Additional Authorized Practice (AAP) is an advanced designation granted to registered nurses (RNs) by the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS). It allows eligible RNs to provide additional health-care services in community settings through expanded assessment, prescribing and clinical decision-making responsibilities.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers three courses which provide the knowledge and competencies needed to support nurses in achieving the AAP designation.
Eligibility for enrolment
There is no program admission required; you may register in individual courses if you meet the registration requirements or pre-requisites for that course.
There is no minimum number of years of nursing experience required to enroll, but you should have sufficient clinical nursing experience to support advanced assessment, clinical decision-making and autonomous nursing practice.
It is strongly recommended that you:
- Have current registration as a registered nurse in Saskatchewan.
- Have recent clinical nursing experience relevant to their area of practice.
- Have employer support for integrating additional competencies into their practice setting.
- Anticipate working in a role where the RN(AAP) designation will be utilized.
Registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) are eligible to take Health Assessment (NURS-1724) and Clinical Drug Therapy (PHAR-1610) but are not eligible to take Clinical Decision/Authorized Practice (NURS-1679) which is one of the required courses for the completion of the educational requirements.
Course delivery
These courses are taught by nurse practitioner faculty members, and Sask Polytech Centre for Continuing Education is responsible for student registration, course administration and coordination of clinical experience.
These courses were created with working nurses in mind, with most students completing the courses while maintaining full- or part-time employment. Courses are offered through a flexible, self-directed learning format to allow you to complete the material around your busy schedule.
To be successful, it is recommended that you prepare to dedicate about 10 to 15 hours per week for about 12 to 14 weeks per course to complete the necessary readings, assignments and learning activities. Instructors will be available to answer questions, provide guidance and evaluate assessments.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is not available for AAP courses.
Courses
Health Assessment
Clinical Drug Therapy
Clinical Decision/Authorized Practice
Review NURS-167 clinical placement information prior to registering for this course.
To register for NURS-1679, you must first complete the other two courses. However, the clinical experience planning will be sent to you in Clinical Drug Therapy (PHAR-1610) and you must complete all requirements on the Pre-clinical Checklist. You may not begin clinical hours until all documentation has been submitted and reviewed, a placement confirmation has been issued by the Centre for Continuing Education, and your proposed clinical schedule and hours have been approved. Clinical activities completed prior to receiving the required approvals may not be recognized toward course requirements.
Opportunities for RN(AAP) nurses
Historically, AAP was intended for those in roles in rural, remote and northern Saskatchewan communities where access to healthcare providers and services was limited. Today, their roles have expanded, with nurses holding the RN(AAP) designation working in healthcare settings across Saskatchewan, now including urban centres, primary health care settings, public health programs, specialized clinical environments and community-based healthcare services.
Discover how an additional authorized practice student is building on their nursing experience and growing their career in primary care.
Contact us
For questions about registration fees, course administration, scheduling and clinical experience, email nursingconed@saskpolytech.ca.
