Perioperative Nursing/RN
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated January 4, 2018
Questions and answers for Perioperative Nursing/RN program.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Perioperative Nursing RN program is an advanced certificate program for registered nurses looking to practice in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centres, freestanding clinics and more.
Upon graduation, you can
- Receive transfer credits within the post RN Bachelor of Nursing programs at the University of Saskatchewan and Athabasca University.
- Be eligible to write the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) national certification exam to earn a CPN(C) designation (when you have completed the necessary clinical hours).
- Receive credit for 675 practice hours to maintain registration with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA) (if you are a registered nurse in Saskatchewan while taking the program).
To enroll:
- You must be currently licensed with the registered nurses’ licensing body in the province where you will be completing the clinical experience. (i.e. SRNA)
- Recent graduates of an approved nursing degree program are also eligible to apply. You must pass the NCLEX and be licensed with registered nurses' licensing body in the province where you will completing your clinical experience prior to entering clinical.
The theory component of the program is delivered online, which allows you to study in your home community and maintain work and family responsibilities.
The six theory courses are completed over approximately 22 weeks. Clinical components consist of a one-week lab and approximately ten weeks of clinical practical education.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to student success. A variety of resources are available to assist you in your pursuit of a perioperative nursing education; program faculty are also available to support you with any concerns you may have related to online learning.
Lab and clinical components of the program must be completed in Saskatchewan. When you apply to the program, you will choose your clinical site. RNs can choose from Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Lloydminster, North Battleford or Prince Albert for their clinical completion site.
Special requests to complete the lab and clinical in locations outside of Saskatchewan may be considered if a health care facility enters into a contractual arrangement with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to deliver the program within their facility.
Program faculty are available to support you via the telephone, email, online communication tools (video chat) and, in some situations, in person.
Experienced perioperative nurses should contact the perioperative nursing program to determine if a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is appropriate for them. Effort is made to recognize the individual’s education and experience.
When applying for PLAR, all post-secondary documents must be submitted with the application.
For more information please feel free to contact the program:
School of Nursing, Perioperative Nursing programs
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus
306.775.7575
perioperative@saskpolytech.ca