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Practical Nurse

Oulton-College- Practical Nursing Website Bannner

“Nurses are the heart of health care” Donna Wilt Cardillo

You are:

  • Caring & dedicated
  • Professional
  • Looking to make a difference in the world
  • Heavily interested in health & wellness

What exactly is a Practical Nurse?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are responsible for providing care to individuals and families using a wide range of skills within an extensive scope of practice. LPNs work in collaboration with many different interdisciplinary teams such as Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapists and physicians. For more information on becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada, please visit the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators website at www.ccpnr.ca.

What kinds of skills will I learn?

Our Practical Nurse Program provides hands-on practical experience and training in:

  • Adult Physical Assessment: the assessment of individuals with chronic and acute illnesses; health promotion for individuals and families, and implementation of nursing care plans.
  • Pharmacology: medication administration/IV initiation
  • Charting and Documentation
  • Communications and Interpersonal Skills
  • Standards of Practice, Entry Level Competencies, and Code of Ethics
  • Specialties: long-term care, and acute care competencies such as: maternity and emergency departments

Note: Approximately 17 weeks of clinical and practicum placements as well as approximately 30 community placement hours.

What kind of hands-on training will I receive?

Along with classroom sessions, you will have the opportunity to train and practice skills learned in the classroom in our state-of-the-art Nursing lab – equipped with all the tools you need to make you the best you can be. You will also participate in up to 15 weeks of clinical & practicum experience in health care settings that will help you perfect the skills necessary to deliver care and enhance your resume.

Is the program accredited?

Our Practical Nurse Program is the first private college program in New Brunswick and the only private college in the Maritimes to have full accreditation status awarded by the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN).

Read about the requisites and skills required to become an LPN in Canada.

September Start

  • Term (Year 1): Sept – Aug
  • Term (Year 2): Sept – May
  • Practicum / Clinicals: 15 weeks

February Start

  • Term (Year 1): Feb – Feb
  • Term (Year 2): Feb – Oct
  • Practicum / Clinicals: 15 weeks

Admissions Requirements:

  • Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology* with a minimum average of 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 English* with a minimum average of 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 Math* with a minimum average of 65%
  • Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
  • Completion of a Faculty Interview
  • Completion of the Pre-Admissions Aptitude Test
  • Acceptance by the Admissions Committee
  • Completion of the Pre-Enrollment Package
  • Geographical quotas may be considered
  • Additional high school or university courses considered an asset

*Level II or University Preparatory courses are required based on New Brunswick Anglophone High School Curriculum. For other provincial or international requirements please contact us directly.

Unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction, international students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency:

  • CAEL – minimum score of 60 
  • IELTS – 6.0, with no individual score lower than 5.5 
  • TOEFL (IBT) – 80, with no individual score lower than 18 
  • MELAB – minimum score of 80 
  • Duolingo – minimum score of 105 with no subject test score less than 95
  • Cambridge English – minimum score of 169 
  • Pearson Test of English – minimum score of 50 

Please see the international application process here.

Admissions Requirements – French School System

    • Diplôme grade 12, diplôme adulte ou GED
    • Rencontre avec un Admission Advisor
    • Anglais 311 ou 411 ou 421 avec un minimum de 65%
    • Biologie 411 ou 421 avec un minimum de 65%
    • Math 311B ou 321B avec un minimum de 65%
    • Test Pré-Admission
    • Entrevue de Faculté
    • Des quotas géographiques peuvent être considérés

Course Descriptions:

102/202/302/402/502 Clinical Practice

During this series of clinical courses, students will provide care, education and interventions in practice. Clinics may be held on site or in a variety of agency/clinical settings. Clinics will be sequenced appropriately based on theory material covered. Clinical practice will be experienced in settings including, but not limited to: medical/surgical, maternal, geriatrics, pediatrics, mental health as well as a variety of community settings. *Although some clinic/lab sessions will be on site, students will be responsible for travel and costs associated with relocation, travel and other to access assigned clinical sites. Clinical rotations are scheduled throughout the program.

102 Beginning Nursing Skills Lab

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to perform basic nursing skills that are commonly required in the care of patients. These skills are required in acute, long term and community settings. In addition to classroom theory, the student will have an opportunity to practice and perform skills in the simulation lab. The student must be successful in both the theory and all lab components of this course.

103 Pre-Clinical Theory

Through an interactive classroom setting, students will gain knowledge of theory related to the Canadian Health Care System and the foundation of nursing.  Students will understand and practice the principles behind the skills that will be delivered at the bedside.  As well, students will be able to use and understand the terminology used in nursing.

104 Anatomy and Physiology I

This theory course discusses normal anatomy and physiology of the human body according to its levels of organization, from tissues to organs and major systems, with an overview of microbiology. Students will be introduced to medical terminology with focus on pronunciation, spelling and definitions. This knowledge will assist Practical Nursing students in developing evidence-informed strategies for the initial and on-going care of clients.

105 Communications and Interpersonal Skills

The student will gain the basic skills and techniques necessary for appropriate communication with staff, clients, family members and other health care providers.  The course focus will be from nursing theories that pertain to communication and basic human needs. This course will be delivered through interactive lecture, group activities, role-play and guest speakers.

106 Practice Standards for Health Care

Through an interactive classroom setting, students will actively engage in discussions regarding the practice of all types of care, as it relates to nursing.  Students will examine the roots of health care in Canada, the operations of primary health care and current challenges to the health care system.  Practice standards encompasses many topics including theoretical foundations, informatics, nursing care delivery models, legal responsibilities and ethics.  Professional nursing organizations, practice acts and Code of Ethics are discussed.  At the completion of this course, students will be able to describe and understand all aspects of practice standards for practical nurses in Canada and the impact of these standards on client care. 

107 Care of the Elderly

Through an interactive classroom setting, students will gain the knowledge of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and cognitive changes that are part of the normal aging process.  Students will learn the unique needs of the aging population and how to best care and communicate with them.

201 Intermediate Nursing Skills Lab

The lab experience will continue to be a time for students to integrate their knowledge and skills in providing simulated nursing care to fellow students and simulation equipment. The level of care the student will be able to provide will be of a higher level and their critical thinking will be tested with each scenario given.

203 Advanced Pre-Clinical Theory

students will build upon the knowledge and practical skills from the first term of the program.  Principles of asepsis, elimination, artificial airways and skin integrity are the main topics covered.  Students will understand the principles behind the skills that will be delivered at the bedside and be able to use and understand nursing terminology.

204 Anatomy & Physiology II

Applying knowledge gained from anatomy and physiology and other program courses to date, students will identify the etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, nursing interventions and treatments for clients with health alterations. Common diseases and conditions are studied to illustrate disease processes.

205 Nursing Process of Care

The student will gain the skills and techniques necessary to communicate through proper documentation, reporting and charting. The focus will be on the importance of providing a clear portrait of the client and family through documentation, while meeting legal requirements. Students will learn the five steps in the nursing process and discover that it is a problem-solving approach to identifying, diagnosing, and treating the health issues of the client.  This course will promote critical thinking and enable students to formulate a nursing diagnosis, implement interventions, and focus on client goals.  Students will also learn how to properly interview a client and incorporate their findings into a care plan.

206 Introduction to Pharmacology

This course will examine pharmacology as it pertains to the Licensed Practical Nurse in a variety of health care settings. This interactive class will explore many topics including interpreting physician’s orders, the use of drug terminology for describing how and why medications are taken, drug classifications and documentation. Students will be evaluated by testing, assignments and a group project.   

207 Nutrition and Healthy Living

Through interactive lessons, students will recognize and apply the principles of nutrition when assisting clients with their nutritional needs.  Students will study the relationship of nutritional status with health and various diseases states.  Factors that influence nutritional status are examined along with nutritional management of various diseases.

