SIAST logo

Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS)


Location(s):  Regina    Saskatoon    Distance Learning Option

Note

The last intake of students to the NEPS program will begin in September 2010. Applications to the new Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will be accepted in September 2010, and the first intake will begin in fall 2011.

Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) is a degree program. It is a collaborative venture of SIAST's Nursing Division and the University of Saskatchewan's College of Nursing. The program is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, abilities, values and attitudes necessary for professional nursing practice in a variety of health care settings within a changing health system.

International applicants will not be accepted to the fall 2009 intake, but will be accepted again for 2010.

NEPS is a partnership of SIAST's Nursing Division, the University of Saskatchewan's College of Nursing and the First Nations University of Canada, Northern Campus.

The NEPS program follows the University of Saskatchewan Academic Schedule of breaks (Christmas and Spring).

Note

Applicants must submit a program-specific application form. The application period is from October 1 to January 15 each academic year.

The admission period for the LPN Bridging Option has been extended to September 10, 2010.

Refer to the Program Completion Options section below for further detail on this option. Complete and submit the NEPS LPN Bridging Option Application Form.

The complete NEPS program is offered in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.

  • In Saskatoon, students take courses at Kelsey Campus for the first two years of the program and the University of Saskatchewan for the second two years.

  • In Regina, all nursing courses are held at Wascana Campus. Non-nursing courses are accessed at the University of Regina where you will be classified as a visiting University of Saskatchewan student.

  • In Prince Albert, all nursing courses are held at the Northern Campus of the First Nations University of Canada. Non-nursing courses are accessed at the First Nations University of Canada.


Your clinical practice will occur in various locations throughout the province.

Program Completion Options

  • Full-time Study to Obtain Your Degree - Graduates may apply for registration with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) and/or the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association (RPNAS).


  • Part-time Study to Obtain Your Degree - You must complete all courses within seven years of starting the program. You may then apply for registration with the SRNA and/or the RPNAS. SIAST also offers distance learning and development (virtual) courses that provide credit towards your undergraduate degree.


  • Early Completion of the Degree Program in 3.5 or 3 years - To be eligible for early completion, you must have successfully completed the non-nursing electives by the time you complete Year 3.


  • LPN Bridging Option (SIAST Licensed Practical Nursing graduates; 2008 and more recent only) - The LPN Bridging Option is a condensed alternative for Licensed Practical Nurses to bridge into the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan. The program will accept 8 students on-site at SIAST Wascana Campus from January to April 2011 (application period now extended to September 10, 2010). Following successful completion, students will merge with full-time second year NEPS students in the clinical practicum in May/June 2011, and will subsequently enter Year 3 in September 2011. To find out more about the LPN Bridging Option into NEPS, refer to our LPN Bridging Option Frequently Asked Questions.


In order to register with the RPNAS, the NEPS graduate must have a minimum of 500 hours designated as mental health/psychiatric nursing clinical experience.

You can find more information about the program in our NEPS Frequently Asked Questions and our Fact Sheet for Licensed Practical Nurses Entering NEPS.

Length: 4 years

3.5 or 3 year early completion options

More Links

Career Opportunities

Graduates may practice in a variety of health care settings. These include direct care, education, administration and research. You will receive a sound educational base that will allow you to practice provincially, nationally and internationally.

With further education, specialization and/or experience, nurses may practice in a variety of areas. These include:


  • northern outpost nursing

  • neo-natal intensive care nursing

  • counselling

  • health education

  • school programs

  • hospice care

  • rural wellness centre nursing

  • home care

  • acute care psychiatric facilities

  • mental health settings

  • occupational health

  • complementary therapies

  • independent practice



For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

For more information about continuing education for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses, go to Continuing Education for Health Care Professionals.

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

    Application is now closed

Admission Requirements

NEPS uses a competitive admission process. There are three admission categories. The English Language Requirement applies for each category.

As part of the application process, you must submit the results of a criminal records check when you are accepted into the program.

All successful applicants must provide proof of Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "C" AED or equivalent either prior to the commencement of the program or no later than January 31 of Year 1.

