Be ready to help and care for others.
You’ll learn the required theoretical knowledge, gain hands-on experience in simulated scenarios and work in real-world settings with clinical practice to launch your career. After two years with Lethbridge Polytechnic, you’ll proceed to the University of Lethbridge to complete your degree.
Due to the nature of the program, it is recommended that prospective students contact an Academic Advisor with initial inquiries.
Call 403.320.3366 or 1.800.572.0103.
Admission to the collaborative Bachelor of Nursing program is granted by the University of Lethbridge. Students successful in gaining admission will attend Lethbridge Polytechnic for the first two years of their studies. Application for Admission and all questions regarding the admission process should be directed to the University of Lethbridge at inquiries@uleth.ca.
Why should you study Nursing at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Simulation Hub is one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Students are fully immersed into simulated life experiences in a safe learning environment. Our passionate and knowledgeable instructors are constantly evaluating and revising our scenarios to ensure they meet industry trends, to better prepare students for success in both, their clinical placement and career. You’ll learn in a variety of settings, including labs, lectures and through hands-on training opportunities.
145+
students, instructors and volunteers involved in the annual simulated emergency that teaches crisis response in real time
2
the first two years of the collaborative Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta are completed at Lethbridge Polytechnic
91%
of NESA grads had a related job less than six month after completing the program
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the program, you'll be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to be licensed as a registered nurse. This will open career opportunities for you in a range of health care facilities, including:
- Acute care (medical, surgical, mental health, pediatric, maternity, etc.)
- Community health nursing (public health, primary health care, home care, etc.)
- Continuing care (long term care, supportive living, etc.)
- Critical care (ICU, ER, OR, labour and delivery, NICU, etc.)
- Government agencies
- Medical offices
- Nursing education
- Nursing research
- Rural and remote nursing
$73,823
the average annual salary of a Registered Nurse in Alberta
695
the number of new nursing positions forecasted to be created each year in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Degree
Duration
4 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Academic Centre
Admissions
Inquire with the U of LAll applicants applying to the four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree must apply directly to the University of Lethbridge. Please refer to the U of L for admissions information.
All newly-admitted students will register in and attend courses at Lethbridge Polytechnic for the first two years of the program. Students will register in and attend courses at the University of Lethbridge for the final two years of the program.
Admission Routes
Admission to the Bachelor of Nursing program may be gained by one of the following admission routes:
- Alberta or other Canadian high school credentials
- Transfer from recognized colleges or universities
- Special case admission
- Credentials from other countries
The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge will consider qualified, non-competitive applicants with previous experience related to nursing on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with previous experience related to nursing, who are seeking special case admission, will be required to submit documents as per admission requirements at the University of Lethbridge, as well as:
- A letter of intent, describing the nature of previous experience as it relates to nursing and the reason for pursuing nursing;
- A letter of reference from an employer;
- A resume detailing relevant work, volunteer, and life experience.
Note: All applicants may be invited to an interview.
Transfer Students
A student may transfer up to 20 semester course equivalents (60.0 credit hours). Students may receive transfer credit for both nursing and non-nursing courses. Nursing and human anatomy/physiology courses must have been completed at an accredited post-secondary institution not more than three years prior to admission. Non-nursing courses are subject to the time limits of the relevant faculty courses for which transfer credit is being sought and must be discussed at the time of acceptance into the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge.
International Students
Applicants whose first language is other than English must provide acceptable evidence of English Language Proficiency according to the U of L admissions information.
Academic Requirements
High school and transfer student applicants must have satisfactory completion of the following Alberta high school courses or equivalents:
- English 30-1 (minimum grade of 60 percent)
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2, or Pure Mathematics 30
- A fifth course (not including Special Projects) at the Grade 12 level
Note: Admission is competitive, and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge reserves the right of selection of all students for admission and readmission to the faculty on the basis of academic qualifications. Competitive marks will be based on the average of grades in the five courses listed above. Transfer students may have a minimum 3.0 credit hour university-level course mark in the same discipline used in place of the high school mark, if it is more advantageous. The fifth course may be substituted for any minimum 3.0 credit hour university-level course.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements
This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.
Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:
- Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
- Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
- Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)
An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.
Security Clearance
Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.
WIL Agreements
Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)
In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement. Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.
Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.
Placement Locations and Scheduling
Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.
Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.
Employment and Professional Regulation
Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.
Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.
