Practical Nurse Refresher
Program Office: 403.320.3211 • practicalnurse@lethbridgecollege.ca
Centre for Health and Wellness Placement Office: 403.320.3202 Ext 5380
Ready to return to the work you loved? Lethbridge College’s Practical Nurse Refresher program provides you with the education to meet the Entry to Practice Competencies required upon entry into the Licensed Practical Nurse profession, as identified by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta.
This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to support meeting the requirements necessary for practice as outlined in the current Licensed Practical Nurse Profession Regulation, all applicable Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta, and the current Competency Profile for Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. You will have the opportunity to acquire the analytical, conceptual, and critical thinking skills necessary to care for others.
Graduation
To be eligible to graduate, students must attain a minimum term grade point average (GPA) of 2.3 in all PNR courses.
All requirements must be met within five years of the first PNR course used towards the certificate.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Practical Nurse Refresher certificate. Graduates are eligible for licensure through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta.
New applicants are accepted into this program for the Fall (September) term.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific requirements:
- Letter of Eligibility provided by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
English Language Requirements for Practical Nurse Refresher Program
In addition to the academic requirements, if English is not your first language, English Language Proficiency (ELP) must be demonstrated within the last two (2) years prior to the application.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| PNR-2250 | Acute and Chronic Nursing Care | 3 |
| PNR-2251 | Nursing Care in Specialty Settings | 3 |
| PNR-2252 | Nursing Foundations and Professionalism | 3 |
| PNR-2253 | Nursing Practice - Theory | 3 |
| PNR-2254 | Nursing Refresher Skills | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| PNR-2270 | Comprehensive Practicum | 6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
General Requirements
All four PNR theory courses must be successfully completed to advance to the PNR lab course.
All four PNR theory courses and the PNR lab course must be successfully completed to advance to PNR final practicum course.
To remain in good standing, students must attain a minimum term grade point average (GPA of 2.3) in all PNR courses.
A final minimum grade of C is required in all PNR courses to pass the course. A student who receives a grade of C- or lower must repeat the course.
Students who have a gap in Practical Nursing studies must provide 4 months written notice to the Program Chair prior to the term they desire to continue in or return to for completion.
Students required to repeat any PNR courses, must meet with the Program Chair to discuss a progress plan.
Important Notes
- Students seeking Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) should contact the Program Chair immediately upon accepted admission to the program to allow sufficient time for assessment.
- Students receive a program handbook upon acceptance into the program outlining the programs’ policies and expectations. It is very important for learners to review and understand these requirements.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
Upon successful completion of your certificate and registration with College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta, career opportunities exist in a variety of health care settings such as acute care, long-term care, and community agencies. Practical Nurses are part of an inter-professional collaborative health care team and play a primary role in providing safe, competent and ethical care to the public.