Practical Nursing

Program Overview

Notice to applicants:
The Practical Nursing curriculum has recently been revised. The revised curriculum will be implemented in September 2019. Please contact the program if you are taking or planning to take courses (APHY 162, APHY 262, SOCI 160, SOCI 260, or SOCI 261) prior to starting the program. We would be pleased to discuss options with you, as some of these courses will not be delivered in the revised curriculum. The Practical Nursing program can be contacted at practicalnursing@saskpolytech.ca.

Licensed practical Nurses are a vital part of today's health care team - in acute hospital care, long-term care and in the community. They provide compassionate, professional nursing care to individuals throughout the human lifespan, infants to seniors.

If this sounds interesting to you, explore Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Practical Nursing program. In just two years, we’ll help you develop into a competent, confident nurse capable of making a positive difference in the health and well-being of individuals, their families and our communities.

This program is subject to the high-demand admission process. It opens for application on October 1, and closes on February 15, each academic year. On February 15, paper applications are accepted until 4:30 p.m., and online applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Saskatchewan times). All supporting documentation is required by 4:30 p.m. (Saskatchewan time) on February 28(29).

Practical Nursing is a two-year diploma program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus, Regina Campus, and Prince Albert Campus, with online distance learning options. Onsite labs and community-based clinical experiences let you apply nursing knowledge, theory and skills in a variety of environments. Our experienced faculty help you grow into a competent, confident nurse capable of bringing a holistic, humanistic approach to patient care.

For more information about the program, including the admission process and program requirements, refer to the Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria sections below, and to our program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Selected courses from this program are available through Flexible Learning, prior to being enrolled as a student in the full-time program. These courses are: APHY 162, APHY 262, SOCI 160, SOCI 260 and SOCI 261. For more information on these course offerings, please refer to the Flexible Learning part-time delivery for this program.

If you have questions about this program, please contact:

Prince Albert 306-765-1740
Regina 306-775-7571
Saskatoon 306-659-3790
Email practicalnursing@saskpolytech.ca

Why Saskatchewan Polytechnic?

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is one of the most respected providers of nursing education in Canada. Our small class sizes mean more opportunities to interact with faculty. High-tech simulation centres use near-life scenarios to give you hands-on practice. Clinical practice education lets you transfer your nursing knowledge and skills into the real world.

Extensive Hands-on Learning

Apply what you learn in class and gain real-world experience in actual health-care settings.

Lab and Simulation – Application of your nursing knowledge and skills will occur in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s state-of-the-art lab and high-fidelity simulation centres.
Clinical Experience – Each semester contains a clinical experience that gives you the opportunity to put theory into practice. Clinical is completed in a variety of practice settings: long-term care, rehabilitation, acute care, community, and more.
Enrichment Experience - In this final experience of the program, you will be preceptored with a practicing LPN who is licensed with the SALPN. This time will assist in your transition from student nurse to practicing nurse.

Study Close to Home

You can enrol in Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Practical Nursing diploma program while staying close to home. We offer the program in partnership with regional colleges and Dumont Technical institutes around the province.

You can also enrol in the full-time online program. Keep in mind that clinical and practicum components can only be completed in Prince Albert, Regina or Saskatoon. All labs are mandatory at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina Campus, on designated weekends each semester.

Earn Your Professional Credentials

The Practical Nursing program meets the approval of the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN). Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE), which is necessary to become licensed as a practical nurse.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Employment opportunities for licensed practical nurses are excellent. Most LPNs work in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, medical centres and long-term care facilities. Choose an area that interests you - gerontology, maternal-child, medical, mental health, palliative, pediatric, rehabilitation or surgical nursing.

