About Psychiatric Nursing in MacEwan University

Do you want a professional career in the mental health field, one that offers both challenges and opportunities within a complex, multidisciplinary health care environment? Are you passionate about helping people, promoting their mental and physical health and well-being, and working with those who may require mental health services? Then a career as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) may be an excellent choice for you!

Make a Difference through a Great Career

MacEwan University prepares you to practice as a Psychiatric Nurse. As a graduate of this program, you will receive a Psychiatric Nursing diploma from MacEwan University. You are then eligible to write the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination and apply to become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. RPNs have the professional competencies required to promote optimal wellness and provide holistic, client-centred nursing care for those experiencing both mental and physical health problems. Psychiatric nursing is recognized as a distinct profession in Canada as well in many other countries. RPNs have played an important role in health care in Canada for more than 80 years and are the largest group of health care professionals in the mental health field. They are employed in a wide range of settings and in a variety of roles, including as staff psychiatric nurses, addiction counselors, mental health therapists, case managers, and educators.

Two Locations, One Great Program

The 28-month diploma program in Psychiatric Nursing comprises 89 credits and is delivered at two sites: the City Centre Campus in Edmonton, and the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alberta. The program has one intake per year, for the fall (September) term.

Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing

Graduates of the Psychiatric Nursing diploma program who wish to further their studies in this field may apply for admission to MacEwan University’s new post-diploma Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing degree program.

Careers

Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) are well qualified professionals and play a significant role in delivery of health services.

The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) has created a document to outline Requisite Skills and Abilities for Becoming a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in Alberta for those interested in a career in this field.

REQUISITE SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR BECOMING A REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSE IN ALBERTA

RPNs are employed in a wide range of settings, including the following:

• Acute, child and adolescent, forensic and geriatric psychiatry
• Community mental health programs
• Acute and long-term stay psychiatric facilities
• Institution and community-based correctional facilities
• Long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation and vocational programs
• Group homes and half-way houses
• Substance abuse and addiction programs
• Crisis teams and suicide prevention programs
• Administration, research, personnel and staff development
• Consulting, private practice, family therapy
• Community programs for persons with disabilities
• Residential and community based programs for persons with developmental handicaps
• Social services, child services, daycares, youth centres
• Educational facilities, counselling, special needs

RPNs who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree within psychiatric/mental health nursing may apply for admission to MacEwan University’s new post-diploma Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent in high school courses

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :       overall band score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each band.
• TOEFL    :       86 and a minimum score of 21 in each section.
• PTE         :       overall score of 59 and a minimum score of 56 in each band.

MacEwan University Highlights

MacEwan University The Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Before deciding to study in one of the Canadian universities, one must estimate the average cost of living in Canada. Tabulated below are the expenses one needs to incur on a monthly basis to study at MacEwan University. The tuition fees for international students are based on credits. Other fees include the service fees and course specific fees which can be checked online.

Cost of transportation is covered in tuition fee as the institute provides UPass.

MacEwan University English Proficiency Test Scores