Fitness to Practice
Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.
| Course | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Term I | |||
| BIO-1160 | Anatomy and Physiology I (U of L KNES-1160) | 3 | |
| ENG-1150 | Composition (U of L WRIT-1000) | 3 | |
| INS-1155 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies (U of L INDG-1000) | 3 | |
| NSG-1400 | Becoming a Nurse (U of L NURS-1400) | 3 | |
| NSG-1410 | Personal Health and Wholeness (U of L NURS-1410) | 3 | |
| NSG-1420 | Intersectionality and Health (U of L NURS-1420) | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | ||
| Term II | |||
| BIO-1155 | Human Nutrition (U of L BCHM-2300) | 3 | |
| BIO-1161 | Anatomy and Physiology II (U of L KNES-1161) | 3 | |
| NSG-1500 | Caring Communication (U of L NURS-1500) | 3 | |
| NSG-1521 | Assessing Health (U of L NURS-1521) | 3 | |
| NSG-1522 | Introduction to Praxis (U of L NURS-1522) | 3 | |
| PSY-1160 | Introduction to Psychology (U of L PSYC-1000) | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Term I | |||
| HUM-1155 | Ethics (U of L PHIL 1000) | 3 | |
| NSG-2300 | Evidence and Praxis (U of L NURS-2300) | 3 | |
| NSG-2321 | Health of Persons (U of L NURS-2321) | 6 | |
| NSG-2322 | Praxis With Persons (U of L NURS-2322) | 6 | |
| Credits | 18 | ||
| Term II | |||
| LIB ED | Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| NSG-2421 | Health of Families (U of L NURS-2421) | 6 | |
| NSG-2422 | Praxis With Families (U of L NURS-2422) | 6 | |
| SOC-1160 | Introduction to Sociology (U of L SOCI-1000) | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Term I | |||
| University of Lethbridge | |||
| NURS-3021 | Community and Population Health | 3 | |
| NURS-3022 | Praxis in Health Promotion | 6 | |
| NURS-3100 | Leadership and Change | 3 | |
| HLSC-3450 | Applied Statistics for Clinical Practice | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | ||
| Term II | |||
| University of Lethbridge | |||
| NURS-3121 | Mental Health and Addictions | 3 | |
| NURS-3122 | Praxis in Mental Health | 6 | |
| NURS-3200 | Praxis and the Digital Age | 3 | |
| HLSC-3560 | History of Nursing | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Term I | |||
| University of Lethbridge | |||
| NURS-3321 | Acute Health Disruptions | 3 | |
| NURS-3322 | Praxis in Acuity | 6 | |
| NURS-3300 | Nursing and Global Health | 3 | |
| Elective (one from HLSC cross list) | 3 | ||
| Credits | 15 | ||
| Term II | |||
| University of Lethbridge | |||
| NURS-4922 | Professional Preceptorship | 15 | |
| Credits | 15 | ||
| Total Credits | 132 | ||
Special Note: Whenever possible, nursing theory courses are aligned with concurrent practice-based experiences.
General Requirements
- Successful completion of at least 40 course equivalents (121.0 credit hours) with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken for credit toward the degree.
- Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 on all required nursing and health sciences courses taken for credit toward the program in Years 3 and 4.
- Completion of the liberal education requirement (LIB ED).
- A minimum grade of C- is required in all Nursing courses, and in BIO-1160 Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits) and BIO-1161 Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits), in order to meet degree requirements. Any student who receives a grade of D+ or lower in these courses is required to repeat the course and achieve a higher grade before being allowed to proceed in the program.
- University of Lethbridge residence requirement: A minimum of 20 courses, including a minimum of 12 courses in nursing and health sciences, must be completed at the University of Lethbridge.
- The time limit for program completion is seven years after completion of the first nursing course used for credit toward the degree.
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,597.00
|
$2,364.00
|
$3,275.00
|
| Year 2
|
$6,359.00
|
$2,389.00
|
$1,700.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$20,997.00
|
$2,364.00
|
$3,275.00
|
| Year 2
|
$21,755.00
|
$2,389.00
|
$1,700.00
|
Notes
Year 3 and 4 fees are determined by the University of Lethbridge. Please contact the U of L at 403-329-2649 for more information.
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
The Bachelor of Nursing program, also known as Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta, is a collaborative program. Students start their first two years at Lethbridge Polytechnic before finishing their final two years at the University of Lethbridge. The delivery method for Lethbridge Polytechnic is face-to-face on campus.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Featured Graduates
Cassandra Zucht
“This program has not only helped me to grow into the best nurse I can be, but it has given me the most enriching opportunity to work with real patients with real problems in real settings. Through these patient relationships, I have been able to apply my learning and make a difference in these individuals’ lives – there is nothing more rewarding than that!”
Toyin Bamgbala
“An instructor told me I won’t just finish this program and drop my books. I value that part of the program; I know I made the right choice to come here. My practicum at Chinook Regional Hospital also stresses critical thinking and an application of ethics. You have a chance to affect the whole person, not just follow rules like a robot.”
Kristen Haase
“The truth is, I didn’t think I wanted to be a nurse. Having seen many one-dimensional portrayals of nurses presenting them as doctor’s assistants, it was not an appealing career. It was really learning about research and policy that made me feel like there was a place for me. I think this is a common feeling for people entering nursing, they don’t really know the expansive career they are entering. Nursing might not be your ‘calling’, but it is an essential profession that makes a huge impact on society. Nursing is full of endless possibilities. I always tell students and trainees that there are jobs in nursing they can’t even imagine. The opportunities are infinite. Registered nurses are doing amazing things in primary care, research, technology, policy, and numerous other sectors.”
Contact us
Due to the nature of the program, it is recommended learners contact an Academic Advisor with initial inquiries. Call 403-320-3366 or 1-800-572-0103 ext 3366.