Programs & Courses
Practical Nurse Refresher
CERTIFICATE
About the Program
Update on Fall 2022
Please be advised there will not be an intake for Fall 2022. Watch for announcements on future intakes here.
The Practical Nurse Refresher program is a one-year (3 semester) certificate program that prepares you to renew your professional certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students will gain the knowledge, skills and practical competencies required by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) to practice as an LPN.
The PN Refresher graduate will use previously learned skills as well as a wide range of new knowledge and skills that are applicable in various health care settings. The LPN scope of practice has broadened significantly within the decade which has increased the demand for more nurses with a wider range of knowledge and skills.
MHC's Practical Nurse program utilizes a conceptual framework called the “Concept of Caring”, which provides opportunity for reflection on nursing education and practice. “Caring” is the central concept in which the curriculum is based.
- Practical Nurses apply the nursing process using health assessments that consider physical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of clients.
- Practical Nurses work with clients, families and other members of the health care team to develop a plan of care that will best meet the client’s needs.
- Practical nurses assist the client with activities of daily living, carryout prescribed procedures and treatments while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be graduate of a Practical Nurse Diploma program in Canada.
- Letter of eligibility from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) or Verification of Registration for out of province applicants required.
Pre-Program Requirements
Pre-program requirements include:
- immunization requirements in accordance with AHS “Standards of Immunization of Post-Secondary Health Care Students and Students in Other High-Risk Occupational Programs”,
- N-95 mask Fit Testing,
- Police Information Check and Intervention Check,
- and CPR-BLS.
Documented proof of completion must be provided to the School of Health and Community Services prior to commencement of the program. If any of these requirements become outdated during the program, the student is required to provide proof of updates.
Course List
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester
| PNRE 100 |
Fundamentals I |
| PNRE 101 | Interpersonal Communication |
| PNRE 102 | Fundamentals II |
| PNRE 103 |
Pharmacology |
| PNRE 104 | Adult Health Assessment |
| PNRE 105 | Lab I |
| Winter Semester | |
| PNRE 120 |
Fundamentals III |
| PNRE 121 | Pediatrics |
| PNRE 122 | Maternal and Newborn |
| PNRE 123 |
Mental Health and Addiction |
| PNRE 124 | Community Health |
| PNRE 125 | Lab II |
| Spring Semester | |
| PNRE 150 |
Final Practicum |
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Career Opportunities
Licensed practical nurses provide care to patients and clients in a number of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Continuing care
- Community
- Industry
- Clinics
Practical nurses work as:
- Staff nurses
- Team leaders or charge nurses
Current employment opportunities are active, with Canadian statistics suggesting a shortage of approximately 110,000 nurses (registered and licensed practical nurses) by the end of this decade.
What is your education going to cost?
Our TUITION and FEES page provides a total cost estimate for your program including books and supplies and related expenses.
In addition to tuition and textbook costs, students must plan for the inclusion of costs such as CPR, uniforms, white duty shoes, lab coat, lab kits, a watch with a sweep hand, practical nurse registration exams ($600 – subject to change), and travel/accommodation for clinical and practicum placements.
Looking for ways to help fund your education?
There are lots of options like student loans, scholarships, bursaries and emergency funding available.
Check out our FINANCIAL AID page for more information.
Many programs offered at Medicine Hat College qualify for transfer credits to other institutions. In some cases, you must transfer to another institution to complete your program and gain your credential.
The ACADEMIC CALENDAR has official information on transfer options for each program.
Please consult the calendar or meet with an academic advisor for more information.
At MHC, we care about students and want to help you succeed.
As a student, there may be times when you require support. Our SERVICES page provides you with links to a number of campus supports including academic success, counselling and care, health and wellness, and many other resources.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?
Enhance your education, share in cultural diversity and embrace new experiences. Visit the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM section to find out more.
Performance in Clinical and Practica
Students are expected to observe program policies regarding punctuality, attendance, dress, response to supervision and feedback, and to provide safe, competent nursing care. If your performance is questionable in relation to the delivery of safe patient care and/or to the maintenance of the program standards you may be asked to leave the laboratory or clinical site at anytime. Continued failure to uphold standards related to safe,professional performance will result in dismissal from the program.