Practical Nursing

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.

Clinical placement

• This program includes mandatory clinical placements that may take place in a variety of settings, including medical-surgical, geriatric, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, public health, community care, home care and NSCC labs.
  • 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. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.
  • Placement opportunities are typically unpaid.
• Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are your responsibility.
• For more information visit work experience opportunities.
• International students - all international students require a co-op work permit; you can't complete your NSCC program without one. This program also requires a medical exam to receive your co-op work permit. View co-op work permit - medical exam details.

Study options

• Blended Flex delivery is an option, which consists of a combination of online (synchronous and/or asynchronous) hybrid and in-person classes, in-class skill labs and clinical placements. It involves approximately 3 hours of study time per 1 hour of class time and takes 2 years to complete.
  • Theory classes may be delivered through synchronous and/or asynchronous, online and/or in person delivery.
  • Mandatory skills labs are held on campus, multiple times per term (often on weekends).
  • Clinical placements consist of weekday, evening, weekend and/or holiday shifts.
• International students – Blended Flex delivery is not eligible for post-graduate work permits as less than 50% of program learning occurs on-campus or at a learning site per term.

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 healthcare system.

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.
• The location for this program alternates and is not always offered at the same location each year. Check program locations for upcoming start dates.
• 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 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 five years. 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 a 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
Annapolis Valley Campus Middleton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Cumberland Campus Classes at Amherst Learning Centre	Full time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Seats available Designated for Pre-approved applicants Only open to individuals from specified equity-seeking groups, organizations or companies.
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Waitlist
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Waitlist

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus Middleton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Burridge Campus Yarmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Cumberland Campus Classes at Amherst Learning Centre	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Waitlist
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Waitlist
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.	Waitlist

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	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 document and language requirements by country
• 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. 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 you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you 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, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• 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.
• Pass mark for this program is 65%.

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 Blended Flex 3-Year Option - Year 2
• Practical Nursing Blended Flex 3-Year Option - Year 3

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

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ANAP 1011 - Anatomy and Physiology
This course introduces the sciences of anatomy and physiology and the basic structure, functions and assessment of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and nervous systems as well as the sensory organs. Integration of systems and maintenance of homeostasis within the body will also be discussed.

CONC 1200 - Dementia: Understanding the Journey
This course prepares the student to work with persons experiencing Alzheimer Disease or other dementias in facility and/or community settings. Students will develop an understanding of dementia and the impact on both the individual and families. Strategies based on the philosophy of providing person-centred care to persons as well as support to family caregivers will be explored. The course will be delivered through completion of the provincial standard Dementia: Understanding the Journey Course. Students must attend all sessions and complete the final project of the course to meet the requirements.

GDEV 1010 - Growth and Development
Upon completion, the student will acquire an understanding of the physical, cognitive, psychosocial processes of growth and development, including developmental tasks across the lifespan.

PRNS 1002 - Nursing Skills I
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to perform basic nursing skills that are commonly required in the care of clients. These skills are required in acute, long term and community settings. In addition to classroom theory, the student will have an opportunity to practice and perform skills in the demonstration lab. The student must be successful in both the theory and all lab components of this course. Students will demonstrate professional conduct competencies at all times in the lab setting.

PRNS 1020 - Introduction to Nursing Profession
Upon completion of this course the learner will utilize nursing theory to have an understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of their role and scope of practice in the Canadian healthcare delivery system. This course will also explore concepts of global health. The learner will be able to employ therapeutic communication skills to a diverse community.

PRNS 1050 - Nursing Clinical I
Upon completion the student will be able to provide basic care to a stable client using the nursing process. The student will function as a member of the Health Care Team while providing a safe environment utilizing the principles of infection control. The student will function within the legal and ethical parameters of their role.

PRNS 2002 - Nursing Skills II
Upon completion of this course the learner will have the ability to perform the skills required in the care of clients in acute/long term care facilities and community care. In conjunction with classroom theory, the learner will have the opportunity to practice and perform skills in the demonstration lab and various clinical settings. The learner must be successful in both the theory and all lab components of this course. Learners will demonstrate professional conduct competencies at all times in the lab setting.

PRNS 2003 - Pharmacology/Administration of Medications
This course teaches, in a simulated setting, the basic concepts of pharmacological theory and the skills necessary to safely administer medications, and provides awareness of responsibilities and legal implications.

PRNS 2004 - Health Assessment of the Adult
This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop health assessment skills. It includes an introduction to a health assessment, components of health interview and guidelines to performing a head-to-toe physical examination. It also encompasses a review of anatomy as it pertains to the physical examination.

PRNS 2011 - Alterations in the Health of Adults
Upon completion of this course the learner will have an understanding of common disorders affecting the body systems and the care required.

PRNS 2014 - Oncology Nursing and Palliative Care
This course describes the concepts of oncology nursing and the role of the Practical Nurse in assisting the client and family to deal with loss and death. Students will also develop an understanding of the concepts related to palliative care based on Learning Essentials for Palliative Care (LEAP).

PRNS 2017 - Maternal Child Nursing
This course provides the learner with an introduction to the role of the Practical Nurse in maternal and child care, emphasizing evidenced based practice. Employing nursing theory, the learner will be able to explore the concept of family development. The learner will develop an understanding of families as social systems within a community.

PRNS 2018 - Health Promotion and Community Nursing
This course is designed to prepare the learner with an understanding of the factors that affect health and wellness both on an individual and community level. The learner will examine risk factors to health, safety issues and the effect of stress and adaptation. The learner will explore the role of the Practical Nurse in community health.

PRNS 2022 - Mental Health Nursing
This course will provide the learner with the opportunity to explore various types of mental health issues, abuse, crisis, and related challenging behaviours. The course is designed to allow the learner to explore the role of the Practical Nurse in supporting individuals and families experiencing alterations in mental health and social wellbeing. The course will include a community based applied learning project.

PRNS 2051 - Nursing Clinical II
This course provides selected, supervised learning experiences allowing the student the opportunity to apply the nursing process and health promotion strategies. The student will perform health assessments and nursing skills for clients with alterations in health.

PRNS 2062 - Clinical Intercession Preceptorship
This course provides the student with the opportunity to apply the nursing process and health promotion strategies during a preceptored experience. The student will perform health assessments and nursing skills for clients with alterations in health.

PRNS 3020 - Professional Practice
Upon completion of this course, the student will be familiar with concepts related to the professional role of the practical nurse. This will include, but is not limited to, an understanding of accountability, leadership, administration, research and evidenced-based practice. The students will also have an opportunity to review and debate current issues in health care. The students will complete a week of license preparation at the end of this course.

PRNS 3055 - Family and Community Innovative Learning
This course provides the student with the opportunity to become familiar with the role of the Practical Nurse in family-centred and community nursing. The outcomes for this course can be met through a combination of clinical experience, guest lecturers, and student presentations.

PRNS 3060 - Pharmacology Clinical
This course provides the learner with the opportunity to apply the nursing process during the administration of medications in the clinical setting. Students will not be permitted to use calculators in this course.

PRNS 4052 - Nursing Clinical III
The clinical experience is a time for students to integrate their knowledge, skills, ability and judgment in the provision of nursing care. Using nursing theory, the student will demonstrate safe, ethical and competent practice to clients and families requiring increasingly complex care.

PRNS 4058 - Mental Health Innovative Learning
This course provides the learner with opportunities to continue to explore types of mental health issues, abuse, crisis, and related challenging behaviours. The learner will apply the nursing process in alterations in mental health. The outcomes may be achieved through symposiums, guest speakers, student presentations, and/or community placements.

PRNS 4060 - Internship
The clinical experience is a time for learners to consolidate their skills and knowledge. This will be a time in which the learner can actively apply the NSCC conceptual framework and learned skills. It will be a transitional period where the learner will gradually move into the role of a beginning practitioner.

PRNS 4062 - Integrated Clinical Skills
The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with the opportunity to integrate the skills and competencies required for safe clinical practice. The learner will participate in Lab demonstrations and simulated learning while applying clinical judgement and critical thinking skills.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.