208 Introduction to Adult Physical Assessment I

Students will gain the knowledge of skills and techniques used in obtaining a full patient health history.  Head to toe physical assessment involving all body systems is discussed along with possible abnormalities and documentation of such findings.  This course will be delivered through lecture, simulation, self -assessment, role playing, videos and practical demonstration.

301 Phlebotomy Nursing Skills

During this lab experience, students will partake in the practical applications of phlebotomy and venipuncture. During this time, students will integrate their knowledge and skills in providing simulated nursing care to fellow students and simulation equipment. The level of care the student will be able to provide will be of a higher level and their critical thinking will be tested.

303 Phlebotomy

The course will provide the practical nursing student with a theoretical and working knowledge of specimen collection techniques. The topics covered in this course include: anatomy of the human blood circulation system, safety in phlebotomy, phlebotomy equipment, phlebotomy procedures, specimen considerations and special procedures.

304 Intro to Psych

Students will actively engage in discussions regarding the practice of all types of care, as it relates to nursing in mental health. This theory course covers aspects of mental health and psychiatric mental health nursing as pertains to the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse.  Theoretical models will be referenced as important factors in the development of therapeutic client relationships.  Assessment processes and nursing interventions will be compared for common clinical behaviors. At the completion of this course, students will be able to understand all aspects of psychiatric mental health in Canada, and how it affects client care.

305 Community/Leadership

Students will learn of the increasing importance of leadership in the health care field.  Students will learn how to manage difficult situations, have a keen awareness of personal and client values and develop the ability to make sound decisions. The development of health policy and the public health model in nursing are discussed and related to the role of public health and community nursing in Canada.  Students complete 12 hours of community placement during this course.  PN 405 follows this course as a continuation of Community Nursing & Leadership.

306 Palliative Care

Students will explore the concepts of palliation within the support workers’ scope of practice, examining topics such as client and family needs, spirituality, culture, loss, grief and care giver support.

307 Intro to Prenatal Care

This course is designed to introduce the student to the specialty of perinatal nursing, which focuses on promoting wellness in the care of women during their reproductive years. The course content emphasizes the “family-centered approach” which incorporates the importance of collaboration with both the woman and her family in order to provide optimal nursing care. During the course, we will address the changing needs of Canadian women during their childbearing years, focusing on cultural diversity and the Canadian health care system. A variety of women’s health issues will be discussed as well as the assessment and planning for pregnancy.

308 Adult Physical Assessment II

Through an interactive class, students will gain invaluable skills and techniques required in obtaining a full patient health history along with performing head to toe physical assessments and the possible abnormalities that may be discovered. The student will learn important health promotion and counseling information in order to facilitate patient teaching.

401 Advanced Lab Skills

This advanced lab course will better equip students to work in the health care field and to safely administer care. The lab experience will continue to be a time for students to integrate their knowledge and skills in providing simulated nursing care to fellow students and simulation equipment during an acute care setting.

403 Clinical Feedback

This course provides a regular forum for transfer of pertinent information among students and staff members regarding clinical practice. Students are encouraged to bring current issues that have an impact on health care provision or clinical practice for class discussion. Facilitation related to conflict resolution, inter-professional collaboration, national examination, noncompliant patients, ethical dilemmas and other subject matter of interest to students will be provided.  Time will also be dedicated to assist students in devising useful strategies for the Licensed Practical Nurse examination.

404 Mental Health

Through an interactive classroom setting, students will actively engage in discussions regarding the practice of all types of care, as it relates to nursing in mental Health. The theory course discusses all aspects of mental health as it pertains to the Licensed Practical Nurses role. We examine Mental Health Disorders identifying vulnerable populations, intervention strategies and various methods of therapeutic communication. Also discussed are psychopharmacology, mental health assessment and creating a therapeutic environment in-hospital or community. At the completion of this course students will be able to describe and understand all aspects of Mental Health in Canada, and how these practices affect client care.

