1. Applicants who have followed the High School Curriculum of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)
To be eligible for Academic admission, you will need to receive an average of 65% or more in English, Mathematics, Science, and social sciences and electives, see specific details below:
- English 3201
- Mathematics – one (1) of the following
- Advanced Mathematics 3200
- Academic Mathematics 3201
- Science - four (4) credits in Biology or two (2) credits in Chemistry
- Biology 2201 and 3201 OR
- Chemistry 3202
- Social Studies or Modern/Classical Language (MCL) - one (1) of the following
- Social Studies 3201, or equivalent
- Sciences Humaines 3231
- Two (2) credits at the 3000 level in Religious Studies, French or other MCL
- Electives - Two (2) credits in any subject area at the 3000 level
OR
Applicants in their final year of high school who will complete graduation requirements for high school as set by the Department of Education and obtained an average of not less than 65% in core courses as listed above in #1 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 65% 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 must have successfully completed graduation requirements for high school as set by the home province and obtained a passing grade of not less than 65% in equivalent academic courses as listed in #1 above.
3. Applicants who have followed the College Transition Program (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition) can be assessed using a combination of equivalent core courses along with high school courses to determine eligibility. Applicants must achieve an overall average of 65% across all core course requirements as listed in #1 above
4. 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. Applicants must achieve an overall average of 65% across all core course requirements as listed in #1 above.
5. 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.
English Proficiency
The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). English as a Second Language (ESL) students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in
Policy No. AC-102-PR.
International Applicants
All international applicants to the SHS may be required to submit official IELTS Academic Test scores that meet the minimum thresholds listed above. 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 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 Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses document entitled: “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: Requisite-Skills-Abilities
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 must be a direct delivery model or a blended model where skills are practiced hands on with supervision. These are 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.