Practical Nursing

Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses work collaboratively with other health care professionals to provide exceptional care to their clients, as well as promote the benefits of healthy lifestyles to individuals, families, groups and communities.

Today's health care environments are changing at a fast rate and your success as a Licensed Practical Nurse depends upon your willingness to work as a team member, to be flexible and enjoy working in a variety of settings while providing safe, competent, ethical and compassionate care.

Clinical placement

• This program includes clinical placements that may take place in a variety of settings, including medical-surgical, geriatric, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, public health, community care and home care.
• Clinical placements can include weekday, evening, weekend and/or holiday shifts. Shifts range from 6-12 hours and start times vary, with some beginning at 7 am and 11 pm.
• Clinical placements are mandatory credit courses offered throughout the duration of your program. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.
• Opportunities are typically unpaid.
• Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are your responsibility.
• For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities

Study options

• Blended delivery is an option, which consists of a combination of online classes, in-class skills labs and clinical placements. It involves approximately 20 hours/week of study and takes 3 years to complete.
  • For this option, in-class courses are held at Ivany Campus, approximately 2-3 times a semester (often on weekends). No additional campus locations are available.
• This program does not follow the regular academic schedule. Years 1 and 2 run from September to late July. Year 3 begins in September and ends in May.
• Clinical placements take place in the Halifax area and consist of weekday, evening, weekend and/or holiday shifts.

Choose NSCC

• This program is approved by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN).
• Learn from experienced instructors who have earned solid reputations in a wide variety of healthcare areas.
• With low student-to-teacher ratios, you have access to your instructors, especially during the clinical experiences.
• NSCC graduates enjoy a notably high rate of success on the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) as well as an impressive rate of employment. Graduates can be confident in assuming their work responsibilities because they have a firm foundation in the theory and practice of practical nursing and they know how the healthcare system works.

Other info

• NSCN requires a Criminal Record Check prior to licensing. A conviction may impact your ability to obtain a license.
• Many employers in this sector require one or all of the following as part of the hiring process: current, official Criminal Record check, Vulnerable Sector check and/or Child Abuse Register search. A conviction or finding may impact your ability to secure employment.
• Alternate Locations – The location for this program alternates and is not always offered at the same location each year. Check program locations for upcoming start dates.
• Shift work is an integral part of this occupation. Physical demands include moving and lifting people, as well as spending long periods of time on your feet. Emotional demands include frequent stressful and occasional emergency situations.
• Students are required to complete the program within four years. Pass mark for this program is 70%.
• Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurses Registration Exam (CPNRE) and work as a Graduate Practical Nurse upon successful completion of the NSCC program. Application and fees must be submitted to the Nova Scotia College of Nursing to write the examination and to receive a temporary graduate Practical Nursing License. Successful completion of the examination qualifies you to apply for a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This license is recognized nationally.
• The Nova Scotia College of Nursing provides information to candidates about the requisite skills and abilities (PDF 554KB) needed to work as an LPN in Canada.

2021-22 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

September 2021

Campus	Location	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Cumberland Campus	Classes at Amherst Learning Centre	Full time	In-class	Waitlist This program location has a multi-year waitlist. Contact Admissions for more information.
Ivany Campus	Dartmouth	Full time	In-class	Waitlist This program location has a multi-year waitlist. Contact Admissions for more information.
Ivany Campus/Online	Dartmouth	Full time	BlendedBlendedComplete your program through courses that combine online (scheduled) and on-campus learning.	Waitlist This program location has a multi-year waitlist. Contact Admissions for more information.
Marconi Campus	Sydney	Full time	In-class	Waitlist This program location has a multi-year waitlist. Contact Admissions for more information.

January 2022

Campus	Location	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus	Middleton	Full time	In-class	Waitlist
Lunenburg Campus	Bridgewater	Full time	In-class	Waitlist
Strait Area Campus	Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In-class	Waitlist

September 2022

Campus	Location	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Burridge Campus	Yarmouth	Full time	In-class	Waitlist
Kingstec Campus	Kentville	Full time	In-class	Waitlist
Pictou Campus	Stellarton	Full time	In-class	Waitlist
Truro Campus	Truro	Full time	In-class	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including Grade 12 Academic English and Math and two additional Grade 12 Academic Sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View details
• If you do not have the required academic credits, NSCC offers a variety of credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program.

Program requirements

• A current, official Criminal Record check, Vulnerable Sector check and a Child Abuse Register search are required to complete work placements in this program. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements. Information on this process will be provided at the beginning of your program.
• Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements including immunizations and completion of first aid/CPR. You must submit documentation that you have completed these requirements at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services Program Requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete. Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement.
• Portfolio Development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition is valid for the 2021-22 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Practical Nursing - Year 1
• Practical Nursing - Year 2
• Practical Nursing - Year 1 (Blended)
• Practical Nursing - Year 2 (Blended)
• Practical Nursing - Year 3 (Blended)

Career options

• Licensed Practical Nurses can assume a leadership role on the healthcare team. Graduates work in long-term care, acute care, community care and mental health.

Future study options

• Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurses Registration Exam (CPNRE).
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more