405 Community Nursing & Leadership Clinical Partnership

In this course, students will gain experience educating, caring and providing support to a variety of community agencies including; extra mural hospital, childcare centre and other community agencies based on the student’s interest.  Students will apply their knowledge of the public health model of nursing, leadership, values and professionalism in the community health settings.  Student will perform health assessments, health education and advocate for their profession as part of the community experiences.  This course is the follow-up to the PN 305-Community Nursing and Leadership theory course.

406 Medication Administration I

This interactive course will examine medication administration as it pertains to the Licensed Practical Nurse in a variety of health care settings. Medication classifications, characteristics, nursing interventions, side effects, routes of administration as well as education of the client and family are studied. Students will apply medication administration theory in the clinical setting.

407 Maternal Child

This theory course discusses the care of women during their childbearing years, the healthcare of children and pediatric development. Students are introduced to maternal and postpartum assessments as well as the care of newborns and their families. The course content emphasizes the “family-centered approach” which incorporates the importance of collaboration with the woman, child and their family in order to provide optimal nursing care. The PN will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills pertinent to the care of the woman and child that reflects the role of the Practical Nurse. This class is interactive and includes Power Points Presentations, videos, group discussions, individual assignments and tests.

408 Care of the Surgical Patient

This theory course discusses care of the surgical patient in Canada and the LPN role in overall knowledge of surgical nursing, pre-operative care, peri-operative teaching, post-operative care, wounds, tubing, drains, staples, and sutures removal. This class is an interactive class which includes power points, group discussions, individual and group projects, tests and quizzes.

501 Medication Lab/IV Initiation

This course teaches in a simulated setting the basic concepts of pharmacological theory and the skills necessary to safely administer medications through oral, rectal and injectable sites. Also, the student will learn and practice calculating medication dosages for all medications, the proper administration techniques of IV initiation and its responsibilities and legal implications. They will participate in simulated medication administration. Initiate IV, demonstrate venipuncture on a simulator training arm as well as fellow classmates.

503 Research

This course will examine research in health care as it pertains to the Licensed Practical Nurse. This interactive class will explore many topics including the basics of statistics, the use of research methods, analyzing data collection and evaluating published articles. Students will be required to complete assignments, critique research literature and prepare an evidence-based presentation to the class.

505/506 Medication Administration II

This interactive course will explore the advanced methodology of medication administration. The students will review medication administration modules from PN 406 and learn the following about various medications: classifications, characteristics, nursing interventions, side effects, routes of administration as well as client and family teaching.  Students will combine theory and practical skills by applying their knowledge in both a lab and clinical setting.  Students will be evaluated by class participation, assignments, tests and site observation. 

507 Care of Child

This theory course discusses the care of children with chronic conditions or illnesses and how it affects their pediatric development. Students are introduced to the specialized care of children and their families. The course content emphasizes the “family-centered approach” which incorporates the importance of collaboration with the ill or disabled child and their siblings, parents and caregivers in order to provide optimal nursing care. The PN will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills pertinent to the care of the child that reflects the role of the Practical Nurse. This class is interactive and includes Power Points Presentations, movies, group discussions, individual assignments and tests.

601 Practicum

Students will be placed in offsite settings for 180 hours as they become integrated in a real life setting and practice the summative nature of the day to day work of a practical nurse. Students may be required to gain membership to the association in order to perform all duties required for completion of the program.

*Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.

Career Choices:

The need for health care is on the rise and as a result the demand for professionals in every sector of the industry is rapidly increasing. Licensed Practical Nurses work under the direction of physician and registered nurses, in order to provide care for the sick, injured and disabled

    • Hospitals
    • Long Term Care
    • Special Care Homes
    • Community Health Clinics
    • Health-focused Corporations