Category A: Admission Based on High School Standing

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 or are in the process of completing Grade 12 will be considered for admission in this category. Applicants must have complete Grade 12 standing by June 30 with a minimum overall average of 70% in the following five subjects (or their equivalents):

  • English Language Arts A30

  • English Language Arts B30

  • a 30-level mathematics*

  • Biology 30

  • Chemistry 30


* Acceptable mathematics courses are Math A30, Math B30, Math C30, Calculus 30 and General Math 30

Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

  • Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30
    (replacing a 30-level math above)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Category B: Admission Based on Post-Secondary Studies

Applicants who have completed a significant amount of post-secondary course work at a recognized post-secondary institution will be considered for admission on the basis of their post-secondary average. Applicants in Category B must have a minimum overall average of 60% and must have completed Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or their equivalents). To be considered under Category B, applicants must have:

  • 18 credit units or more of university-level study at a recognized post-secondary institution; or

  • a two-year diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution for which Grade 12 is the minimum admission requirement; or

  • a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution (applicants must provide proof of licensure, i.e., SALPN wallet card, prior to any transfer credits being assessed). PN applicants without Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 will be considered in Category B.


Category C: Special Admission

Special admission is available to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants aged 19 or older by the first day of classes who fall into one of the following categories:

  • Applicants who are not eligible in Category A because they do not have complete Grade 12 standing but have completed an alternative assessment for Grade 12 equivalency (GED) and have completed Biology 30 and Chemistry 30
  • Applicants who are not eligible for admission in Category B because they are deficient Biology 30 and/or Chemistry 30

  • Applicants who have completed programs for which numerical grades are not available or have received credentials based on alternative assessment


Applicants for special admission will be required to write the ACCUPLACER - an assessment placement examination. Applicants achieving the required minimum ACCUPLACER cut scores will be referred to the joint committee for consideration.


Admission Method

Competitive Entry

When the application period closes, your application will be ranked in the order of qualification. The applicants who are most qualified are accepted into the program first. The only competitive entry programs are the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) and the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan Second Degree Entry Option. There are established periods for receipt of applications for these programs.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Clinical/Practicum
    • Your practicums will occur throughout Saskatchewan in a variety of acute and community health care settings.
      Online
      Shop/Lab

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.



Transfer Credit and Future Study Options

SIAST may recognize formal learning from other educational institutions.



Year 1
expand/contract all

  • NEPS 112  Development of Self

    • The course provides an introduction to the concept of self in relation to others. Through reflection and understanding of the nature of one's self, individuals can experience awareness and personal growth. You will explore how each individual's uniqueness and differences influence human interaction.

    3.0 Credit Units
    26.0 Lecture hours
    26.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 112    NURS 271   

  • NEPS 113  Nursing: An Evolving Profession

    • The course will introduce participants to nursing as a professional discipline. The core components will be caring, the profession of nursing, critical thinking, knowledge development, and introduction to research and theory-based practice.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Lecture hours
    26.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NEPS 125    NURS 113   

  • NEPS 114  Interpersonal Relationships

    • The course emphasizes an understanding and application of interpersonal skills for personal and professional growth and development. You will practice communication that facilitates helping relationships within a variety of settings.

    3.0 Credit Units
    26.0 Lecture hours
    26.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 114   

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 112 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 115  Core Concepts of Care

    • Your studies will focus on applying fundamental nursing concepts and skills when assisting individuals across the lifespan with health challenges. You will explore the concepts of safety, self-care and immobility. Within a practice setting, you will integrate concepts from pre-requisite and co-requisite courses.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Lecture hours
    104.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 115    NURS 160   

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 112 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 113 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 114 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 116 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 118 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 119 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 116  Introduction to Health Concepts

    • The course provides an introduction to the concepts of health and primary health care as they relate to individuals, families, groups and communities.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Learn Linc, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 116   

  • NEPS 118  Introduction to the Human Body 1

    • The course introduces basic concepts related to structure and function of the human body.

