SIAST - Practical Nursing

Practical Nursing

Location(s): Prince Albert Regina Saskatoon Distance Learning Option

Note

This program is subject to the high-demand admission process. It is open for application from 8:00 a.m., October 1 to 4:30 p.m., February 15 (local times) each academic year. All supporting documentation is required by February 28(29). If either February 15 or February 28(29) falls on a weekend or a holiday, the applicable deadline is extended to the end of the next business day.

For detailed information about the admission process and requirements for this program, refer to the Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria sections below, and to our program-specific admission process.

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this high-demand program.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are in demand across Canada. There are more job opportunities now than ever before, and more chances to create a career that suits your interests. SIAST’s two-year Practical Nursing diploma program will set you on the road to an exciting future in nursing.

Visit our Continuing Education page, for information about bridging from the previous SIAST Licensed Practical Nurse program to the current SIAST Practical Nursing program.

Why SIAST?

SIAST is one of the most respected providers of nursing education in Canada. Our small class sizes mean more one-on-one interaction with faculty. High-tech simulation learning centres use near-life scenarios to give you hands-on practice. Clinical practice education lets you transfer your skills into the real world.

SIAST’s Practical Nursing program will help you develop into a competent, adaptable practitioner. Whether you’re working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary health care team, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to bring a uniquely holistic and humanistic approach to providing care to individuals across the human lifespan. As a graduate, you’re eligible to:

write the national licensure exam,

practice in any province or territory in Canada

Is this program for you?

SIAST offers a unique, streamed learning experience with a different focus in each of the four semesters. In your first semester, you’ll be introduced to the concepts of health promotion and illness prevention. Your second semester will concentrate on mental health and rehabilitative and supportive care. Curative and restorative care in acute care settings as well as perinatal, child and adolescent nursing will be the focus of your third semester. Your fourth and final semester will mark your transition from student to graduate practical nurse. Classroom learning will be augmented with hands-on simulation lab experiences. You’ll put theory into practice during your clinical practice education and practicums.

For more information about the Practical Nursing program, refer to Frequently Asked Questions.

Length: 65 weeks

Year 1 - 36 weeks; Year 2 - 29 weeks

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities for licensed practical nurses are excellent. Most LPNs work in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, medical centres and extended care facilities. Choose an area that interests you – gerontology, maternal-child, medical, mental health, palliative, pediatric, rehabilitation or surgical nursing.

You also can pursue a career in a community setting: a nursing clinic, home care agency, private nursing agency, community health centre or physician’s office.

SIAST Practical Nursing graduates enjoy national reciprocity, which means you can work in any province in Canada or the Northwest Territories. Our graduates have also found jobs in the United States and overseas.

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

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

On Campus Program - September intake each year
Online Program - September intake in odd numbered years

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Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 65% in the following five subjects: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, any 30 level mathematics*, one of Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30 and one of Social Studies 30, History 30 or Native Studies 30

English Language Requirement

Note

Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check upon admission into the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.

Proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "C" AED or equivalent is required prior to entry into the clinical practicum.

High school students must submit a completed High-Demand Programs Preliminary Statement of High School Standing, or a final, official transcript by February 28(29).

All relevant post-secondary transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Registration Services prior to the application document deadline of February 28(29).

Please indicate on your application form whether you are applying to the on-campus or online program.

*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

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

All other admission requirements remain unchanged

Admission Method

High Demand

High-demand programs consistently have more applicants than spaces available at each SIAST location at which they are offered. High-demand programs have admission requirements plus additional selection criteria.

Selection Criteria

Step 1 - Average will be calculated on high school subjects required for admission (see Admission Requirements above)

Step 2 - Additional points will be awarded for specific relevant SIAST courses.

Important Note

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.

with Simulation Lab Experience

Clinical/Practicum

Home Study

Online

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

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Semester 1
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APHY 162 Anatomy and Physiology 1

You will study the human body, how it is constructed and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. You will focus on the interaction between the structures of the body cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The course content includes levels of organization of the human body, cells, tissues, integument and the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You will apply your theoretical knowledge in practical setting by performing dissections of specimens as part of the mandatory lab component.

4.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours
22.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): ANAT 160 NURS 111

NURS 161 Nursing Arts 1

You will study the development of basic nursing competencies that support health promotion and illness prevention. Your clinical experience will focus on developing your understanding of the concerns of older adults and the support they require in order to remain independent members of their communities.

7.0 Credit Units
26.0 Lecture hours
58.0 Lab hours
25.0 Other hours

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

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 115 NURS 115 NURS 170

Prerequisites:
NURS 163 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NURS 171 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NURS 172 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 162 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SOCI 160 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 163 Personal and Professional Relationships 1

You will explore the concept of self in relation to others. You will develop basic therapeutic communication skills. Through reflection and understanding your nature, you will experience awareness, personal growth and development of critical thinking skills. You will also explore verbal, nonverbal, written and technological communication.

3.0 Credit Units
15.0 Lecture hours
30.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 112 NURS 112

NURS 171 Health and Healing 1

You will be introduced to the concept of health as it applies to yourself and others, within a caring holistic context. You will explore the concept of primary healthcare and discuss health services delivery and determinants. You will examine health promotion activities and explore community resources.

4.0 Credit Units
54.0 Lecture hours

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

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 173

Prerequisites:
NURS 163 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 162 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SOCI 160 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 172 Health Challenges 1

Your studies will focus on the concepts of holistic nursing care related to specific health challenges of the older adult. You will discuss the concepts related to growth and development of the adult and older adult, and examine the concept of polypharmacy in the older adult. You will also discuss the introductory concepts of microbiology and selected specific microorganisms. You will explore the chain of infection and learn about emerging infections in Canadian communities.

3.0 Credit Units
44.0 Lecture hours

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

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 174

Prerequisites:
NURS 171 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 162 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

PRAC 162 Practicum 1

You will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in holistic nursing care of individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living in the context of partnership with the client.

5.0 Credit Units
70.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

Prerequisites:
( NURS 161 Minimum Grade of 60 or NURS 170 Minimum Grade of P) and NURS 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 171 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 172 Minimum Grade of 60 and APHY 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and SOCI 160 Minimum Grade of 60

SOCI 160 Sociology 1

In this course you will learn about the process of socialization, and discuss how culture affects the totality of our lives. You will examine social deviance and social control and look at the social dynamics of racial, ethnic, and minority groups in our society. The processes and effects of social stratification will be discussed.

3.0 Credit Units
39.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 184

Semester 2

APHY 262 Anatomy and Physiology 2

You will study the human body, how it is constructed and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. The course builds on the information you learned in APHY 162 (Anatomy and Physiology 1). You will focus on the study of systems involved with integration, control, absorption, excretion and reproduction. You will apply your theoretical knowledge in practical setting by performing dissections of specimens as part of the mandatory lab component.

4.0 Credit Units
42.0 Lecture hours
20.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): ANAT 265 NURS 111

Prerequisites:
APHY 162 Minimum Grade of 60

NURS 238 Nursing Arts 2

You will focus on the development and application of nursing competencies associated with rehabilitative and supportive care of the adult. Your experiential learning will emphasize caring for individuals with chronic health challenges.

10.0 Credit Units
12.0 Lecture hours
47.0 Lab hours
90.0 Other hours

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

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 201

Prerequisites:
PRAC 162 Minimum Grade of P and NURS 240 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NURS 291 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NURS 293 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 264 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 240 Personal and Professional Relationships 2

You will focus on therapeutic relationships with an emphasis on caring, advocacy and diversity. You will explore trends and issues in nursing. You will discuss the scope of professional practice for the practical nurse.

3.0 Credit Units
18.0 Lecture hours
27.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
PRAC 162 Minimum Grade of P

NURS 291 Health and Healing 2

You will focus on rehabilitative and supportive care
within an interdisciplinary team. You will explore
palliative and rehabilitative nursing with an emphasis
on valuing client self-determination, ecologic
approaches, and holistic wellness. You will also
examine mental health nursing and explore the mental
health services available in Saskatchewan. In
addition, you will build upon your basic reporting
and recording skills.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours

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

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 239

Prerequisites:
PRAC 162 Minimum Grade of P and NURS 240 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 264 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 293 Health Challenges 2

Your studies will focus on the concepts of holistic nursing care related to specific health challenges of the adult. Using the primary health care approach, you will explore chronic health challenges specific to various body systems.