You also can pursue a career in a community setting: a nursing clinic, home care agency, private nursing agency, community health centre or physician's office.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Practical Nursing graduates enjoy national reciprocity, which means you can work in any province in Canada or the Northwest Territories. Our graduates have also found jobs in the United States and overseas.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	Licensed Practical Nurses (3233)	$61,100 - $77,000

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September:

On campus Program - September intake each year;
Online Program - September intake each year

Length: 76 weeks

Locations

Online
Prince Albert
Regina
Saskatoon

Some online programs include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. Online programs may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 65% in the following five subjects: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30 or Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30*; one of Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30; and one of Social Studies 30, History 30 or Native Studies 30
English Language Requirement Specific to Practical Nursing (refer directly to Practical Nursing in the ELP chart)

Note:

Please indicate on your application form whether you are applying to the on-campus or online program.
Applicants should have the Requisite Skills and Abilities to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada.
Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission into the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
Proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR Health Care Provider 'C' AED or equivalent is required prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of Standard First Aid and CPR is your responsibility.
Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification upon admission into the program.
Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records and meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic immunization requirements prior to entry into clinical experiences.
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to entry into the clinical experiences. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
Effective July 1, 2019: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

Math A30, Math B30, Math C30, Calculus 30, or General Math 30

Admission Method

High Demand

High-demand programs consistently have more applicants than spaces available at each Saskatchewan Polytechnic location at which they are offered. High-demand programs have admission requirements plus additional selection criteria. The application period for high-demand programs is October 1 to February 15, each academic year. All supporting documentation is required by 4:30 p.m. (Saskatchewan time), February 28(29).

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Selection Criteria

Phase I for High School Graduates: The admission average is calculated from the final marks in high school courses required for admission to the program. The high school average will be compared to any grade point average(s) (UGPA) presented for a minimum of 30 passed post-secondary credits from a recognized post-secondary institution - and the highest average considered for admission. Such applicants must be in good academic standing with the institution. If transcripts from more than one post-secondary institution are submitted, the highest UGPA will be considered against the high school average. Applicants are then ranked in the order of the highest averages.
Phase I for Current High School Students: The admission average is calculated from final marks provided by February 28(29). Conditional admission may be granted on this basis. Current high school students must order transcripts to be sent directly to Saskatchewan Polytechnic at the end of Semester 1 and the end of Semester 2 of the grade 12 year. The final grade 12 mark will be used where the course is completed. The final grade 11 mark will be used only in the absence of the grade 12 mark in the same subject.
Additional points will be awarded for the following Saskatchewan Polytechnic courses: APHY 162, APHY 262, SOCI 160, SOCI 260, and SOC 261.

Important Note
If a specific relevant Saskatchewan Polytechnic course is used to meet an admission requirement, it will not be re-used under selection criteria for additional points.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $9,900
Year 2 - $7,300

Year 1 (Online program) - $9,500
Year 2 (Online program) - $6,900

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Year 1 - Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

BIOL 100

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

You will study the human body, how it is constructed and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. You will focus on the interaction between the structures of the body cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. You will learn about levels of organization of the human body, cells, and tissues. You will examine integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): BIOL 100CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

CLIN 103

Health Assessment and Praxis 1

You will demonstrate, at an introductory level, the assessments and skills associated with the care of adult and geriatric patients. Your experiential learning will provide opportunities to practice your skills and abilities for patients in long term care environments. You will apply the nursing process and principles of patient teaching and practice documentation.
Credit Units: 10
Course Hours: 150.0
Corequisites(s): PHAR 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

NURS 163

Professional Practice and Communication 1

You will explore the concept of self in relation to others. You will illustrate the role of caring in the practice of nursing and begin to develop reflective practice and critical thinking skills. You will demonstrate principles of verbal and non-verbal professional communication and explore the professional image of nursing.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 112, NURS 112
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NURS 171

Foundations 1 – Foundations of Health

You will discuss the metaparadigm of nursing in the context of nursing theories and philosophies. You will describe health determinants, primary health care and health care delivery in Canada. You will discuss law and ethics as they pertain to the nursing profession. You will describe critical thinking and apply key elements of patient safety. You will describe the concepts of culture and ethnicity with a focus on Indigenous and other predominant cultures in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 173
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 172

Variations in Health 1

You will begin to apply critical thinking skills, explaining the physiological and psychological health changes of the ageing adult. With guidance, you will apply the nursing process and describe evidence informed practice related to the ageing adult patient. You will describe specific health variations using a systems approach and recognize health promotion strategies in gerontological care.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 174, NURS 174CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PHAR 101

Pharmacology 1

You will identify Canadian medication systems, medication classifications and names. You will identify the principles and nursing responsibilities for competent medication calculation and administration. You will demonstrate evidenced informed care and knowledge of medication actions, differentiating medication actions and effects in the body, and examining strategies for safe administration. Your theoretical learning will focus on vitamins, complementary medications, antihistamines and drugs affecting the gastrointestinal system.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Corequisites(s): CLIN 103
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Year 1 - Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

BIOL 101

Human Anatomy and Physiology 2

You will continue to study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. You will learn about fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. You will examine structures and functions of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 100
Equivalent Course(s): BIOL 101CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

CLIN 104

Health Assessment and Praxis 2

You will practice assessments and skills associated with rehabilitative and supportive care. Your experiential learning will provide opportunities for assessment and care of adults with chronic health challenges. You will demonstrate the concepts of patient safety, critical thinking, and evidence informed practice in the delivery of patient care and teaching.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 135.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 100, CLIN 103, NURS 163, NURS 171, NURS 172, PHAR 101
Corequisites(s): PHAR 102
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 238
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

NURS 176

Foundations 2 - Mental Health

You will describe mental health concepts, legal and ethical considerations, and social stigmas related to mental health disorders. You will examine the role of nursing in relation to mental health and describe evidence informed nursing practice for patients and their families. You will promote mental health for patients and their families using the metaparadigm of nursing, demonstrating critical thinking and inquiry in your application of the nursing process. You will examine specific mental health disorders and examine strategies to promote safety in the context of mental health.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 100, CLIN 103, NURS 163, NURS 171, NURS 172, PHAR 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 240

Professional Practice and Communication 2

You will examine therapeutic relationships with an emphasis on caring, advocacy, diversity, and managing ethical dilemmas. You will examine trends and issues in Canadian nursing practice and identify the scope of professional practice for the practical nurse.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 100, CLIN 103, NURS 163, NURS 171, NURS 172, PHAR 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NURS 293

Variations in Health 2

You will examine variations in health and common chronic conditions diagnosed in the adult population. You will apply knowledge of anatomy and pathophysiology to explore health challenges affecting body systems. You will examine the diagnostic findings, nursing interventions and treatments associated with specific health challenges. With guidance, you will apply the nursing process, promote safety, and use critical thinking and evidence informed practice to deliver holistic nursing care.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 100, CLIN 103, NURS 163, NURS 171, NURS 172, PHAR 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PHAR 102

Pharmacology 2

You will demonstrate skills and abilities required for medication administration to pediatric and adult populations. You will prepare and administer medications through enteral, percutaneous and parenteral routes. You will examine medication classifications for the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and central nervous and autonomic nervous systems, and demonstrate evidenced informed practice in applying principles of safe medication administration.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 100, CLIN 103, NURS 163, NURS 171, NURS 172, PHAR 101
Corequisites(s): CLIN 104
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Year 1 - Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 105

Integrated Clinical Practice 1

You will apply your knowledge and skills related to holistic nursing care of patients. Your experiential learning will focus on rehabilitative and supportive care for patients experiencing a variety of health challenges. With faculty guidance, you will demonstrate the principles of health teaching and perform complete and focused health assessments. You will demonstrate professional behaviour and practice collaborative relationships with patients and the interprofessional team to deliver safe, competent, and ethical patient care.
Credit Units: 8
Course Hours: 120.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 101, CLIN 104, NURS 176, NURS 240, NURS 293, PHAR 102
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 260
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

SOCI 160

Foundations of Sociology

You will examine how to practice sociology, and learn about the importance of culture and socialization. You will discuss social inequality in Canada, the power of mass media and the dualism of sex and gender. You will examine race, ethnicity, social control, and deviance. Your studies will also include a discussion of collective behaviour, social movements, and social change.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 160CE, SOCI 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Year 2 - Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 240

Health Assessment and Praxis 3

You will apply knowledge and skills associated with curative and restorative care and perform focused health assessments. Your experiential learning will include organizing care for adult patients with acute health challenges in the context of medical and surgical environments. You will plan patient-centred care, prepare patient teaching, and apply concepts of patient safety and critical thinking supported by your use of evidence informed practice.
Credit Units: 13
Course Hours: 195.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

NRSG 257

Professional Practice and Communication 3

You will examine the professional roles, ethical responsibilities and relationships of the practical nurse. You will explore nursing standards of practice, and concepts of professional development and reflective practice in the context of life-long learning. You will analyze conflict resolution in relation to personal and professional relationships, and examine nursing informatics and skills for professional employment.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NRSG 258

Addictions

You will examine substance abuse and the physiological and psychological risks related to addiction. You will describe the processes of withdrawal and detoxification and examine the principles and application of the harm reduction model. You will examine addictions treatment models and describe the challenges of addictions treatment for patients with concurrent disorders. You will apply critical thinking and inquiry throughout the nursing process in addictions care.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 105, SOCI 160
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 294

Variations in Health 3

You will examine the concepts of holistic nursing care related to acute variations in health for the adult patient. You will interpret laboratory and diagnostic findings in the context of acute health challenges. You will interdependently use the nursing process to deliver competent care; applying concepts of safety, critical thinking, and evidence informed practice. You will compare specific surgical treatments and apply concepts related to preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative nursing care.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

SOCI 201

Culture and Diversity in Health Sciences

You will explore the cultural diversity of Canadian society. You will discuss immigration trends, cultural values and the implications to the provision of health services. Cultural safety in healthcare and the role of the health care professional will be discussed in context.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): SOCI 160
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

Year 2 - Semester 5

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 241

Health Assessment and Praxis 4

You will perform assessments and skills with increasing proficiency for adult patients requiring curative and restorative medical and surgical care. You will plan holistic nursing care supported by evidence informed practice and critical thinking. Your experiential learning will provide opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to maternal, newborn and pediatric patients. You will examine medical emergencies and plan care with increased interdependence in collaboration with the health care team.
Credit Units: 15
Course Hours: 225.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 240, NURS 294, NRSG 257, NRSG 258, SOCI 201
Corequisites(s): PHAR 215
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

NRSG 298

Foundations 4 - Community Health

You will examine the role of the practical nurse in the context of patient care in the community with a focus on Indigenous health. You will examine the health promotion model and apply the determinants of health through experiential learning with community agencies. You will examine the leadership role of the practical nurse and prepare for the transition from the role of student to that of a graduate practitioner. You will examine interprofessional collaboration and apply critical thinking and inquiry in the context of community health nursing.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 240, NURS 294, NRSG 257, NRSG 258, SOCI 201
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NRSG 299

Variations in Health 4

You will examine the complex nursing care of patients with multi-system challenges and medical emergencies. You will plan ethical and competent holistic nursing care related to acute variations in health. You will apply concepts of safety critical thinking, and evidence informed practice in the delivery of patient care.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 240, NURS 294(concurrent), NRSG 257, NRSG 258, SOCI 201
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 292

Foundations 3 – Maternal Child Health

You will examine foundational assessments in the context of maternal, newborn and pediatric patient populations. You will identify growth and development milestones from newborn to adolescence with a focus on family-centred care. You will apply critical thinking and inquiry to examine common medical, surgical, nutritional, and mental health issues common in childhood and adolescents. You will examine health promotion, teaching and safety of these populations in a variety of contexts.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 240, NURS 294, NRSG 257, NRSG 258, SOCI 201
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 242
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PHAR 215

Pharmacology 3

You will demonstrate skills and abilities required to safely prepare and administer medications through the intravenous route. You will interpret diagnostic tests and provide evidence informed patient care related to medication administration. You will recognize medications used in emergency patient care and examine traditional and alternative medications. You will identify the purpose and schedule for specific immunizations and plan patient teaching related to medication administration.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 240, NURS 294, NRSG 257, NRSG 258, SOCI 201
Corequisites(s): CLIN 241
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Year 2 - Semester 6

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 242

Integrated Clinical Practice 2

You will plan safe, competent patient care working in partnership with a licensed practical nurse. You will manage patient care with increased interdependence and confidence, demonstrating enhanced organization, decision-making, and critical thinking abilities. You will examine the leadership role of the practical nurse in the context of the health care team. You will examine the value of reflective practice in relation to lifelong learning. You will establish collaborative relationships, using professional communication, and demonstrate respect for diversity and ethical practice.
Credit Units: 11
Course Hours: 165.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 241, NURS 292, NRSG 298, NRSG 299, PHAR 215
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

PLAR revisions are pending. Please check with the program for more information.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Accreditation

Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN)

Additional Information

Related Programs

The application period for this program is now closed

Part-Time Delivery

This program has one or more courses that you can register for immediately.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

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School of Nursing