Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a crucial role in modern healthcare settings, serving in acute hospital care, long-term care facilities, and community health services. They are dedicated to delivering compassionate and professional nursing care across all stages of life, from infants to seniors. If you’re intrigued by this dynamic profession, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Practical Nursing program offers an excellent pathway.
Founded on a legacy of over half a century in providing quality education, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has been a pioneer in healthcare training. The Practical Nursing program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in just two years. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience and theoretical understanding, preparing you to become a competent and confident nurse capable of making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
By combining classroom learning with practical training, the program ensures you develop critical thinking abilities, clinical proficiency, and interpersonal skills essential for the healthcare field. Whether you aspire to work in a hospital, a nursing home, or a community health setting, Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides a supportive environment to nurture your growth as a healthcare professional.
Practical Nursing program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Joining the Practical Nursing program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic opens doors to a rewarding career where you can contribute significantly to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients. It’s an opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey dedicated to caring for others and making a positive difference in the healthcare sector.
Practical Nursing at Sask Polytech offers a comprehensive two-year diploma program available at Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert campuses, with flexible online learning options. This program integrates theoretical learning with hands-on experience through onsite labs and community-based clinical practice placements, allowing students to apply nursing knowledge and skills across various healthcare settings.
Spanning six sequential semesters over 76 weeks, the program is structured to build upon concepts from one semester to the next, ensuring a cohesive and thorough educational experience over the two years. This approach not only deepens understanding but also prepares students to meet the dynamic challenges of modern healthcare.
Classes are thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse learning styles, enhancing student engagement and comprehension. Experienced faculty members guide students through the curriculum, fostering growth into competent and confident nurses who embody a holistic and humanistic approach to patient care.
Throughout the program, students delve into a range of essential topics, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Theory and Practice
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Child Health
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
By emphasizing practical application and critical thinking, Sask Polytech’s Practical Nursing program equips graduates with the skills and compassion needed to excel in the nursing profession. It prepares them to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities, setting a strong foundation for a fulfilling healthcare career.
The Practical Nursing program integrates critical reflection on caring-based practice, enhances employability skills, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the licensed practical nurse’s (LPN) role and scope of practice. These elements are woven into various learning activities throughout the curriculum to prepare students for a successful healthcare career.
A distinctive feature of the program is its integrative clinical practice education courses, where students apply theoretical concepts learned in other courses to real-world healthcare settings. Performance evaluations during clinical rotations gauge the application of these concepts, ensuring students progress toward mastering the competencies expected of entry-level practical nurses.
Clinical rotations are mandatory and offer experiences in both urban and rural settings, enriching students’ understanding of diverse healthcare environments. It’s important to note that students are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from clinical sites, regardless of location, including costs for transportation, accommodation, and meals.
The program is structured across six semesters, each focusing on specific aspects of nursing care:
- Semester 1: Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
- Semester 2: Rehabilitative and Supportive Care
- Semester 3: Restorative and Curative Care
- Semester 4: Acute Medical and Surgical Care
- Semester 5: Acute Medical Surgical Care, Maternal-Child Health, and Community Health
- Semester 6: Transition from Student to Graduate Nurse
This semester-by-semester focus ensures a progressive and comprehensive approach to developing the skills and knowledge necessary for effective nursing practice. By the end of the program, graduates are well-prepared to transition from student roles to professional LPNs, equipped with the competence and confidence to deliver compassionate and competent care across various healthcare settings.
“Discovering Excellence: Why Choose Sask Polytech for Practical Nursing?
At Sask Polytech, we pride ourselves on being one of Canada’s foremost educators in nursing. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our small class sizes, which foster meaningful interactions with dedicated faculty members.
We prioritize hands-on learning through state-of-the-art simulation centers that replicate real-life scenarios, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Our clinical practice education further enhances this experience, providing invaluable opportunities to integrate nursing skills and knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.
Through these immersive learning experiences, Sask Polytech ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare and make a positive impact in their careers as compassionate and skilled nurses.
“Immersive Hands-On Learning at Sask Polytech”
At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, we emphasize hands-on learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world healthcare experiences.
Lab and Simulation: Our state-of-the-art labs and high-fidelity simulation centers provide a dynamic environment where students apply their nursing knowledge and skills. Through simulated scenarios that mirror actual healthcare settings, students gain practical experience and confidence in handling diverse patient care situations.
Clinical Practice Education: Each semester includes a clinical practice component, allowing students to translate theoretical learning into practical application. Clinical experiences span various healthcare settings such as long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, acute care hospitals, and community health settings. This exposure ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of nursing practice across different environments.
Experience with Preceptors: In the final phase of the program, students work closely with preceptors licensed LPNs registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan (CLPNS). This mentorship period supports students in their transition from student nurses to fully competent professionals, offering invaluable guidance and practical insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of an LPN.
These integrated learning opportunities at Sask Polytech prepare students not only to meet but to excel in the demands of modern healthcare, fostering the skills and confidence needed for a successful nursing career.
Local Learning Made Accessible
At Sask Polytech, you have the option to enroll in the Practical Nursing diploma program online, offering flexibility to study from home while accessing essential hands-on experiences. This innovative program structure allows students to engage in class theory remotely and participate in scheduled labs, seminars, and clinical placements in either Regina or Saskatoon.
The online program features designated clinical spots at each site, ensuring students receive comprehensive practical training in real healthcare settings. Typically, labs, seminars, and clinical experiences are scheduled a few days per week throughout each semester, enabling students to balance their studies with other commitments.
