Practical Nursing - Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Offering

Overview

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.

Study options

• Blended Flex delivery consists of a combination of online (synchronous and/or asynchronous) hybrid and in-person classes, in-person skill labs and clinical placements. It involves approximately 3 hours of study time per 1 hour of class time and takes 2.5 years to complete.
• This cohort will be based out of Pictou Campus. To facilitate student experience and incorporate cultural teachings, in-person sessions may be held at various locations throughout the province. 
• Mandatory skills labs are held in person, on campus and may occur during weekends.  
  • Theory classes may be delivered through synchronous and/or asynchronous, online and/or in person delivery.
  • This program does not follow the regular academic schedule. The program begins in September 2024 and will complete in July 2027. There will be holiday breaks and a 2-3 week summer break each year.

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 healthcare 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.
• 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 exam is recognized nationally and qualifies you to license in any province or territory.
• 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.

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). 
• All applications received will be reviewed by the Mawkina’masultinej (Let’s learn together) Committee. Applicants that meet the above requirements will receive an email from the committee to complete a Self Identification Declaration form.
• If you do not have the required academic credits, NSCC offers a variety of credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program. Supports will be provided to assist you in meeting the Admission requirements. Please reach out to lnunursing@nscc.ca if you have questions.
  

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.
• The Practical Nursing program in the school of Health and Human Services requires the completion of First Aid/CPR Level C. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Additional requirements in the Practical Nursing program includes the completion of 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  clinical 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

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 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 - Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Offering - Blended Flex 3-Year Option - Year 1
• Practical Nursing - Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Offering - Blended Flex 3-Year Option - Year 2
• Practical Nursing - Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Offering - 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