Practical Nursing - Accelerated

Overview

Licensed practical nurses (LPN) 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 an LPN 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.

Accelerated program delivery

• This accelerated program is the same as our Practical Nursing program, except it’s delivered over a short timeframe. 
• Classes and labs will be typically scheduled Monday to Friday between 3PM and 9PM.
• You attend class and labs at Ivany Campus
• This program runs throughout the summer and March Break.
• Beginning in the second semester of the program, you will work 1 paid shift per month in the continuing care sector.

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 are mandatory credit courses. They provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment. 
• Clinical placements can include weekday, evening, night, weekend and / or holiday shifts. Shifts range from 6-12 hours and start times vary, with some beginning at 7 am, 7PM and 11 pm.
• Placement opportunities are unpaid.
• Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are your responsibility.
• For more information visit work experience opportunities

Choose NSCC

• This program is approved by Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN).
• Learn from experienced instructors who have earned solid reputations in a wide variety of health care areas.
• This program has low student-to-teacher ratios.
• NSCC graduates enjoy a notably high rate of success on the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). 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 understand the Canadian health care system.

Other info

• NSCN requires a criminal record check prior to licensing. A conviction may impact your ability to obtain a license. Students must carry a valid CRC and VSC through the duration of their program.
• Many employers in this sector, as part of the hiring process, may require current, official criminal record check, vulnerable sector check and/or child abuse register search. A conviction or finding may impact your ability to secure future employment.
• This program places high importance on communicating effectively using complex, technical language. Students must have an excellent ability to speak, write, listen and read in English. If you are an English as an additional language (EAL) learner, you must be able to understand and communicate technical terms in English.
• Shift work is an integral part of this occupation. Physical demands include moving and lifting clients, as well as spending long periods of time standing or walking. Emotional demands include frequent stressful and occasional emergency situations that will require leaners to process and react to these situations.
• Pass mark for this program is 65%. 
• 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 an 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.

January 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements. Weekdays/Evenings	Seats available

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).
• 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 and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements in many programs. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. You will be required to hold a valid First Aid and CPR certificate for the duration of the program.  For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that these have been completed  by the date provided  at the beginning of the  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, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you  are required to  develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

Free tuition

There is no tuition cost for this offering if you agree to work as a Practical Nurse in the Continuing Care sector in Nova Scotia for 2 years after graduation. Tuition and most program costs (books, tools, etc.) and the student fees (college services) are covered by the Nova Scotia Government.

• Practical Nursing - Accelerated

Career options

• LPNs play a significant role on healthcare teams. Graduates work in long-term care, acute care, community care and mental health care.

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree