Be ready to return to the field.
You will have the opportunity to acquire the analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills necessary to care for others. Your courses will reintroduce you to current key nursing concepts that are evidence-informed, concept-based and critical thinking focused and in just six months, you’ll be ready to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Practical Nurse Refresher at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Lethbridge Polytechnic’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 and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA). Our flexible and online delivery model ensures you can take classes that work around your schedule while completing your preceptorship as close to home as possible. You’ll complete a 240-hour work-integrated learning experience to practise your theoretical knowledge and begin your transition back into the field.
6 months
of online learning and you’ll be ready to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse
13
weeks of theoretical instruction and learning in the lab, all done online to fit your schedule
240-hour
work-integrated learning experience that can be completed in your community
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of your program, you will be eligible to receive the designation of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Career opportunities for LPN's 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.)
- Public health
- Renal services
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 our 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
Certificate
Duration
6 months
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Admissions
Inquire hereAcademic Requirements
Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific requirements:
- Letter of eligibility provided by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides 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 years prior to the application.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- Letter of eligibility provided by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta.
- Have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program in the last five years from the start of the Practical Nurse Refresher program, OR, must have work experience equivalent to one year full-time (1600 hours) and less than seven years since last practice date.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applicants who have been out of practice for more than seven years will need to apply and re-take the Practical Nurse diploma program.
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 and Health Care Aides of Alberta.
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 | ||
| 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 four 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 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 programs’ policies and expectations. It is very important for learners to review and understand these requirements.
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$3,963.00
|
$1,539.00
|
$250.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
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 Practical Nurse Refresher program is available through the following delivery methods.
Online – Asynchronous
Some courses in this program are offered in an online asynchronous format meaning learning does not occur at the same time or same place. Instructors provide materials for online completion, including online readings, recorded lectures or presentations, posted lecture notes, video content, assignments and exams. Students access course materials within a flexible timeframe prescribed by the instructor.
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.”