Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this program work in a variety of settings which include:
- Acute care hospitals
- Long-term care
- Nursing homes
- Retirement residences
- Doctors’ offices
- 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.
Program Description
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The Practical Nurse Program is a two year program that is completed in 65 consecutive weeks, full-time (approximately 16 months). 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. The program is also offered part-time or on a course-by-course basis.
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 clinical learning may be scheduled over the course length between early morning, mid-day, late afternoon, evening, night time, and weekend periods.
TThis 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.
Students should be prepared to work various shifts during their co-operative education course as this will prepare them for the reality of the 24 hour, seven day week professional healthcare world.
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
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Academic Year August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 start dates available:
- August 22, 2011
- January 23, 2012
- April 2, 2012
- August 20, 2012
Testimonials from Students
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“Small classes and a quick program.”
Amanda Hovinga – Current Practical Nurse Student
“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 – Current Practical Nurse Student
Frequently Asked Questions
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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: