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Practical Nurse

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiJanuary 2026 (Blended Delivery) – Offered every other year / Application opens Winter 2025
 
Domestic
MiramichiSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic
WoodstockJanuary 2025 (Blended Delivery)  Domestic
WoodstockSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic
St. AndrewsJanuary 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic
St. AndrewsSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery) - Not Available for New Applications Domestic
Fredericton September 2025 (Blended Delivery) Domestic

Program Overview

Practical Nurses are focused on providing quality care and support. They work in collaboration with doctors and registered nurses as important members of the healthcare team in a number of specialized areas, including: medicine, surgery, geriatrics, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health and community nursing. Our clinical training will equip you with firsthand experience caring for patients at all life stages and will inspire you to cultivate a rewarding nursing practice. With the increasing aging population and the continuous need for care, skilled Practical Nurses are in demand.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile H

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • One (1) science from the following
      • Biology 112 or 122
      • Chemistry 112 or 122
      • Physics 112 or 122

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    As a graduate of this program, you may be employed within a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, community and many non-traditional settings.



    Specific Considerations

    The developed a document Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada Requisite Skills and Abilities for individuals to determine their ability to meet the LPN demands for a career. This is a useful document to provide a snapshot of the nature and types of activities involved in a typical entry level practice (Cognitive, Communication, Behavioural, Sensory Perceptual, Physical, Environmental).

    You will be asked to submit proof of immunization, by following the instructions on the standardized ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ . In addition, various health facilities throughout the province may require the completion of their medical/immunization form and proof of valid CPR Level HCP with AED certification before clinical practicums can occur. Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned may be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate. Additionally Nursing Homes will require verification of a Social Development (SD) check which is done to determine whether the applicant has any contraventions under the Family Services Act. Please note, when a student goes for a Nursing Home placement, the agency has the responsibility to send in the request for a SD check.

    To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.

    Additional expenses may be incurred as a result of attendance at professional workshops and the annual meeting of ANBLPN.

    The nature of this profession requires a sincere desire to work with and help other people, at times under challenging circumstances. The individual who chooses this profession should demonstrate optimal mental and physical health and fitness, stamina and motivation. You should also respect and recognize the dignity of each individual you meet and be willing to work shifts and occasional weekends.

    For further information regarding Licensed Practical Nurses, please refer to the .

    International applicants are not currently eligible for this program.

    Technology Requirements
    ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Pathophysiology
    • Geriatric Nursing
    • Pharmacology and Medication Administration
    • Ethical and Legal aspects of Nursing
    • Maternal, Newborn and Pediatric Nursing
    • Mental Health Nursing
    • Community Nursing
    • Clinical practicum and laboratory experience
    • Nursing skills and assessments for individuals across the lifespan
    • Critical thinking and clinical judgement
    • Therapeutic and professional communication and collaboration
    • Trauma informed and culturally competent nursing care
    • Community Engagement
    • Workplace and individual wellness and safety


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course focuses on developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to manage healthcare challenges and guide ethical decision making. The learner will explore ethical expectations and legal responsibilities of a healthcare professional.  Utilizing personal reflection and critical thinking, the learner will apply ethical principles and theories, the ANBLPN Code of Ethics, professional standards, and legal frameworks to promote professional practice. 

    This course is designed to introduce the professional language of medical terminology and abbreviations. Learners will decipher terminology in order to understand the meaning and use of language associated with various body systems. 

    This course introduces the learner to the structure and function of the human body in its healthy state. Learners will examine individual body systems, their components and processes, and how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis.

    This course introduces the learner to reading comprehension and academic writing. The learner will employ foundational reading and writing skills to enhance communication in the academic and workplace setting.   

    This course provides learners with an overview of theories and principles of human growth and development to support the delivery of holistic care. Learners will identify physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial theories and their application across the lifespan. Nutrition and the Determinants of Health will be studied as influential factors in growth and development. Learners will also study palliative care, the grieving process, and spiritual and cultural influences at end-of-life. 

    This course provides an introduction to alterations in mental health. The learner will explore the history of mental health care, concepts of mental health, common alterations, techniques to prevent and manage aggressive behavior, and strategies to support well-being for the client and self. 

    This course introduces learners to the history, delivery, and components of the healthcare system as it aligns with the nursing profession. Learners will explore the role of the practical nurse and personal support worker in the Canadian Healthcare system as they aspire to the professional expectations of their designation and applicable licensing bodies.

    In this course, the learner will explore various changes that occur with aging.  The learner will study population growth, expected physiological, psychosocial and emotional changes, pathophysiological alterations, and elder abuse.  Activities supporting cognition and well-being to effectively meet the aging population's needs will also be studied. 
     

    This course provides the learner with introductory knowledge and techniques for developing professional communication and therapeutic relationships. The learner will explore the skills necessary to communicate within the healthcare environment effectively.  

    This theory course provides the learner with the foundational knowledge of skills and rationales required for safe, holistic client-centered care.  The learner will study the concepts of client safety, medical asepsis, hygiene, focused integumentary system assessment, elimination, nutrition, mobility, and documentation. 

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1184B

    This laboratory course provides the learner with the opportunity to practice the knowledge from NCSI 1183A. This application of skills will occur through a hands-on approach in a lab setting. The learner will apply theoretical knowledge of client safety, medical asepsis, hygiene, focused integumentary system assessment, elimination, nutrition, mobility, and documentation.  
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1183B

    This clinical enables the learner to apply theoretical concepts and skills learned in NCSI 1183A and NCSI 1184A. The learner will demonstrate personal care skills, assessments, and rationales associated with the long-term care of adult and/or geriatric clients. 

    Prerequisites:

    • HCSS1087A
    • NCSI1181A
    • NCSI1182A
    • NCSI1183B
    • NCSI1184B
    • SECU1221G

    This theory course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI1183 and NCSI1184, and introduces medical-surgical nursing concepts and skills. The learner will study vital signs, neurological vital signs, simple wound management, oxygen therapy, application of bandages, binders and immobility devices, hot and cold therapy, bowel and bladder elimination, enteral nutrition via gastrostomy tube, specimen collection, client undergoing a minimally invasive procedure, and post-mortem care. The learner will also study basic system assessments, focused gastrointestinal system assessment, and documentation of skills and assessments.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1185B
    • NCSI1189B

    This laboratory course reinforces the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI 1188A. The learner will apply theoretical knowledge of medical-surgical nursing concepts and skills. Through hands-on lab practice and simulation, learners will develop skills in vital signs, neurological vital signs, simple wound management, oxygen therapy, application of bandages, binders, and immobility devices, hot and cold therapy, bowel and bladder elimination, enteral nutrition via gastrostomy tube, specimen collection, client undergoing a minimally invasive procedure and post mortem care. The learner will also practice basic system assessments, focused gastrointestinal system assessment, and documentation of skills and assessments. 
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1185B
    • NCSI1188B

    This clinical provides the learner with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1188 and NCSI 1189. Learners will demonstrate skills and provide rationales associated with the care of a subacute medical-surgical client. Ongoing development of critical thinking and clinical judgment will be practiced to provide safe, holistic care to meet the client’s individual needs.

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1185B
    • NCSI1188B
    • NCSI1189B

    This theory course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI 1183 and NCSI 1188. The learner will study complex wound management, enteral nutrition, oxygen management, IV maintenance, hypodermoclysis therapy, specimen collection, eye and ear irrigation, urinary catheterization, and post-operative care. Comprehensive assessments of the musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and peripheral vascular systems will be studied. This course incorporates the nursing process to support the care of an acute medical and/or surgical client. 

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1190B
    • NCSI1192B

    This lab course builds on the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1191. The learner will apply the theory of complex wound management, enteral nutrition, oxygen management, IV maintenance, hypodermoclysis therapy, specimen collection, eye and ear irrigation, urinary catheterization, and post-operative care. Comprehensive assessments of the musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and peripheral vascular systems will be practiced. This course incorporates the nursing process to support the care of an acute medical and/or surgical client. It is expected that the learner will incorporate knowledge and skills from the previous theory and lab skills courses.

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1190B
    • NCSI1191B

    This clinical provides the learner with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI1191 and NCSI1192. The learner will demonstrate skills and provide rationales associated with the care of an acute client. The learner will apply critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to provide safe, holistic care to meet client’s individual needs. 

    Prerequisites:

    • PATH1187B
    • NCSI1190B
    • NCSI1191B
    • NCSI1192B

    This course explores the delivery and management of mental health in Canada. Learners will study components of mental health assessment, therapies, and medications used to treat mental health disorders. Signs and symptoms, treatment options, nursing considerations, and client education will be discussed for the following: anxiety, depressive, somatic, eating, dissociative, personality, and psychotic disorders.

    Prerequisites:

    • MENT1019A

    This course builds on the concepts introduced in NCSI 1182.  The learner will explore phases of the nurse-client relationship, and communication techniques that support information gathering and client-centered care.  Nursing care plans will be examined using critical thinking skills to support optimal client outcomes. The learner will recognize the practical nurse’s role and responsibility for client and family health education.  Nursing leadership qualities and skills will also be studied to enhance professional, collaborative practice. 

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1182A
    • PATH1187B
    • ETHI1065A

    This course focuses on fundamental concepts for maternal and newborn nursing care. The learner will study maternal and newborn assessments, complications, and nursing care.
    Pre-natal and post-partum education will also be reviewed. The learner will develop an understanding of the practical nurse’s role in caring for maternal and newborn clients during the perinatal period.  

    Prerequisites:

    • HCSS1089A
    • NCSI1205B

    This course examines community health concepts and nursing practices that support healthy populations. The learner will study community nursing history, settings, health promotion, epidemiological principles, assessment modalities, Indigenous health, and vulnerable populations. Communicable disease prevention, environmental health, and disaster management will also be studied. 

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1195B

    This course focuses on fundamental nursing concepts for the pediatric client and family. The learner will build upon previous nursing knowledge in adapting a family-centered nursing approach for the care and health promotion of the pediatric client. The learner will study assessment technique alterations, family centered nursing care, and common pediatric conditions. Communicable diseases and the Canadian vaccine schedule will also be reviewed. The learner will develop an understanding of the practical nurse’s role in caring for pediatric clients. 

    Prerequisites:

    • HCSS1089A
    • NCSI1205B

    This clinical course provides the learner with opportunities to apply community health concepts and nursing practices from NCSI1197. The learner will work with community agencies to develop an awareness of services and engage in activities which promote healthy populations.

     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1197B
    • NCSI1193B

    This clinical allows the learner to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1205, NCSI 1206, and NCSI 1207. Learners will demonstrate previously learned system assessments, advanced skills, and rationales associated with the care of an acute care client. This clinical experience will enhance the development of nursing skills, leadership qualities, client education, and individual competence to prepare the learner for preceptorship. 
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1205B
    • NCSI1195B
    • PATH1037B

    This clinical provides opportunities for the learner to apply the knowledge and skills from previous nursing theory, lab, clinical courses, and NCSI1196. The learner will practice assessments and care of the mother and newborn, and provide perinatal health promotion and education. This clinical experience will reinforce the practical nurse’s role in the care of maternal and newborn clients.  

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1196B
    • NCSI1205B

    This clinical allows the learner to apply the knowledge and skills from PHMC 1032, PHMC 1033, and PHMC 1034. The learner will apply previously learned assessments and critical thinking skills to administer scheduled and PRN medications safely. Various oral, enteral, percutaneous, parenteral, and intravenous routes will be demonstrated when opportunity permits in the clinical environment. 
     
     

    Prerequisites:

    • PHMC1033B
    • PHMC1034B
    • NCSI1193B

    This clinical allows the learner to apply the knowledge and skills from previous nursing theory, lab, clinical courses, and NCSI 1198. The learner will practice holistic, developmentally appropriate nursing assessments and care in a pediatric setting. This clinical experience will reinforce the adaptations required when caring for a pediatric client. 

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1198B
    • NCSI1205B

    This clinical allows the learner to assess and care for clients in a mental health setting. The focus of this clinical includes use of assessment tools, awareness of mental health treatments, observation of behavior, development of therapeutic relationships, and strengthening communication skills. Learners will integrate previously learned theories, assessments, skills, and the nursing process in providing care for clients experiencing mental health alterations. 
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1193B
    • NCSI1194B
    • NCSI1195B

    This clinical provides learners with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1206 and NCSI 1207. Learners will demonstrate advanced skills and rationales associated with the care of an acute care client. Learners will apply previously learned system assessments, critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to provide safe, holistic care to meet client’s individual needs in the clinical environment.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1206B
    • NCSI1207B

    This theory course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in previous nursing skills courses. The learner will be introduced to advanced medical surgical nursing concepts and skills. The learner will study admission, transfer and discharge procedures, peripheral intravenous initiation, central venous access device assessment, phlebotomy, blood and blood products (transfusion protocol), nasogastric tube for decompression, airway management, tracheostomy care, chest tube care, bladder irrigation and assessment of parenteral nutrition. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the nursing process will be emphasized. 

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1193B
    • NCSI1207B

    This lab course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI 1206. Through hands-on practice and simulation, the learner will perform advanced medical-surgical nursing concepts and skills. The learner will study admission, transfer and discharge procedures, peripheral intravenous initiation, phlebotomy, blood and blood products (transfusion protocol), nasogastric tube for decompression, airway management, tracheostomy care, chest tube care, bladder irrigation, and assessment of parenteral nutrition. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the nursing process will be emphasized. 
       

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1206B
    • NCSI1193B

    This preceptorship provides the learner with a comprehensive clinical experience under the guidance of an assigned preceptor. Integrating the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical judgment will further develop autonomous practice. The learner will apply nursing knowledge and skills, function as an effective member of the health care team, and implement ethical, legal, and cultural safety principles into practice.  

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1200B

    This self-directed course prepares the learner for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). Strategies that assist with the interpretation of exam questions will be explored. The learner will practice a variety of multiple-choice and case study exam questions, covering a broad range of nursing topics. This course simulates the national exam writing experience and provides a comprehensive review of nursing knowledge, skills, and assessments.  
     

    Prerequisites:

    • NCSI1208B

    This course will build upon existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology by examining diseases and disorders that produce alterations in physiological function. The learner will study disease etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic tests. An overview of medical and/or surgical management, nursing assessments, interventions, and client education will also be studied.  

    Prerequisites:

    • PATH1187B

    This course builds upon existing knowledge from HCSS 1087A by examining diseases and disorders that produce alterations in physiological function. The learner will study disease etiology and pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, medical management, client assessments, and care.  

    Prerequisites:

    • HCSS1087A

    This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities. 

    This course introduces the learner to concepts of pharmacology. The learner will examine pharmacological principles and Canadian regulations for medication safety. The learner will study indications for use, side effects, and nursing considerations from various medication classifications. Alternative pharmacotherapies and potential interactions will also be discussed.

    Prerequisites:

    • PATH1187B

    This laboratory course will reinforce the knowledge, techniques and guiding principles learned in PHMC1034A. The learner will practice using credible resources, protocols for medication errors, controlled substance management, and using storage and distribution systems. Through hands-on practice, the learner will demonstrate accurate dose calculation, safe administration techniques, the rights of medication administration, and documentation.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • PHMC1032B
    • PHMC1034B

    This course will introduce the learner to principles of medication administration according to the practical nurse scope of practice. The learner will develop knowledge and skills regarding the rights of medication administration, storage and distribution systems, credible drug resources, accurate dose calculation, and safe administration techniques. Protocols for medication errors, controlled substance management, and documentation specific to medication administration will also be studied.  

    Prerequisites:

    • PHMC1032B
    • PHMC1033B

    A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.


    NOC Codes

    32101 - Licensed practical nurses


    Articulation Agreements

    Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
    ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.


     


    Institution: St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Arts - Gerontology for Practical Nurse Degree
    The BAA in Gerontology for Practical Nurse is a program of study that provides linked credentials.  The student is awarded a diploma by ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ following the equivalent of two years of successful didactic and clinical study in the program.  The BAA in Gerontology for Practical Nurse degree, is awarded by STU, following successful completion of Year 3 and 4 at STU.
    Institution: Griffith University
    Information: Griffith University will grant up to one and a half (1.5) years of advanced standing (ie. entry into the fourth semester) of the Bachelor of Nursing Degree to graduates of the Practical Nurse program.
    Institution: Athabasca University
    Information: ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ Practical Nurse graduates may receive 45 credits towards the following Athabasca programs:

    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services (BPA-HSRV)
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice (BPA-CRJS)
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management (BPA-GLM)
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communications (BPA-CMNS)

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.