Be ready for a rewarding career in health care.
In just two years, you’ll learn to assess, monitor, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. You will be taught classroom theory and hands-on skills required in the lab setting by our caring and knowledgeable instructors. After graduation, you'll be a welcome addition to any healthcare team.
Why should you study Practical Nurse at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
You’ll receive over 700 hours of learning experiences in acute and long-term care settings to prepare for your career. Here, you’ll learn in our award-winning, internationally accredited Simulation Hub, with immersive simulations that prepare you for real-life. Our program educates students to the full scope of practice as identified by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA) and prepares them for a career making a difference in the lives of others.
5
work-integrated learning experiences to put theory into practice in a health-care setting
1 of 4
Students participate in immersive learning experiences in the Simulation Hub, one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
700+ hours
of learning experience in acute and long-term care settings
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nursing Registration Exam (CPNRE). Successful completion of the CPNRE exam designates you as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Career opportunities for the LPN exist in a variety of health care settings, which include:
- Acute care (medical, surgical, pediatric, maternity, etc.)
- Continuing care services (continuing care homes, supportive living accommodations, home and community care, rehabilitative care, palliative care, etc.)
- Renal services
- Public health
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
Practical Nurses are part of an inter-professional collaborative health care team and play a primary role in providing safe, competent and ethical nursing care to the public.
94%
of practical nursing grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- 60 per cent minimum in English 30-1 or 70 percent in English 30-2;
- 60 per cent minimum in Math 20-1 or a higher level Math;
- 60 per cent minimum in Biology 30 or C- in BIO-1160 (Anatomy and Physiology I) at Lethbridge Polytechnic, or equivalent.
Note: Admission is competitive and is based on a point system for percentages in Biology, Math and English. More points will be awarded for higher grades and for the higher levels of Math and English (i.e. 30-1). The points are then cumulative to determine placement for competitive entry.
English Language Proficiency Requirements for Practical Nurse 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 years prior to the application. Acceptable evidence of ELP may be one of the following:
- IELTS Academic with a minimum band score of 6.5 in speaking, 6.5 in listening, 6.0 in reading, and 6.5 in writing
- TOEFL Internet-based test score with a minimum score of 22 in speaking, 23 in listening, 21 in reading, and 25 in writing
- Duolingo with a minimum overall score of 115
- Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of three years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the principal language of instruction
- Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of one year of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the principal language of instruction
Note: Meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement does NOT exempt the applicant from meeting the English academic admission requirement for entry to this program.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, all applicants will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Health Care Aide - Prior Learning Assessment Opportunity
Note: Applicants must still meet admission and competitive academic requirements.
This opportunity is designed to recognize the prior learning and experience of individuals who have successfully completed a recognized Health Care Aide certificate program. Applicants will be granted prior learning credit for PNG-1146 and PNG-1147 based on the following requirements:
- Successful completion of a recognized Alberta provincial standard health care aide certificate within the last five years; AND
- Have documented evidence of a minimum of 1,000 hours working as a paid health care aide within the last two years in a health-care facility.
To be eligible to graduate, students must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all arts and science courses and a minimum grade point average of 2.3 in all PNG (nursing) courses.
All PNG-specific courses within the Practical Nurse diploma MUST be completed within five years of the first PNG course taken. However, the support courses (i.e. SOC, PSY) have a 10-year completion date.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Practical Nurse diploma.
Graduates are eligible for licensure through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta upon payment of a fee and successfully passing the Canadian Practical Nursing Registration Exam
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health | Outgoing |
May 2022 - May 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public HealthGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Practical Nurse Diploma, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
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-1156 | Wellness and Health Issues | 3 |
| BIO-1160 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| PNG-1145 | Health and the Practical Nurse (Theory I) | 3 |
| PNG-1146 | Basic Nursing Skills (PN Practice I) | 3 |
| PNG-1147 | Practical Nursing Clinical I | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO-1161 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| PNG-1148 | Health and Individuals (PN Theory II) | 3 |
| PNG-1149 | Intermediate Nursing Skills (Practice II) | 3 |
| PNG-1154 | Practical Nursing Clinical II | 3 |
| PNG-1159 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| PNG-1167 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| PNG-2251 | Health and Illness (PN Theory III) | 3 |
| PNG-2252 | Senior Nursing Skills (PN Practice III) | 3 |
| PNG-2253 | Practical Nursing Clinical III | 3 |
| PNG-2254 | Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| PNG-2256 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| PNG-2255 | Professional Growth | 3 |
| PNG-2257 | Health and Families (PN Theory IV) | 3 |
| PNG-2259 | Practical Nursing Clinical IV | 6 |
| PNG-2260 | Full Scope of Practice Skills (Pr. IV) | 3 |
| PNG-2267 | Community Nursing | 3 |
| SOC-1167 | Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Term III | ||
| PNG-2277 | Comprehensive Practicum | 6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 82.5 | |
General Requirements
All specialized courses in one term must be successfully completed to advance to the next term’s specialty courses.
To remain in good standing, students must attain a minimum term GPA of 2.3 in all nursing related courses.
A final minimum grade of C is required in all PNG (nursing) courses to pass the course. A student who receives a grade of C- or lower must repeat the course prior to proceeding in the program.
Students who have a gap in Practical Nursing studies must provide four months written notice to the program chair prior to the term they desire to continue in or return to for completion.
Important Notes
- Students seeking Prior Learning Assessment and 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 program’s policies and expectations. It is very important for learners to review and understand these requirements.
- Students wanting to complete program courses prior to their first term to help lighten their course load in the program, or to help qualify for competitive admission to the program for a future term, may contact Academic Advising about registering in any of the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-1156 | Wellness and Health Issues | 3 |
| BIO-1160 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO-1161 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOC-1167 | Sociology of Aging | 3 |
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,237.00
|
$2,445.00
|
$3,400.00
|
| Year 2
|
$7,449.00
|
$2,827.00
|
$1,125.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$21,237.00
|
$2,445.00
|
$3,400.00
|
| Year 2
|
$26,644.00
|
$2,827.00
|
$1,125.00
|
Notes
Practical Nursing students are charged for their CNPNE exams after program completion at a cost of approximately $725 – these costs are not part of the polytechnic program.
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
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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 Practical Nurse program is available through the following delivery methods.
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
Nicole Martin
“The PN program has been designed brilliantly. The classes are seamless and each lends support to the others. The material is challenging; however, no student is left unsupported. I graduated from Lethbridge College in 2011, and since then my career has blossomed. The PN program gave me the knowledge and required to make the transition from student to Practical Nurse proficiently. And I am thriving in a career I love. Without a doubt, Lethbridge College and the PN program changed my life.”