Practical Nurse

Program overview

Are you looking to become an effective and compassionate health care provider? The Practical Nurse program at Bow Valley College is designed to prepare you for delivering professional nursing care within a complex medical system. This diploma program emphasizes the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that you are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients in various healthcare settings. With a focus on compassionate care, this program aims to develop your abilities to work effectively in the nursing field.

Program structure

The Practical Nurse program is an intensive program that spans five terms. It offers various pathways to accommodate different learning preferences:

• Main 5-Term Program: Delivered face-to-face at Bow Valley College’s main Calgary campus, including theory and lab courses.
• Blended 5-Term Program: Designed for students in regional communities, combining synchronous online theory courses with in-person lab classes.

This program allows students to start in the winter, spring, or fall terms, providing flexibility in scheduling. Throughout the program, students will gain knowledge and experience through:

• Classroom instruction
• Online courses
• Lab settings
• Work-integrated learning placements in various care facilities

Students are encouraged to participate in an in-person New Student Orientation to gather essential program information and ask questions. The program is structured to support successful learning, emphasizing the commitment to education over personal or work obligations.

Featured Experiences

The Practical Nurse program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

• Work-integrated learning placements in clinical settings, which may include day, evening, night, and weekend shifts.
• Online clinical orientation focusing on clinical documents and course expectations.
• Opportunities for N95 mask fitting before clinical placements.
• Access to a blended delivery model for students living outside Calgary.
• Participation in a comprehensive New Student Orientation to prepare for the program.

These experiences are designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for their roles as Practical Nurses, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers.

Career Options

Graduating from the Practical Nurse program opens up a variety of career opportunities in Canada. Here are some potential job roles you can pursue:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provide nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians in various healthcare settings.
• Community Health Nurse: Work in community settings to promote health and wellness, providing care and education to individuals and families.
• Maternity Nurse: Specialize in caring for mothers and newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
• Pediatric Nurse: Focus on the care of infants, children, and adolescents, addressing their unique health needs.
• Geriatric Nurse: Provide specialized care for elderly patients, focusing on their physical and emotional well-being.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in the healthcare field.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.