You should carefully consider your alternatives until you identify the LPN programs in Alberta that are best for you because there are many different types of nurses and nursing training programs.
LPNs collaborate with other medical professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care and adhere to a patient’s care plan.
They help with procedures like catheterization and may gather information like blood pressure or blood glucose levels, but they are unable to independently examine a patient.
They may answer to a unit lead instead of an RN or doctor as their supervisors (if they themselves are not the lead).
Role Of A Licensed Practical Nurse In Alberta
Currently, LPNs already have a variety of roles within Alberta Health Services (AHS), and as the industry develops, more positions become available.
To provide Albertans with high-quality treatment and care, licensed practical nurses to collaborate with patients, families, and the medical staff.
Licensed practical nurses may also act as a mentor and leaders for others, including nursing assistants, healthcare assistants, and future practical nurses. Licensed practical nurses have the option to pursue more education and work in specialty nursing fields like advanced orthopedics, dialysis, and vaccination.
In order to provide adults and children in custody with high-quality patient care, Licensed Practical Nurses working in Corrections Health at AHS to engage with medical experts and correctional center authorities in a safe and secure setting.
Professional nurses that contribute to the assessment, planning, execution, and evaluation of patient care at AHS are licensed practical nurses or LPNs. LPNs are qualified to provide a variety of patient care, including palliative, long-term, and acute treatment, and management. They also have the knowledge, abilities, and judgment to do so.
They offer a range of nursing services within a specified scope of practice because they are front-line nursing practitioners. In addition to educating patients and their families, licensed practical nurses take and record vital signs, gather different samples, patch wounds, check on progress and report treatment reactions.
In order to safeguard the safety and well-being of individuals under their care, licensed practical nurses act appropriately and speak out for the needs of their patients. AHS supports family- and patient-centered care.
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Institutions Offering LPN Programs In Alberta
According to the Health Professions Act, the Council of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) has authorized the following practical nurse education programs (HPA) listed below. The Education Standards Advisory Committee is in charge of overseeing the review procedure (ESAC).
The foundational study necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nursing in Alberta is the practical nurse diploma program.
These post-secondary colleges in Alberta provide practical nursing programs:
- Bow Valley College
- Columbia College
- Keyano College
- Lethbridge College
- Medicine Hat College
- NorQuest College
- Northern Lakes College
- Portage College
- Prairie College
- Red Deer College
Bow Valley College
This five-term program is rigorous. As a practical nurse, you can offer care in a variety of fascinating settings. Child care, maternity nursing, community health, mental wellness, elders’ care, and medicine are a few of the areas.
This program is available to begin in the winter, spring, or fall terms. Five terms or a lengthier nine-term option are available to provide you time to concentrate on nursing material and for learning consolidation.
Throughout the curriculum, knowledge and experience are obtained in the classroom, through online coursework, in lab settings, and at various care facilities.
Tuition: CAD $13,513
For further information, click here.
Columbia College
Students in the Practical Nurse Professional Program at Columbia routinely get among the best grades in Canada. One of the few programs in North America that uses a mastery learning model is this one.
This is a two-year, full-time diploma program that can be finished in 80 weeks. Students should be ready to attend classes that might be scheduled in the evenings and on the weekends throughout the program.
The availability of clinical practicum positions with the cooperating health care employer will determine when clinical practicums are arranged. The 722 hours of practical experience can therefore be organized during the day, evening, night, or even over the weekends.
Tuition: Click here for more details.
For further information, click here.
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Keyano College
You will be ready for a career providing high-quality nursing care in a variety of settings after completing our two-year Practical Nurse program. To promote and restore well-being among patients and the community, practical nurses collaborate with other medical specialists.
The Practical Nurse program gives you classroom instruction and hands-on practice in situations relevant to your future career. This aids in educating you for a profession in contemporary healthcare from within:
- Hospitals
- House care
- Healthcare organizations
- School systems for public health
You will be ready to take the National Practical Nurse Examination when you graduate.
For further information on program details and tuition, click here.
Lethbridge College
As a practical nurse, you can play a crucial role by putting your compassion and desire to help others to use (PN).
To give you the skills and information required to start your career working within the full scope of practice as defined by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta, their PN program includes extensive, high-quality academic programming and cutting-edge practicums.
You will learn nursing theory from knowledgeable professors in the classroom and get practical training via simulated practice situations.
You’ll develop the critical thinking abilities required to make sure the public is receiving safe, expert, and moral treatment. Additionally, you will gain practical experience while participating in work-integrated learning assignments that will help you become a nurse.
For further information on program details and tuition, click here.
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Medicine Hat College (program offered at Brooks Campus)
This program, which is delivered at the Brooks Campus over two years and five semesters, includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, preceptor- and instructor-supervised clinical experiences, and travel to locations outside the immediate area.
LPNs are licensed practical nurses who practice within their own sphere of expertise, professional standards, and code of ethics. As an LPN, you will be able to contribute in all stages of the continuum of care, from palliative and long-term care to acute treatment and management.
Tuition: Click here for more details.
For further information, click here.
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NorQuest College
The need for licensed practical nurses is rising in Alberta as a result of the province’s expanding healthcare needs. One of the largest practical nurse programs in Canada, offered by NorQuest College, will train you to work as a professional practical nurse who is qualified to provide clients with excellent care in a range of healthcare environments.
In this program, students are more likely to succeed if they:
- Are capable of handling the demands of the job both physically and emotionally
- Possess a vehicle to get around in order to carry out their clinical practice
- Possess basic computer skills, access to the Internet, and a computer
- Are able to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner
Tuition: $18,193.54
For further information, click here.
Northern Lakes College
The Northern Lakes College adheres to all practical standards established by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta and Alberta Health Services in their very effective and endorsed program.
The profession of practical nursing is self-regulatory and is characterized by a distinct body of knowledge, standards of practice, a code of ethics, well-defined competencies, and a social commitment to providing patients with safe, high-quality, holistic care. Each student’s success is important to passionate and knowledgeable educators, who cordially invite you to enroll in this rewarding program.
Tuition: $15,051
For further information, click here.
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Portage College
Collaboration, health promotion, and family-centered nursing are prioritized throughout the program. With your new skills and knowledge, you’ll be prepared to work in a range of urban and rural healthcare environments.
Their passionate, knowledgeable educators put a strong emphasis on developing your nursing practice skill through creative, cutting-edge classroom and lab experiences.
After completing the program, you’ll be qualified to take the national licensing exam offered by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).
The two delivery methods for this two-year diploma program are on-site and blended. Second-year students who are returning will be present for labs as much as possible. In the autumn semester, first-year students will attend on-site and online theoretical seminars.
For further information on program details and tuition, click here.
Prairie College
The curriculum combines Red Deer Polytechnic’s approved practical nursing training with a recognized biblical and theological background from Prairie College.
With their on-campus program, you can take advantage of the social aspects of university life, such as chapel, small groups, sports, and extracurricular activities.
The foreign preceptorship is one of their students’ favorite parts of the program. Their students have visited Mozambique and India in previous years. In their second year of study, students can apply for international preceptorship.
The preceptorship is made available based on the students’ desire and the availability of foreign partnerships. The tuition and program costs do not cover the cost of the global preceptorship.
Graduates of this program are awarded a Practical Nurse Diploma from Red Deer Polytechnic and a Diploma in Ministry from Prairie College.
Tuition: Click here for more details.
For further information, click here.
Red Deer College
After completing this two-year curriculum and passing the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, the graduate will be ready to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
In a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, the community, and other healthcare organizations, the graduate will provide nursing care as an LPN.
Tuition: Click here for more details.
For further information, click here.
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General Admission Requirements For Entry To LPN Programs In Alberta
The following academic prerequisites must be satisfied by the student in order to be admitted to the program:
- 60% in ELA 30-1
- 60% in Biology 30
- 50% in Math 30-1 or 30-2 OR 60% in Math 30 Applied or 20-1 OR 70% in Math 20-2
Note: In addition to meeting the program admission requirements, applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency.
Also for specific and additional requirements for each school, visit the link provided above.
How To Become A Licensed Practical Nurse In Alberta
1. Register with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
Applying to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) for document evaluation, verification, and assessment of educational credentials is the initial stage. As a requirement, you must:
- Register for an NNAS online account.
- Apply online by completing it.
- Pay the necessary fee.
- Send in the needed paperwork so it may be verified. When your file is finished, NNAS will review it and give you access to an advisory report online.
The findings of the evaluation of educational credentials are presented in this report. After receiving your advisory report, you can submit an application to CLPNA.
- Requirements
Nurses with international training must adhere to the following standards:
- Academic qualifications:
To start the assessment procedure, you must submit each of the items detailed on the NNAS website. The procedure entails:
A procedure of document examination and verification that ascertains whether your education is comparable to that of a licensed practical nurse in Canada You will need:
- A user account for an online NNAS applicant.
- Identification documents (notarized, certified true copies of two forms of identification that contain your signature, at least one of which must contain a photo).
- Completed Nursing Education Form sent directly to NNAS by mail or courier, along with all of your academic records and transcripts, the nursing program curriculum, course descriptions, and/or course syllabi, as well as the Nursing Education Form completed by school officials.
- Each licensing body outside of Canada where you currently hold or formerly held a license or registration must complete the Nursing Registration Form and send it directly to NNAS through mail or courier.
- Any necessary translation.
- Work History
The NNAS must receive the following in order to validate your job experience:
- Completed Nursing Practice Employment Form from each job you’ve had in the last five (5) years (sent directly to NNAS by mail or courier). Please be aware that the CLPNA will take the last four (4) years of work experience into account.
- Use of English
If you were educated in a language other than English, you must present evidence of your language ability when submitting documents to the NNAS.
The following language exams can be sent directly from the testing facility to the NNAS.
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (only the Academic Version is accepted)
- CELBAN – Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses
2. CLPNA Application and Registration Requirements in Alberta
You must complete an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) Application for Registration and pay the requisite cost after submitting your NNAS Advisory Report to CLPNA.
When your file is finished, CLPNA will determine if you now have the skills necessary to carry out the duties of an LPN in the Alberta healthcare system. If you meet CLPNA’s registration standards, CLPNA will decide. You must present evidence of:
- Advisory Report NNAS
- A strong assertion of character
- Ability to practice.
If additional conditions need to be satisfied or if your registration has been authorized, CLPNA will let you know. If you meet the requirements for registration, you are eligible to get a temporary practice permit.
While you are preparing to take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination, you will be able to work as an LPN with the help of this permit (CPNRE). There are 165 multiple-choice questions in the four-hour CPNRE exam. The multiple-choice questions can be presented independently or as part of a case-based scenario. Three times a year, over a four-week period in the spring, fall, and winter, the CPNRE is given across Canada.
The Registrar has the power to provide temporary registration, which cannot be kept for longer than a total of 12 months. You will be qualified to apply for an Active LPN practice permit if you have fulfilled the registration criteria (which may include educational requirements) and successfully passed the CPNRE.
- Fees
| NNAS Main Application | $650 USD |
| CLPNA Application Fee | $315 |
| CLPNA Temporary Permit Fee | $405 |
| Examination Fee charged by CLPNA (payable when submitting the fee for the Temporary Permit) | $295 |
| Examination Fee charged when booking the exam (fee is submitted online through the Pearson VUE website) | $105 |
| CLPNA Licensed Practical Nurse Permit Fee | $350 |
Changes in fees are possible. For the most recent fees, visit the CLPNA website.
How Much Does A Licensed Practical Nurse Earn In Alberta
Licensed practical nurses in Alberta make an average of $30.02 per hour, or $47,642 per year.
- Average Salary
The Alberta 2013 Wage and Salary study revealed the following as the overall average earnings for all Licensed Practical Nurses:
| Average hours worked per week | 30.6 |
| Average wage per hour | $28. 43 |
| Average salary per year | $45,170 |
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What are the high school requirements for LPN in Alberta?
You must meet the following academic prerequisites in order to be eligible for the program:
the equivalent of a high school diploma;
65% in English 30-1 or 75% in English 30-2, respectively;
65% or higher in Biology 30;
60% in Math 20-2 or a minimum of 50% in Math 20-1.
What Are the Credentials for an LPN?
A two-year diploma in practical nursing is required of LPNs at AHS.
The Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination is required for LPNs (CPNRE)
A practicing permit issued by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta is required for LPNs (CLPNA)
How much is the salary of LPN in Alberta?
Licensed practical nurses in Alberta make an average of $30.02 per hour, or $47,642 per year.
How long is LPN course in Alberta?
A two-year degree. LPNs in Alberta complete a two-year practical nursing diploma program at the college level. A minimum of 1650 instructional hours are provided by the curriculum, comprising 750 hours of theoretical instruction and 900 hours of clinical and lab work.
How much do LPNs make an hour in Alberta?
In Alberta, licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233) typically make between $25.00 and $34.79 per hour.
Are LPNs in demand in Alberta?
In Alberta, there will be plenty of job possibilities for Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 3233) throughout the ensuing three years. These employment opportunities are also available to those who hold a license as a practical nurse (L.P.N.).
Do LPNs do assessments?
The RN or another qualified health care professional may direct the LPN to conduct a focused nursing assessment and reassessment. The LPN could do a physical examination.
Where can LPNs work in Alberta?
LPNs employed by AHS provide care in a range of medical venues, including clinics, hospitals, community health centers, continuing care facilities, urgent care facilities, and patient’s homes.