To maintain academic integrity, online students are required to write their exams at approved invigilation sites such as Saskatchewan Polytechnic Testing Centers or Regional Colleges. With prior approval, additional sites like Elementary or Secondary Schools may be utilized. It’s the responsibility of online students to schedule their exams at the chosen invigilating site and cover any associated expenses, ensuring a seamless examination process.
This approach not only accommodates students who prefer or require distance learning but also ensures they receive the same rigorous education and practical training as their on-campus counterparts. By offering this flexible pathway, Sask Polytech supports students in achieving their academic and professional goals in practical nursing, regardless of their location.
Professionalize Your Path: Attain Credentials with Sask Polytech
The Practical Nursing program at Sask Polytech is fully accredited by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan (CLPNS), ensuring graduates meet rigorous standards for licensure. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). Passing this exam is a crucial step towards becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Canada, enabling graduates to practice professionally and contribute effectively to the healthcare field. This accreditation and exam eligibility highlight Sask Polytech’s commitment to providing quality education that prepares students for successful careers in practical nursing.
Insights into Salaries and Opportunities
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) enjoy abundant employment opportunities across diverse healthcare settings. Many LPNs find rewarding careers in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, medical centers, and long-term care settings. Within these environments, LPNs can specialize in various fields such as gerontology, maternal-child health, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, palliative care, pediatric nursing, rehabilitation, or surgical nursing—choosing an area that aligns with their interests and career aspirations.
Beyond traditional healthcare settings, LPNs can also pursue careers in community settings, including nursing clinics, home care agencies, private nursing agencies, community health centers, or physician’s offices. This flexibility allows LPNs to provide essential care within communities, supporting diverse patient populations in different care contexts.
Graduates of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Practical Nursing program benefit from national reciprocity, enabling them to practice in any province in Canada or the Northwest Territories without additional licensing hurdles. Furthermore, our alumni have successfully secured positions not only across Canada but also internationally, including opportunities in the United States and overseas.
This broad spectrum of employment opportunities underscores the versatility and value of practical nursing education from Sask Polytech, empowering graduates to make significant contributions to healthcare globally while pursuing fulfilling careers aligned with their professional goals.
Admission requirements
The Practical Nursing program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic follows a competitive admission process, ensuring that applicants meet rigorous academic and professional standards. Here are the detailed admission requirements and additional considerations:
Academic Requirements:
- Applicants must have completed Grade 12 with a minimum overall score of 65% in specific subjects: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30, or Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30.
- Additionally, one of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, or Physics 30, and one of Social Studies 30, History 30, or Native Studies 30 are required.
English Language Requirement:
- Specific English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply to the Practical Nursing program. Applicants must meet the program-specific ELP requirements as outlined.
Application Process:
- Applicants must indicate their preference for either the on-campus or online program on the application form.
Professional Requirements:
- Applicants should possess the Requisite Skills and Abilities necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada.
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance:
- Accepted applicants must provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search at the time of admission. Admission to clinical or work placements may be declined based on the results of these checks.
- Proof of current Standard First Aid and Heart and Stroke Foundation CPR certification (Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider) is required before entry into clinical practicum placements.
- Accepted applicants must also show evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification.
- Current immunization records meeting Saskatchewan Polytechnic requirements are mandatory before entry into clinical experience.
- Accepted applicants are required to undergo N95 respirator mask testing before clinical experiences, with costs covered by the student.
- Evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification is required upon admission, with recertification needed every three years.
These comprehensive requirements ensure that students admitted to the Practical Nursing program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic are fully prepared academically, professionally, and medically to excel in their nursing education and future careers.
Tuition and fees
The cost estimates provided are based on current rates and are subject to change for the 2023-24 academic year. These figures encompass all mandatory fees, along with approximate expenses for books and supplies. It’s important to note that tuition amounts may vary depending on the campus location. Here is the breakdown:
On-Campus Program:
- Year 1: $12,030
- Year 2: $8,380
Online Program:
- Year 1: $11,600
- Year 2: $7,950
For a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees specific to this program, including any updates or additional charges, please refer to the Tuition and Fees webpage. This resource provides comprehensive information to help prospective students plan financially for their Practical Nursing education at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Academic Program Schedule
The Practical Nursing program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic adheres to a structured academic schedule designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in nursing over two years. Here’s an overview of the program’s academic schedule:
Year One:
- Semester 1 (September – December): Students begin their journey with foundational courses and practical skills development.
- Semester 2 (January – April): Building on the first semester, students delve deeper into nursing theory and begin to apply their knowledge in simulated and clinical settings.
- Semester 3 (May – June): This semester focuses on integrating theoretical learning with hands-on clinical practice, preparing students for more advanced nursing responsibilities.
Year Two:
- Semester 4 (September – December): Students advance their skills in acute care settings and further explore specialized areas of nursing practice.
- Semester 5 (January – April): Continuing their education, students deepen their understanding of complex healthcare scenarios and refine their clinical competencies.
- Semester 6 (May – June): The final semester emphasizes the transition from student to graduate nurse, focusing on professional readiness and preparation for licensure.
This structured timeline ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that progresses logically from foundational concepts to advanced clinical practice. It also aligns with industry standards and prepares graduates to enter the workforce confidently as skilled and compassionate practical nurses.
Visit the link below for more information: Program Official Website
Other Related Articles: Exploring the Finest Trade Schools in Canada
Exploring the Finest Trade Schools in Canada
Breaking into the Medical Field: The Lowdown on Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships
