Practical Nurse Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Program Overview

The Practical Nurse Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the healthcare system. This program focuses on providing high-quality nursing care across various patient demographics. Graduates of this program are in high demand and can find employment in diverse settings such as hospitals, continuing care agencies, and community health environments. The program emphasizes holistic care, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the lives of their patients. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) upon successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam.

Program Structure

The Practical Nurse Diploma program offers two distinct pathways for students:

2-Year Pathway
3-Year Pathway

This program is available in a full-time format and utilizes a blended delivery method, combining online learning with face-to-face instruction. The program is structured to include:

High-fidelity simulation lab facilities that replicate real-world healthcare environments.
Partnerships with various healthcare settings to enhance practicum experiences.
Work-integrated learning opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
A prior learning accelerated pathway for internationally educated nurses or healthcare professionals.

Students should be prepared to attend classes, labs, and clinicals during the Spring/Summer term, as both pathways utilize this term for course delivery. The program is designed to ensure that graduates are ready to provide compassionate and effective nursing care upon completion.

Featured Experiences

High-fidelity simulation labs that provide realistic training environments.
Partnerships with local healthcare facilities for enhanced practicum experiences.
Work-integrated learning opportunities that allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Prior Learning Accelerated Pathway for those with relevant prior experience or education.
Access to a variety of experiential learning opportunities through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.

Career Options

Graduates of the Practical Nurse Diploma program can pursue a variety of career paths in the healthcare sector. Here are some potential job options:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provide nursing care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, assisting patients with daily activities and medical needs.
Crisis Counsellor: Support individuals in crisis situations, providing emotional support and guidance to help them navigate their challenges.
Health Educator: Develop and implement educational programs to promote health and wellness in communities, focusing on disease prevention and healthy living.
Surgical Nurse: Assist in surgical procedures, providing care before, during, and after surgery to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Critical Care Nurse: Work in intensive care units, providing specialized care to patients with life-threatening conditions and monitoring their vital signs.

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

Visit Red Deer Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Practical Nurse Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic, applicants must meet specific academic requirements. The eligibility criteria for admission are as follows:

Academic Requirements:

Applicants must have a minimum of 60% in the following courses:
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30
Additionally, a minimum of 50% is required in:
- Math 30-1 or 30-2
Alternatively, applicants can meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of 60% in Math 30 Applied or 20-1
- A minimum of 70% in Math 20-2

For those applying through the Prior Learning Accelerated Pathway (PNPL Cohort):

Domestic applicants must submit official transcripts indicating a healthcare credential received.
International applicants must provide an Educational Credential Assessment for internationally educated nurses or healthcare professionals (WES, ICAS, CES, IQAS, or International Credential Evaluation Service).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Additional Requirements:

Nursing courses from other programs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for prior learning.
Students transferring into the program or those who have been out of the clinical area for an extended period may be required to pass a competency screen prior to admission.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the admission process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

For the Practical Nurse Diploma program, applicants must meet the following English Language Proficiency requirements:

Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English courses/credits; or
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English; or
Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test:
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System: 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 on each band score
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall, with at least 7 on each band score
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: 92 iBT or 580 PBT

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!