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Program Information

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Practical Nursing

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: 5 Semesters (Full-Time)

Applications will remain open for these Campuses until the program has been filled.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
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On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
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B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
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OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Bay St. George - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Burin - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Carbonear - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Clarenville - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Gander - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Grand Falls-Windsor - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Happy Valley-Goose Bay - On Campus delivery - September 2025
St. Anthony - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...CLINICAL PLACEMENTS | PN BURSARY

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Bay St. George - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Burin - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Carbonear - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Clarenville - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Gander - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Grand Falls-Windsor - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Happy Valley-Goose Bay - On Campus delivery - September 2025
St. Anthony - On Campus delivery - September 2025

College of the North Atlantic brokers the Practical Nursing program from the Centre for Nursing Studies, delivering it in regions, outside St. John's, with a demonstrated labor market need.  To access information for the offering in St. John's please refer to cns.easternhealth.ca.

This program is designed to prepare graduates to provide nursing services for clients across the lifespan in institutional and community based settings within the approved scope of practice for licensed practical nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador. It introduces the student to the role of practical nurse in promoting, protecting, restoring, maintaining and supporting the health status of individuals across the health and developmental continuum.

The program encompasses classroom work supplemented with skills lab and nursing practice components.

“All students in the Practical Nursing Program must demonstrate their capacity to meet the entry-level practical nurse competencies. Please review the CLPNNL Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada: Requisite Skills and Abilities document at www.clpnnl.ca. The purpose of this document is to provide potential practical nursing students with information on the requisite skills and abilities of a Licensed Practical Nurse.”

 
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.  
 
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
PN BURSARY
The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador provides a Practical Nursing Bursary Program for students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program. The program provides up to a $5,000 bursary to selected students, which covers the education program costs. For more information visit the Department of Health and Community Services website.
 

Admission Requirements


1.  Applicants who have followed the High School Curriculum of Newfoundland and Labrador
To be eligible for Academic admission, you will need to successfully receive an average of 50% or more in the following 3000 level high school courses, or equivalent:
  1. English 3201
  2. Mathematics – one of the following
    1. Advanced Mathematics 3200
    2. Academic Mathematics 3201
  3. Science - 4 credits in Biology or 2 credits in Chemistry
    1. Biology 2201 and 3201 OR
    2. Chemistry 3202
  4. Social Studies or Modern/Classical Language (MCL) - one of the following
    1. Social Studies 3201, or equivalent
    2. Sciences Humaines 3231
    3. Two credits at the 3000 level in Religious Studies, French or other MCL
  5. Two credits in any subject area at the 3000 level
NOTE:  CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements.

OR

Applicants in their final year of high school who will complete the graduation requirements for high school as set by the Department of Education and obtained an average of not less than 50% in 3000 level core courses as listed above may be conditionally accepted prior to the writing of final exams.  This conditional acceptance will be subject to verification that the applicant has obtained an average of not less than 50% in 3000 level core courses, when final examination results are released. 
2.  Applicants who have followed the High School Curriculum of other Provinces of Canada
Applicants from other provinces of Canada shall have successfully completed graduation requirements for high school as set by the home province and obtained a passing grade in 3000 level core courses.
3.  Applicants who have followed the Adult Basic Education Program (ABE)
Applicants shall have completed the Level III Adult Basic Education Certificate (ABE) Academic Stream as set by the Department of Education obtained an average of not less than 50% in 3000 level core courses as listed in #1 above.
4.  Applicants for Mature Student Status
Mature student status is meant to allow individuals the opportunity to demonstrate academic potential if they have not fulfilled the admission criteria outlined previously.
A mature student is an applicant 19 years of age or older, has been away from full-time high school studies for at least two years, and can demonstrate potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments. These candidates are expected to provide an official transcript of the highest level of education obtained.
*Meeting the mature student criteria will not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

**Note:       All applicants must follow the Application Process outlined below and must supply all documentation described therein.
 
General Admission Requirements
 
Interviews
The College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to interview applicants in any of the admission categories.

Assessments
An applicant may be recommended to write an assessment type test.
 
Application Process
The number of students admitted to the Practical Nursing Program is determined annually by the provincial human resource needs for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).  The application and selection process is competitive.

Applications to the Practical Nursing Program at the College of the North Atlantic will be reviewed for admission only when all of the following have been provided within the identified time frames. Incorrect, incomplete, and/or missing information may jeopardize an applicant’s inclusion in the selection process.
  • Online application form (and applicable fee) submitted.
  • Copy of your official birth certificate (international applicants can provide a passport). If your current name is different than the name on the birth certificate, you must provide proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate, etc.)
  • Copy of permanent Residency Card (if applicable).
  • Official high school transcript from the Department of Education or equivalency certificate.
  • Certified copy of Level II (Grade 11) marks and Level III (Grade 12) first term results (for current high school students).
  • Official transcript of all post-secondary courses/programs (if applicable).
  • Personal Statement (completed on the personal statement form).
  • Practical Nursing Application Supplement
  • Clinical Placement Acknowledgement
  • Two references (forms provided) *Please note that references from family, friends, relatives or co-workers will be deemed unsatisfactory. If possible, references should come from previous or current employers and/or instructors/teachers/professors. Referees must forward the Reference Form directly to the campus.
  • All potential nursing students must read the College for Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador document entitled: “Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada: Requisite Skills and Abilities” to determine their ability to meet the requirements of the program. The Skills Abilities form must be submitted confirming you have read the document found at the following link: https://www.clpnnl.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/Requisite_Skills_and_Abilities_1.pdf
Please note:  Applications will not be considered complete until the original transcript has been provided. Photocopies and photographs are not accepted. Transcripts e-mailed directly from an educational institution will be considered official transcripts.

Once an applicant receives a letter of acceptance, the following documentation must be submitted by July 31st.
  • Certificate for Basic Life Support (BLS); BLS/Health Care Provider/AED; or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation – Health Care Provider (CPR/HCP) and a certificate for Standard First Aid. Note: Courses have to be a direct delivery model or a blended model where skills are practiced hands on with supervision. Both to be completed after January 1 (of the year in which studies will commence). Annual BLS / CPR-HCP re-certification will be required in the program.
  • Current Criminal Record Screening Certificate/Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check in satisfactory standing (dated no earlier than July of the year in which studies will commence). International students can request these documents once they arrive in the province.
  • Child Protection Records (may be required).
  • Student Information form (regarding allergies).
Once an applicant receives a letter of acceptance, the following document must be submitted no later than September 30th. 
  • Student Pre-Placement Immunization and Communicable Disease Screening package.

Courses


  
SEMESTER ONE – SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER (15 WEEKS)
COURSE
HOURS PER SEMESTER
Simulation Tutorials Theory Labs Clinical Final Exams Total Hours
PN1180 Introduction to Nursing     36     2 38
PN1185 Fundamentals of Nursing Labs       28     28
PN1109 Anatomy & Physiology I   4 36     2 42
PN1130 Communication & Therapeutic Relationships     36 20   2 58
PN1225 Gerontological Nursing     36     2 38
PN1110 Introduction to Nursing Practice         80   80
TOTAL 0 4 144 45 80 8 284
 
SEMESTER TWO - JANUARY TO APRIL (15 WEEKS)
COURSE
HOURS PER SEMESTER
Simulation Tutorials Theory Labs Clinical Final Exams Total Hours
PN1200 Mental Health Nursing     36     2 38
PN1290 Pharmacology I     22 14   2 38
PN1241 Anatomy and Physiology II   4 36     2 42
PN1251 Health Assessment     36 21   2 59
PN1215 Leadership in Nursing Practice in the Gerontological Setting         80   80
TOTAL 0 4 130 35 80 8 257
 
SEMESTER THREE - APRIL TO JULY (12 WEEKS)
COURSE
HOURS PER SEMESTER
Simulation Tutorials Theory Labs Clinical Final Exams Total Hours
PN1300 Maternal-Child Nursing     36 4   2 42
PN1170 Medical-Surgical Nursing I     36 19   2 57
PN1360 Pharmacology II     18 12   2 32
*PN1210 Mental Health Nursing Practice         80   80
**PN1325 Maternal-Child Health Nursing Practice         72   72
PN1271 Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I         80   80
TOTAL 0 0 90 35 160 / 152 6 291 / 283
NOTES:
*PN1210 - This course will be offered at all campuses EXCEPT Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor campuses.
**PN1325 - This course will be offered ONLY at Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor campuses.
 
SEMESTER FOUR - SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER (15 WEEKS)
COURSE
HOURS PER SEMESTER
Simulation Seminar Theory Labs Clinical Final Exams Total Hours
PN1330 Community Health Nursing     36     2 38
PN1380 Medical Surgical Nursing II 8   36 18   2 64
PN1305 Leadership in Nursing   2 36     2 40
*PN1210 Mental Health Nursing Practice         80   80
**PN1325 Maternal-Child Health Nursing Practice         72   72
PN1375 Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice II         80   80
TOTAL 8 2 108 18 160 / 152 6 302 / 294
NOTES:
*PN1210 - This course will be offered ONLY at Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor campuses.
**PN1325 - This course will be offered at all campuses EXCEPT Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor campuses.
 
 SEMESTER FIVE - JANAURY TO APRIL (15 WEEKS)

COURSE
HOURS PER SEMESTER
Simulation Tutorials Seminar Theory Labs Clinical Final Exams Total Hours
PN1400 Nursing Practice for Professional Development           160   160
PN1410 Preceptorship           280   280
PN1403 Community Health Nursing Practice 4         80   84
TOTAL 4 0 0 0 0 520 0 524
 
 
  Simulation Tutorials Seminar Theory Labs Clinical Final Exams Total Hours
TOTAL 12 8 2 472 136 992 28 1,650

 Note:  Curriculum hours subject to change based on notification from the parent institution, Center of Nursing Studies.

Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Practical Nursing (per semester) - $1,831.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Practical Nursing (per semester) - TBA
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Practical Nursing (per course) - $458.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due during confirmation of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • Deposit fee - First semester tuition of which $1500 is non-refundable
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $4,462.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $2,232.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
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Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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