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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Practical Nurse
About
The Bow Valley College Practical Nurse program prepares students to deliver professional nursing care in a complex medical system. This intensive five-term program covers various areas of care, including child care, maternity nursing, community health, mental wellness, seniors care, and medicine.
Program Details
- Credential: Diploma
- Program length: 5 Terms
- Area: Health & Wellness
- School: School of Health and Wellness
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: Yes
Program Structure
The program is delivered through different pathways, including synchronous and asynchronous delivery. Synchronous delivery involves instructors and students meeting at a scheduled time in person or online, while asynchronous delivery allows students to access course materials at their own pace to prepare for scheduled assessments.
Work Integrated Learning
Students are required to travel to various locations to complete their work integrated learning placements. Placements may be outside the City of Calgary or in any area of Calgary, and every effort is made to schedule students for Work Integrated Learning placements within the time frame of the program.
After Graduation
Graduates are eligible to become licensed with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. They need to pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam to become licensed. There are also opportunities for continued studies after graduation, including:
- Thompson Rivers University Open Learning Division: Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of General Studies
- University of Lethbridge: Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences, Public Health
Admission Requirements
- English: Minimum 60% in English 30-1, or 70% in English 30-2, or equivalent
- Math: Credit in Math 20-1, or minimum 60% in Math 20-2, or equivalent
- Biology: Minimum 60% in Biology 30 or equivalent, or 64% in Bow Valley College Anatomy and Physiology (ANAT1101) or equivalent
Transfer Credits
Health care aide care providers can get credit for a limited number of courses. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is another option for those who have worked in a related health care field and believe they have the understanding of a particular course.
Preparing for Clinical Placements
- Police Information Check (PIC): With Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS), should be requested no sooner than 90 days prior to the start of the program.
- Immunizations: Rubella vaccination is strongly recommended, and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for many of the sites. Failure to provide evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination will delay program completion.
- CPR Certification: Students can ensure their CPR certification is up to date by taking FACP9101 Basic Life Support CPR Healthcare provider level through Extended Education.
- N95 Mask Fitting: Students will have an opportunity to get an N95 mask fitting at the downtown campus before they begin their first placement.
Transferability
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which the student applies.
Available Intakes
- September 2025: Domestic registration closed, international registration not offered
- January 2026: Domestic registration open, international registration not offered
- March 2026: Domestic registration open, international registration not offered
Tuition and Fees
Domestic Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $3,282 | $605 | $3,887 |
| Term 2 | $2,896 | $605 | $3,501 |
| Term 3 | $2,990 | $605 | $3,595 |
| Term 4 | $2,848 | $605 | $3,453 |
| Term 5 | $1,794 | $605 | $2,399 |
International Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $7,345 | $605 | $7,950 |
| Term 2 | $7,077 | $605 | $7,682 |
| Term 3 | $7,689 | $605 | $8,294 |
| Term 4 | $6,325 | $605 | $6,930 |
| Term 5 | $4,311 | $605 | $4,916 |
Courses
Term 1
- ANAT1101: Anatomy And Physiology
- COMM1101: Interpersonal Relationships And Communication Skills
- ENGL1201: English: Composition
- NURS1101: Nursing Arts
Term 2
- NURS1102: Applied Pharmacology
- NURS1103: Pathophysiology
- NURS1504: Care of the Older Adult
Term 3
- NURS1401: Clinical 1: Foundational
- NURS2204: Nursing Foundations III
- NURS2501: Maternity Nursing
- NURS2502: Pediatric Nursing
- PSYC1201: Human Growth And Development Across The Life Span
Term 4
- NURS2402: Clinical II: Medical/Surgical
- NURS2503: Mental Health Nursing
- NURS2504: Community Nursing
- SOCI1301: Sociology of Aging
Term 5
- NURS2303: Nursing Trends and Issues
- NURS2403: Clinical 3: Medical/ Surgical
- NURS2995: Professional Preceptorship
