Practical Nursing

Program Overview

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. You’ll study:

anatomy and physiology
pharmacology
administration of medications
health and healing
health challenges
health assessment and praxis
personal and professional relationships
sociology
nursing transitions

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)	$47,500 - $75,600

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September:

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

Length: 68 weeks

Year 1 - 36 weeks; Year 2 - 32 weeks

Locations

Prince Albert
Regina
Saskatoon

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

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 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. The cost of the Criminal Record Check 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.
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 practicum.
Please indicate on your application form whether you are applying to the on-campus or online program.
Effective July 1, 2018: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing 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

Courses

Expand All +

Year 1 - Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

APHY 162

Anatomy and Physiology 1

You will develop an understanding of the human body, its structures and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. You will acquire knowledge of the interactions of the body's structures including cells, tissues, organs, and certain organ systems. You will learn the structures and functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 62.0
Equivalent Course(s): ANAT 160, APHY 162CE, NURS 111
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

NURS 163

Personal and Professional Relationships 1

You will explore the concept of self in relation to others. You will develop basic therapeutic communication skills. Through reflection and understanding your nature, you will experience awareness, personal growth and development of critical thinking skills. You will also explore verbal, nonverbal, written and technological communication.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 48.0
Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 112, NURS 112
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual

NURS 171

Health and Healing 1

You will be introduced to the concept of health as it applies to yourself and others, within a caring holistic context. You will explore the concept of primary healthcare and discuss health services delivery and determinants. You will examine health promotion activities and explore community resources.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 46.0
Prerequisites(s): NURS 163(concurrent), APHY 162(concurrent), SOCI 160(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 173
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 172

Health Challenges 1

Your studies will focus on the concepts of holistic nursing care related to specific health challenges of the older adult. You will discuss the concepts related to growth and development of the adult and older adult, and examine the concept of polypharmacy in the older adult. You will also discuss the introductory concepts of microbiology and selected specific microorganisms. You will explore the chain of infection and learn about emerging infections in Canadian communities.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 44.0
Prerequisites(s): NURS 171(concurrent), APHY 162(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 174
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 175

Health Assessment and Praxis 1

You will focus on the assessments and skills that support health promotion and illness prevention for the adult client population. Your experiential learning will focus on assessing the concerns of older adults and the support they require to remain independent.
Credit Units: 7
Course Hours: 105.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 162(concurrent), NURS 163(concurrent), NURS 171(concurrent), NURS 172(concurrent), SOCI 160(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 115, NURS 161, NURS 170
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SOCI 160

Foundations of Sociology

You will examine how to practice sociology, and learn about the importance of culture and socialization. You wil 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: 39.0
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 160CE, SOCI 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Practicum 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PRAC 162

Practicum 1

You will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in holistic nursing care of individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living in the context of partnership with the client.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 70.0
Prerequisites(s): (NURS 175 or NURS 170), NURS 163, (NURS 171 or NURS 173), (NURS 172 or NURS 174), APHY 162, SOCI 160
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning

Year 1 - Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

APHY 262

Anatomy and Physiology 2

You will continue to study the anatomy and physiology of the human body, focusing on how its structures function to maintain homeostasis. You will learn the structures and functions of the endocrine, urinary, nervous, digestive, sensory, and reproductive systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 62.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 162
Equivalent Course(s): ANAT 265, APHY 262CE, NURS 111
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

NURS 238

Health Assessment and Praxis 2

You will focus on the assessments and skills associated with rehabilitative and supportive care of the adult client. Your experiential learning will emphasize assessing and caring for adults with chronic health challenges.
Credit Units: 10
Course Hours: 152.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 162, NURS 240(concurrent), NURS 291(concurrent), NURS 293(concurrent), APHY 262(concurrent), PHAR 160(concurrent), PHAR 264(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 201
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NURS 240

Personal and Professional Relationships 2

You will focus on therapeutic relationships with an emphasis on caring, advocacy and diversity. You will explore trends and issues in nursing. You will discuss the scope of professional practice for the practical nurse.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 162
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual

NURS 291

Health and Healing 2

You will explore principles of teaching and learning, palliative care, and rehabilitation. You will examine mental health nursing and the services that are available in Saskatchewan. You will focus on client self-determination and holistic wellness.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 41.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 162, NURS 240(concurrent), APHY 262(concurrent), PHAR 264(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 293

Health Challenges 2

Your studies will focus on the concepts of holistic nursing care related to specific health challenges of the adult. Using the primary health care approach, you will explore acute and chronic health challenges specific to various body systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 43.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 162, NURS 291(concurrent), APHY 262(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

PHAR 160

Introductory Pharmacology

You will study the basic concepts of pharmacology and related nursing responsibilities in the context of patient safety. Your studies will focus on medication classifications, preparations, as well as medication interactions in the human body. You will receive information about Canadian laws pertaining to medications. You will study and research selected medication classifications in depth. You will examine patient safety principles at the systems level and the practitioner level.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 46.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 262(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 213
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

PHAR 264

Administration of Medications

You will focus on the administration of medications throughout the lifespan in the context of systems and patient safety. Your studies will include aspects of the metric system essential for the calculation of medication dosages for adults and children. You will explore the principles concerning safe administration of medications and learn how to prepare and safely administer medications via the enteral, percutaneous and parenteral (subcutaneous, intramuscular and intradermal) routes.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 43.0
Prerequisites(s): (PRAC 162, PHAR 160(concurrent)) or PHAR 201
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Online - Individual, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual

Practicum 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PRAC 260

Practicum 2

You will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in holistic nursing care of individuals requiring rehabilitative and/or supportive nursing care with the client as a partner.
Credit Units: 7
Course Hours: 110.0
Prerequisites(s): NURS 238, NURS 240, NURS 291, NURS 293, APHY 262, PHAR 160, PHAR 264
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 233
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Year 2 - Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

NURS 241

Health Assessment and Praxis 3

You will focus on the assessments and skills associated with curative and restorative care of the adult client and beginning assessments and skills associated with post-partum newborn and pediatric clients. Your experiential learning will include assessing and caring for adult clients with acute health challenges as well as post-partum, newborn and pediatric clients.
Credit Units: 17
Course Hours: 249.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 260, NURS 243(concurrent), NURS 292(concurrent), NURS 294(concurrent), SOCI 260(concurrent)
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NURS 243

Personal and Professional Relationships 3

You will reflect upon the professional roles, responsibilities and relationships of the practical nurse, within the context of your own evolving nursing experience and your role as a team member.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 22.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 260
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NURS 292

Health and Healing 3

You will focus on fundamental nursing concepts related to the curative and restorative care of children and adolescents. You will discuss family-centered perinatal nursing and the new family. You will also discuss growth and development from infancy to adolescence. You will explore the concepts of teaching and learning, and client education.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 49.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 260, NURS 243(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 242
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NURS 294

Health Challenges 3

Your studies will focus on the concepts of holistic nursing care related to specific health challenges of the perioperative client. You will study specific types of surgical treatment and post-operative nursing care, applying concepts of patient safety. Using the primary health care approach, you will explore the concepts of holistic nursing care related to health challenges of the adult. You will discuss specific challenges to learning.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 42.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 260, NURS 292(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

SOCI 260

Sociology of Families

The course examines changing family patterns in Canada, and analyzes how social factors influence family relationships. You will examine topics such as the functions and roles of families, changing definitions of the family, the development of intimate relationships, parenthood and child raising, how paid and unpaid work affect family life, divorce, and family violence.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Prerequisites(s): SOCI 160
Equivalent Course(s): FMLY 181, SOCI 260CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Year 2 - Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

NURS 295

Nursing Transitions 4

You will integrate theory into your practice while providing holistic nursing care to individuals requiring curative and restorative nursing care. You will concentrate on the transition from the role of student to graduate practical nurse. You will be introduced to the leadership role in the health care system and the concept of patient safety from a systems approach. You will explore interprofessional collaboration in a health care team context. Your studies will also focus on intravenous therapy, including the administration of intravenous medications, the use of central venous access devices and the initiation of intravenous lines.
Credit Units: 27
Course Hours: 400.0
Prerequisites(s): NURS 241, NURS 243, NURS 292, NURS 294, SOCI 260, SOCI 261(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SOCI 261

Sociology 3

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: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): SOCI 160
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 261CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Note: A 12 week summer break follows Semester 2.

PLAR & Transfer Credit

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 from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.