Practical Nurse

What to expect from the program

Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:

• are physically and emotionally able to manage workplace demands
• have access to a vehicle to travel to complete their clinical practice
• have access to a computer and Internet, and basic computer skills
• are able to demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour

Refer to the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta website for more information about becoming a licensed practical nurse.

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

You’ll graduate this program with 680 hours of work experience from four practicums.

Clinical placements

You will work full-time during the practicum and provide your own transportation to the facility.

• Instructor-led clinical placements (NPRT 1001, NPRT 2101, and NPRT 2102): For Edmonton campus and online anytime students, placements will occur in Edmonton or surrounding communities. Wetaskiwin campus students will be placed in Wetaskiwin or surrounding communities. Instructor-led clinical placements will be a combination of day and evening shifts.
• Your preceptored clinical placement (NPRT 2200) 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.

Additional information

Lecture classes

Lecture classes are available:

• In person, at the Edmonton or Wetaskiwin campus.
• Online real-time, with labs at the Edmonton or Wetaskiwin campus.
• Online anytime, with labs at the Edmonton campus. Each course has a fixed start date. You will have 12 weeks to complete each course. Study and complete assignments on your own schedule. Real-time instructor support is available on request. Exam dates are scheduled by each student.

Labs

Some courses have mandatory in-person labs.

• In-person students: you will complete your labs at your chosen campus. Labs will be scheduled 1-3 times per week throughout the term.
• Online real-time students: you will complete your labs at the Edmonton or Wetaskiwin campus. Labs will be scheduled 1-3 times per week throughout the term.
• Online anytime students: you will complete your labs at the Edmonton campus. Labs will be for 4-5 days and scheduled near the end of each course.

Career opportunities

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:

• ALIS OCCinfo occupational profiles
• ALIS WAGEinfo salary info

What to expect as a practical nurse

Applicants should assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the practical nurse occupation.

As a practical nurse, you must be able to:

• work shifts and weekends
• be on your feet for extended periods of time
• use your knees, back, and arms to move clients who have minimal body strength
• provide care to support people of various diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual preferences, and socio-economic status
• function effectively in stressful situations
• perform all skills independently