About Practical Nurse Diploma in Bow valley

Program Description

This intensive five-term program takes place over a continuous 20-month period.

There are several exciting areas where you can provide care as a Practical Nurse. Some areas include child care, maternity nursing, community health, mental wellness, seniors care, and medicine. You can start this program in the winter, spring or fall terms. A duration of five terms or a longer nine term option is offered to provide you time to focus on nursing content and allows for consolidation of learning. Knowledge and experience is gained through the classroom, online courses, lab setting, and a variety of care facilities throughout the program.

The structured program delivery and time table are intended to support successful learning. Enrolment in this program indicates your commitment to education as a priority over any personal or work obligations.

Do you live in a rural community? There is another option! The Practical Nursing program is also offered in regional communities. Please see the web site for locations and schedules. 

After Graduation

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to become licensed with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. You need to pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam to become licensed.   

There are many opportunities for continued studies after your graduate. A few of these are: 

• Athabasca University: Post LPN Bachelor of Nursing Program
• Thompson Rivers University Open Learning Division: Bachelor of Health Science (57 credits) and Bachelor of General Studies (60 credits)
• University of Calgary: Graduates of two-year Bow Valley College Diploma programs will be awarded up to five full course junior open options
• University of Lethbridge: Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences, Public Health

Preparing for Clinical Placements

It is highly recommended that you participate in New Student Orientation as important information will be discussed and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. Documents required for clinical placements will be requested after you start the program and before you start your first clinical. 

Documentation required prior to your first clinical placement:

•   Your Police Information Check (PIC) should be requested no sooner than 90 days prior to the start of your program. 
•   Rubella vaccination is mandatory.  All other immunizations are highly recommended.
•   You can ensure your CPR certification is up to date by taking FACP9101 Basic Life Support CPR (Healthcare provider level) through Continuing Education. You can see the current schedule and register online by clicking here. This certificate must be renewed every year.
•   You will have an opportunity to get an N95 mask fitting, at our downtown campus, before you begin your first placement.  You will be able to register for this course (SAFT9406 N95 Mask Fitting) through MyBVC (or your regional administrator) once your program begins.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :     6.0 with minimum band score 6.0 (Winter 2020 onward)
• TOEFL    :     83
• PTE         :     59-64

Tuition fee for domestic and international students are tabulated below:

In addition to the tuition fee students need to pay the following fees as well:

Living expenses

Bow Valley College does not offer on-campus residence. Students have the option of off-campus residence, homestays, rental houses etc.