Are you an internationally educated health-care professional interested in continuing your career into nursing?
If you have a diploma or degree in a health-care field from an accredited institution outside of Canada, such as midwifery, pharmacy, or dental, this program recognizes and builds upon your previous health care experience. Receive hands-on training from instructors with Canadian experience, and gain the skills necessary to succeed as a Practical Nurse in Alberta.
The Practical Nurse for Internationally Educated Nurses program will prepare you to provide high-quality patient care while helping you strengthen your communication skills and English language proficiency. Students can expect:
Through a combination of classroom, hands-on, and practicum experience, you will graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam and excel in your future nursing career.
Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:
This program is fully accredited by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), affirming its commitment to excellence in education and its rigorous preparation for professional nursing practice.
During workplace practicums, you’ll gain hands-on training, solve real-world problems, work with an interdisciplinary health-care team, and achieve valuable experience and employer connections. Work-integrated learning bridges the knowledge you learned in the classroom and labs with on-the-job training.
You’ll graduate this program with 435 hours of work experience through three practicums.
You will work full-time during the practicum and are responsible for arranging your own transportation to the facility and securing your own accommodations (NPRT 2006 and NPRT 2007).
Clinical shifts may include daytime, evenings, weekends, holidays, or a combination of shifts, depending on the course and location.
To support your learning experience, this program is offered in the following format:
A method of course delivery where both online and in-person/real-time instruction are required components. All courses will be scheduled in the option that best suits the schedule.
Labs and clinicals are delivered in person at the Edmonton campus.
NorQuest provides Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) for students in this program. Have your skills and knowledge in nursing assessed and, if successful, gain credits without having to take courses in full. PLAR allows you to save money and time as you complete the Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses.
You must get licensure from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) to practice as a licensed practical nurse. You must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam to attain active licensure with the CLPNA.
Visit the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta website for further details on the registration for new graduates.
Nurses are currently in high demand in Canada. With competitive starting salaries, plenty of job opportunities, and the ability to work in a variety of settings, nursing is a fulfilling and sought-after career path.
Practical nurses find jobs in acute care hospitals, continuing care centres, community care settings, client homes, clinics, or doctors' offices.
For more information on related careers see:
This program prepares you to step confidently into your field while providing the flexibility to continue your education. Credits you earn may be transferable toward additional diplomas, degrees, or certifications—helping you advance your career and increase your earning potential.
Applicants should assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the practical nurse occupation.
As a practical nurse, you must be able to:
This program qualifies for a study permit, and a post-graduate work permit in Canada. Learn more about obtaining your study permit, and how to apply for a post-graduate work permit along with other important immigration information.
Have a question about the Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses program?
The instructor-led clinical placement (NPRT 1001) will occur in the Edmonton area for a four-week rotation. Your schedule may include days or evenings on weekdays.
Your preceptored clinical placement (NPRT 2006 and NPRT 2007 ) may be arranged in or close to your community. Your schedule may include day, evening, or night shifts any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
Get all the information you need on applying for your program in one, easy-to-follow application guide. We’ll deliver it straight to your inbox.
Yes, send me the guideThe personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of section 33(c) of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to process your request for information, for internal statistical and enrolment management purposes and to provide ongoing information regarding our courses, programs or events. For information about the collection and use of this information, contact the Regulatory & Compliance Coordinator at 10215 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1L6, Tel. 780.644.6000.
We appreciate your interest in NorQuest’s Program name! However, this program is not open to international students at this time. For a full list of programs available to international students, please visit the Programs and Courses page.
If you’re not sure which program is perfect for you, NorQuest’s International Student Recruiters can help. Contact international.recruitment@norquest.ca or book a meeting.
