Practical Nursing Access Program

Upgrade your training for a rewarding career as a Practical Nurse.

Have you completed a recognized Resident Care Attendant program and have 800 hours of work experience in a multi-patient facility? Then you may qualify for our Practical Nursing Access program. Practical Nursing is one of the quickest growing segments in healthcare, so why not upgrade your skills at Sprott-Shaw Community College and become a Practical Nurse?

PNs provide nursing care for patients under the direction of physicians, nurses, and other health team members. In other provinces this occupational group may be referred to as licensed nursing assistants, registered nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants or registered practical nurses.

Once you become a practical nurse you’ll provide basic bedside care. You will take vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respirations. Practical Nurses distribute medication to patients, treat bedsores, prepare and give injections and enemas, apply aseptic dressings, insert catheters and perform other personal treatment. They help patients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene. They feed them, keep them comfortable and care for their emotional needs. Outside the ward, practical nurses observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They may collect samples from patients for testing and perform routine laboratory tests.

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Entrance Requirements: Grade 12 transcript, mature student, GED or equivalent (all transcripts must be “true certified copies” or originals; successful SSCC PN mathematics and language entrance assessments; coordinator/director interview; must be a graduate of a recognized Resident Care Attendant program with 800 hours of work experience in a multi-patient facility.

Prerequisites: Biology 12 (C grade or equivalent) or SSCC Biology Basics; English 12 (C grade or equivalent—ask an advisor for Language Proficiency Requirements equivalencies form); Math 10 (C grade or equivalent is recommended). Portfolio including: PN Composition; English Essay (2 pages); two letters of reference; Resume; Immunizations (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chicken pox, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B and flu immunization within flu season). Physician’s letter; approved Criminal Record Check; Clear TB skin test / chest x-ray (all must be done no more than 3 months before the start date of the program).

Other specifications: Word processing and computer skills are an asset; a caring attitude with sincere interest in people of all ages who require all levels of care; supportive courses in biology, psychology and/or sociology are assets, as is a basic foundation in mathematical calculations; flexibility to changing practicum shifts and to a variety or clinical settings and locations.

Note: CPR / First Aid will be completed.

Diploma Requirements: Passing grade in all courses of 70% or higher (exceptions are PN102 and PN202); 70% average for Diploma; 90% average for Honours Diploma. NOTE: Successful completion of this program does not guarantee eligibility for licensing with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses.

Total Program Hours: 1015 Hours.
Full-time Program Length: 35 Weeks (8.1 Months).
Clinical/Practicum/Preceptorship: Required hours as set out by CLPNBC – Work Placement Overview.

Career Opportunities: Practical Nurse; Certified Nursing Assistant; Nursing Assistant

Program may not be available at all campuses. Program content is subject to change.