Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this program work in a variety of settings which include: acute care centres, continuing care facilities, assisted living facilities, doctors’ offices and in the community providing homecare.
Introduction
Practical nurses perform nursing assessments, provide nursing care and implement prescribed medical treatments. Our practical nurse program will facilitate learning that will enable you to provide quality nursing care. You will participate in classroom instruction, skills laboratory and practicum in continuing care, acute care and a specialty setting. You will also participate in a professional experience in the work place where you will be guided in the transition from a student to a graduate practical nurse.
Upon successful completion of the program and the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE), you are eligible for licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).
Program Description
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Columbia College’s Practical Nurse program is licensed through Alberta Government Advanced Education and Technology Private Vocational Training Branch and is approved by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA).
The Practical Nurse Program is a two year program that is completed in 65 consecutive weeks, full-time (approximately 16 months). It is also possible to take the program part-time and course-by-course as required. This program is designed to give students Practical Nursing theory and clinical experience in continuing care, acute care, a specialty such as maternal, child care and community care.
Students will normally attend academic classes at Columbia College during the day, Monday through Friday. However, each student’s practical education experience will be scheduled according to the co-operating health care employer’s availability of clinical practicum placements. This means that the 722 hours of practical experience may be scheduled over the course length between early morning, mid-day, late afternoon, evening, night time, and weekend periods.
This will prepare students for the reality of the 24 hour, seven day week professional healthcare world. Note: clinical placements may need to be scheduled in alternative locations. The College may be required to delay the date of completion until a clinical placement can be arranged.
Detailed Information
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For more detailed information regarding the Practical Nurse Program, you may wish to view some of the below pages.
Program Start Dates
Academic Year August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 start dates available:
- August 22, 2012
- January 28, 2013
- April 8, 2013
Testimonials from Students
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“My facilitator introduces each topic very clearly, provides very useful information and is very helpful. Always has answers to the questions students ask.”
Rodica Ursachi – Practical Nurse Graduate
“The facilitator is great and explains every little bit of content perfectly.”
Kashmir Guenther – Practical Nurse Student
“Great facilitator and very cooperative and helpful.”
Brandy Dareichuk – Practical Nurse Student
“The facilitator is always positive and always encourages me to discover the right answer. She is always willing to listen and help and it has been a pleasure to be in her class.”
Holly Sullivan – Practical Nurse Graduate
“The facilitator is nice and is there to help when I need it. She uses other teaching methods i.e. group work – which is fun.”
Chelsea Leppard – Practical Nurse Student
“Small classes and a quick program.”
Amanda Hovinga – Practical Nurse Graduate
“I love this PN program. I am very excited to graduate. I love the small class size and the great facilitators. Also, that we will be all finished in 14 months.”
Michelle Garabb – Practical Nurse Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does Columbia’s Practical Nurse Program differ from programs at other institutions? Columbia’s Practical Nurse program differs from professional programs at other institutions in several ways and provides real benefits:
- Columbia’s facilitators combine academic qualifications with current real-world experience.
- Columbia’s students may complete their academic education more quickly.
- Columbia attracts a more motivated adult.
- Columbia’s classes are smaller, and the facilitators actually “facilitate” rather than lecture. Columbia’s students receive more individual attention.
Contact the Practical Nurse Program
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If you’d like additional information regarding the Practical Nurse Program, please fill out the below form: