuman Systems Model and the nursing process to the client in acute care. Learn basic medical surgical nursing skills and practice your skills in laboratory and simulated settings.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NPRT 1001

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice
NPRT 2002
Gain experience in providing safe, holistic nursing care in an acute care centre through the application of the Neuman Systems Model, nursing process, medical/surgical nursing skills, medication administration skills, and therapeutic communication skills. This clinical practicum involves eight weeks of instructor-supervised practice.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NPRT 1001, NFDN 2003

Nursing Foundations IV: Family Nursing I
NFDN 2004
Explore the application of the Neuman Systems Model and nursing process to the developing family as it relates to maternity nursing. Learn about the expectant family before, during, and after birth, and the care of the newborn.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NFDN 2003, PSYC 1060, SOCI 1000

Nursing Foundations V: Family Nursing 2
NFDN 2005
Study the application of the Neuman Systems Model and the nursing process to the care of the developing family as it relates to pediatric nursing.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NFDN 2003, PSYC 1060, SOCI 1000

Nursing Foundations VIII: Transition to the Graduate Nursing
NFDN 2008
Prepare for the transition from a student to a graduate role. Explore how you will work within the parameters of a health-care organization, the bargaining unit, and the professional association. Learn about taking a leadership role in your work.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NPRT 2002

Nursing Practice III: Focused Practice
NPRT 2003
Learn practical skills in a clinical practicum involving three weeks of combined instructor-supervised and preceptored clinical practice. Focus on community nursing, leadership and team medications, and a choice of maternity, pediatric, or mental health nursing.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NFDN 2006, NFDN 2007, NPRT 2002

Nursing Practice IV: Comprehensive Practice
NPRT 2004
Integrate your program knowledge, skills attitudes, and judgements as you gain an understanding of the role of the licensed practical nurse. Four weeks of preceptored clinical practice will help you make the transition from a student to a graduate role.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: NPRT 2003