    3.0 Credit Units
    78.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

  • NEPS 119  Introduction to the Human Body 2

    • The course builds on the basic concepts from NEPS 118 (Intro to the Human Body I) to further explore basic concepts related to the structure and function of the human body.

    3.0 Credit Units
    78.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 118 Minimum Grade of 50

    Year 2

  • NEPS 211  Counselling in Nursing Practice

    • You will have opportunities to explore the counselling role of nurses within a therapeutic relationship.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Lecture hours
    26.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 114 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 220 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 212  Microbiology for Health Sciences

    • The course provides an introduction to the concepts of microbiology in relation to health and the process of disease in humans.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 212   

  • NEPS 216  Healthy Growth and Development

    • Within the context of family and community, your studies will focus on the theories of growth and development of individuals through the lifespan.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 216   

  • NEPS 218  Education for Health

    • The course focuses on health education for health promotion. You will use a variety of strategies to access and develop resources that facilitate achieving clients' health goals across the lifespan. Collaborative interactions with clients will help you achieve personal and professional growth as a learner/teacher.

    3.0 Credit Units
    58.5 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 218   

  • NEPS 220  Individual Assessment I

    • The course will establish a foundation for development of health assessment skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.5 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 115 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 119 Minimum Grade of 50

  • NEPS 221  Individual Assessment II

    • The course will develop assessment skills with greater breadth and depth building on the health assessment skills developed in NEPS 220 (Individual Assessment I).

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.5 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 220 Minimum Grade of 50

  • NEPS 222  Nursing Therapeutics I

    • The course introduces basic concepts related to pharmacology and nursing pharmacotherapeutics, as well as additional therapies which promote, maintain, and restore health.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 115 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 119 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 212 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 223  Nursing Therapeutics II

    • The course builds on the basic concepts from NEPS 222 (Nursing Therapeutics I) related to pharmacology and nursing pharmacotherapeutics, as well as selected therapies which promote, maintain and restore health.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 222 Minimum Grade of 50

  • NEPS 233  Practicum I

    • The course provides for integration of theory and practice (praxis) in holistic nursing care of individuals.

    6.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours
    240.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 112 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 113 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 116 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 211 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 212 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 216 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 218 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 221 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 223 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 293 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 294 Minimum Grade of 50

  • NEPS 291  Health Challenges I: Theory

    • The course focuses on selected health challenges of adults. You will study the concepts of acuity and chronicity, perioperative nursing and rehabilitative nursing. NUTR 120 is also a pre-requisite course.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 115 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 211 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 212 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 220 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 222 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 292  Health Challenges I: Clinical

    • The course focuses on the application of nursing concepts in assisting adults with acute and chronic health challenges.

    3.0 Credit Units
    117.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 291 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 293  Health Challenges II: Theory

    • The course focuses on selected health challenges of adults. You will explore the concepts of gerontology, mental health challenges, cell aberration and palliative care.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 291 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 221 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 223 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)

  • NEPS 294  Health Challenges II: Clinical

    • The clinical course focuses on the application of nursing concepts in assisting adults with health challenges. Concepts of gerontology, mental health, cell aberration and palliative care will be explored. The students will provide holistic nursing care for clients in one of the following settings: medical, surgical, mental health, rehabilitation or long-term care. The student must successfully pass all seven nursing functions in order to pass the course.

    3.0 Credit Units
    120.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 292 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 218 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent) and NEPS 293 Minimum Grade of 50 (concurrent)


    For more information on University of Saskatchewan courses, click here

    Non-Nursing Courses

    • Year 1 - 3 credit units (c.u.) Introductory English, 3 c.u. social science and 3 c.u. Basic Nutrition

    • Year 3 - 3 c.u. social science and 3 c.u. statistics

    • Year 4 - 3 c.u. social science and 3 c.u. open elective

    • Students who want to register with the RPNAS require a 3 credit course in abnormal psychology and a 3 credit course in advanced psychopharmacology.

    Explore Related Programs

    More Information


    © Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology | webmaster | Last Modified: September 02, 2010 09:46AM