College of the North Atlantic brokers the Practical Nursing program from the Centre for Nursing Studies, delivering it in regions, outside St. John's, with a demonstrated labor market need. To access information for the offering in St. John's please refer to
cns.easternhealth.ca.
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.
The program encompasses classroom work supplemented with skills lab and nursing practice components.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact
student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
PN Bursary
The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador provides a
Practical Nursing Bursary Program for students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program. The program provides up to a $5,000 bursary to selected students, which covers the education program costs. For more information visit
the Department of Health and Community Services website.
“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.”
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Academic Admission Requirements
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:
- English 3201
- Mathematics – one of the following
- Advanced Mathematics 3200
- Academic Mathematics 3201
- Science - one of the following
- Biology 3201 OR
- Chemistry 3202
- Social Studies or Modern/Classical Language (MCL) - one of the following
- Social Studies 3201, or equivalent
- Sciences Humaines 3231
- Two credits at the 3000 level in Religious Studies, French or other MCL
- Two credits in any subject area at the 3000 level
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
English Language Requirement
Applicants must be competent in the English Language. A test of English language will be required for applicants whose first language is not English AND/OR applicants who have completed high school in a language other than English. Applicants who do not meet the criteria above but have post-secondary courses completed in English should contact the campus for further instruction regarding testing.
The tests with the acceptable scores are:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System – Academic version). Scores: overall score of 7.0 with scores of 7.0 speaking, 7.5 listening, 6.5 reading and 7.0 writing.
- CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses). Scores: 8 speaking, 10 listening, 8 reading and 7 writing.
- The official results of test score must be submitted before a decision will be made on your application. Test scores are valid for two years from the testing date. All cost associated with the English language requirements are the responsibility of the applicant.
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 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) submitted.
- Copy of your official birth certificate (international applicants can provide a passport).
- 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).
- 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 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/sites/default/files/inline-files/Requisite_Skills_and_Abilities_1.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 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. Both to be completed after January 2023. 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 2023). 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 29th.
- Student Pre-Placement Immunization and Communicable Disease Screening package.