Program Information

College of the North Atlantic brokers the Practical Nursing program from the Centre for Nursing Studies, to meet a demonstrated labor market need. 

This 9-semester part-time diploma program is designed with a blended delivery model and part-time schedule to promote attainment of skills required of a practical nurse. This program engages students with a mix of online and on-campus learning. Theory and labs paired with robust clinical experiences will support students in meeting the graduation requirements. Students will be required to attend all on campus laboratory sessions offered throughout the semester, as well as required clinical placements. The frequency and amount of time required each semester will vary based on a part time schedule. 

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.

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.

 

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.


**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 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)
• Copy of your official birth certificate. 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.
• 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. 
• 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/storage/Requisite_Skills_and_Abilities.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 February 3^rd, 2025.

• Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package
• Current Criminal Record Screening Certificate/Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check in satisfactory standing (dated no earlier than January of the year in which studies will commence).

 
Once an applicant is enrolled, the following document must be submitted no later than April 22^nd, 2025. 

• Student Pre-Placement Immunization and Communicable Disease Screening package.
• A certificate for Standard/Intermediate First Aid. 
• Certificate for Basic Life Support (BLS); BLS/Health Care Provider/AED; or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation – Health Care Provider (CPR/HCP).  Note: These courses have to be a direct delivery model or a blended model where skills are practiced hands on with supervision.  Annual BLS / CPR-HCP re-certification will be required for duration of the program.

Semester 1 - 10 weeks (Winter Feb – April)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1180 Introduction to Nursing				36			2	38
PN1130 Communication & Therapeutic Relationships				36	20		2	58
PN1185 Fundamentals of Nursing Labs					28			28

 
Semester 2 - 12 weeks (April – July)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1225 Gerontological Nursing				36			2	38
PN1109 Anatomy & Physiology I			4	36			2	42
Note: Prior to beginning PN1110 students in the PN alternate delivery program must complete PN1225 and PN1109
PN1110 Introduction to Nursing Practice						80		80

 
Semester 3 – 15 weeks (Sept – Dec)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1290 Pharmacology I				22	14		2	38
PN1241 Anatomy and Physiology II			4	36			2	42
PN1251 Health Assessment				36	21		2	59

 
Semester 4 - 15 weeks (Jan – April)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1200 Mental Health Nursing				36			2	38
PN1360 Pharmacology II				18	12		2	32
PN1215 Leadership in Nursing Practice in the Gerontological Setting						80		80

 
Semester 5- 12 weeks (April – July)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1210 Mental Health Nursing Practice						80		80
PN1170 Medical-Surgical Nursing I				36	19		2	57
PN1300 Maternal-Child Nursing				36	4		2	42

 
Semester 6 – 15 weeks (Sept -Dec)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1330 Community Health Nursing				36			2	38
PN1271 Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I						80		80
PN1380 Medical Surgical Nursing II	8			36	18		2	64

 
Semester 7 – 15 weeks (Jan – April)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1305 Leadership in Nursing		2		36			2	40
PN1325 Maternal-Child Health Nursing Practice						72		72
PN1375 Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice II						80		80

 
Semester 8 - 12 weeks (April – July)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1400 Nursing Practice for Professional Development						160		160
Note: Prior to beginning PN1403 students in the PN alternate delivery program must complete PN1400
PN1403 Community Health Nursing Practice	4					80		84

 
Semester 9- 15 weeks (Sept- Dec)

Course	Simulation	Seminar	Tutorial	Theory	Labs	Clinical	Final exams	Total hours
PN1410 Preceptorship						280		280