3.0 Credit Units
41.0 Lecture hours

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

Prerequisites:
PRAC 162 Minimum Grade of P and NURS 291 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

PHAR 160 Introductory Pharmacology

You will study the basic concepts of pharmacology and related nursing responsibilities in the context of patient safety. Your studies will focus on medication classifications, preparations, as well as medication interactions in the human body. You will receive information about Canadian laws pertaining to medications. You will study and research selected medication classifications in depth. You will examine patient safety principles at the systems level and the practitioner level.

3.0 Credit Units
46.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 213

Prerequisites:
APHY 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

PHAR 264 Administration of Medications

You will focus on the administration of medications throughout the lifespan in the context of systems and patient safety. Your studies will include aspects of the metric system essential for the classification of medication dosages for adults and children. You will explore the principles concerning safe administration of medications and learn how to prepare and safely administer medications via the enteral, percutaneous and parenteral (subcutaneous, intramuscular and intradermal) routes.

3.0 Credit Units
43.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
( PRAC 162 Minimum Grade of P and PHAR 160 Minimum Grade of 60) (concurrent) or PHAR 201 Minimum Grade of 60

PRAC 260 Practicum 2

You will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in holistic nursing care of individuals requiring rehabilitative and/or supportive nursing care with the client as a partner.

7.0 Credit Units
110.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 233

Prerequisites:
NURS 238 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 240 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 291 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 293 Minimum Grade of 60 and APHY 262 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHAR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHAR 264 Minimum Grade of 60

Semester 3

NURS 241 Nursing Arts 3

You will focus on developing and applying nursing competencies associated with curative and restorative care across the lifespan. You will develop the beginning competencies necessary to assist childbearing families and children achieve health. Your experiential learning will emphasize caring for individuals with acute health challenges.

17.0 Credit Units
8.0 Lecture hours
28.0 Lab hours
213.0 Other hours

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

Prerequisites:
PRAC 260 Minimum Grade of P and NURS 243 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NURS 292 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NURS 294 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SOCI 260 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 243 Personal and Professional Relationships 3

You will reflect upon the professional roles, responsibilities and relationships of the practical nurse, within the context of your own evolving nursing experience and your role as a team member.

1.0 Credit Units
14.0 Lecture hours
6.0 Lab hours

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

Prerequisites:
PRAC 260 Minimum Grade of P

NURS 292 Health and Healing 3

You will focus on fundamental nursing concepts related to the curative and restorative care of children and adolescents. You will discuss family-centered perinatal nursing and the new family. You will also discuss growth and development from infancy to adolescence. You will explore the concepts of teaching and learning, and client education.

3.0 Credit Units
46.0 Lecture hours

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

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 242

Prerequisites:
PRAC 260 Minimum Grade of P and NURS 243 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 294 Health Challenges 3

Your studies will focus on the concepts of holistic nursing care related to specific health challenges of the perioperative client. You will study specific types of surgical treatment and post-operative nursing care, applying concepts of patient safety. Using the primary health care approach, you will explore the concepts of holistic nursing care related to health challenges of the adult. You will discuss specific challenges to learning.

3.0 Credit Units
44.0 Lecture hours

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

Prerequisites:
PRAC 260 Minimum Grade of P and NURS 292 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

SOCI 260 Sociology 2

This course examines changing family patterns in Canada, and analyzes how social factors influence family relationships. You will examine topics such as the functions and roles of families, changing definitions of the family, the development of intimate relationships, parenthood and child raising, how paid and unpaid work affect family life, divorce, and family violence.

3.0 Credit Units
39.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): FMLY 181

Prerequisites:
SOCI 160 Minimum Grade of 60

Semester 4

NURS 295 Nursing Transitions 4

You will integrate theory into your practice while providing holistic nursing care to individuals requiring curative and restorative nursing care. You will concentrate on the transition from the role of student to graduate practical nurse. You will be introduced to the leadership role in the health care system and the concept of patient safety from a systems approach. You will explore interprofessional collaboration in a health care team context.

26.0 Credit Units
42.0 Lecture hours
10.0 Lab hours
337.0 Other hours

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

Prerequisites:
NURS 241 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 243 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 292 Minimum Grade of 60 and NURS 294 Minimum Grade of 60 and SOCI 260 Minimum Grade of 60 and SOCI 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

SOCI 261 Sociology 3

You will further explore the concepts of sociology by focusing on respectful interactions when caring for clients of all cultures. Emphasis will be given to providing culturally respectful care to clients of Aboriginal ancestry across the lifespan. Diversity within the Aboriginal culture will be explored.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard