Practical Nurse

Admission Requirements Tuition and Fees Program Structure

 The two-year Practical Nurse program will prepare students for a career in high quality nursing care in many different settings: hospitals, home care, and other health care agencies. The Practical Nurse works co-operatively with other health care personnel in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of wellness. The program includes practical experience in job related settings and prepares graduates for employment in the current health care environment; it also prepares students to write the National Practical Nurse Examination.

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for the program, you must have these academic requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent;
  • Minimum of 65% in English 30-1 or 75% in English 30-2;
  • Minimum of 65% in Biology 30; and
  • Minimum of 50% in Math 20-1 or 60% in Math 20-2.

Mature student requirements

Mature students (21-years-old or older) must:

  • Have met academic English, Math and Biology requirements
  • Meet non-academic requirements

A high school diploma is recommended.

Applicants of Aboriginal ancestry

Three positions per year are made available in the Practical Nursing program for qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. If qualified applicants of Aboriginal ancestry are not admitted by April, the positions may be filled with students of non-Indigenous ancestry. Indigenous ancestry is defined within the Constitutional Act of 1982, Section 35, Subsection 2. According to this Constitutional Act, Aboriginal peoples of Canada include Inuit, Indian and Métis peoples of Canada (Department of Justice, Canada, 1982).

View more information on the definition of Aboriginal ancestry.

English language proficiency

English is the primary language of instruction at Keyano College. English Language Proficiency is sufficient if applicants can present the successful completion of three or more years of full-time education in English, normally including the grade 12 year or higher, in a Canadian school (or an approved school outside of Canada with accepted English proficiency). If an applicant does not present these years of English education, they may be able to meet this requirement in other ways.

You can also meet proficiency requirements with accepted scores from these tests:

  • TOEFL: iBT - minimum score of 84, with no score below 21
  • IELTS - minimum overall score of 6.0, with no score below 6.0
  • CAEL - minimum overall score of 60, with no score below 60
  • MELAB - minimum overall score of 80, with no score below 80
  • CLBA - no score below 8
  • Duolingo with a minimum score of 115
  • PTE (academic) with a minimum score of 73

Spoken language proficiency

In addition to demonstrating English Language Proficiency, applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of country of origin or citizenship must also present Spoken Language Proficiency. Applicants who have six or more years of full-time education in English, normally including the grade 12 year or higher, in a Canadian school (or an approved school outside of Canada with accepted English proficiency) meet this requirement. If applicants do not present these years of English education, they may be able to meet this requirement by presenting:
  • A minimum score of 26 on the speaking band of the TOEFL:iBT; or
  • A minimum score of 7.5 on the IELTS speaking band; or
  • A minimum score of 125 on the Duolingo conversation band.

In addition to meeting English Language and Spoken English requirements (where required), students must also present the appropriate coursework to meet the admission requirements for their chosen program.

Admissions Process

Applications will open October 1 of the preceding year until the First day of Class of programs intake. For programs with an enrollment limit, such as the Practical Nursing Diploma, the College reserves the right to employ academic rating scales for admission purposes. Applicants will be sent an offer if their overall GPA as assessed with the required admissions courses is at or above the annual competitive GPA. Offers would be sent once a student had submitted all required documents and an GPA could be assessed. For applicants who meet requirements but do not meet the competitive GPA their application will be placed in a competitive waitlist and offers may be sent based on GPA and seat availability. Keyano College reserves the right to assess the competitive entry average for every intake as well as the competitive waitlist.

Tuition and fees

Full Time Fees Year 1 2023-2024
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.

 

Full Time Fees Year 1  Fall Winter  Spring
Tuition $3,450.00 $2,850.00 $750.00
Campus Rec Fee $70.00 $70.00 $70.00 
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00  
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92 $3.36 
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00 $21.00
Lab $258.00 $129.00  
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 
Total Fees $678.92 $549.92 $189.00 
Total Tuition & Fees ***$3,999.92  ***$3,528.92  ***$939.36
Total Cost Per Year     $8,468.20
International Full Time Fees Year 1 2023-2024
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.

 

International Full Time Fees Year 1 Fall Winter Spring
Tuition  $10,350.00 $8,550.00 $2,250
Campus Rec Fee $70.00 $70.00 $70.00
Health & Dental *$126.00 *$126.00  
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92 $3.36
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00 $21.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00 $95.00
Lab Fees $258.00 $129.00  
Total Fees $649.92 $527.92 $189.00
Total Tuition & Fees

***$11,028.92

 ***$9,099.92

$2,439.36

Total Cost Per Year  

 

$22,568.20

Full Time Fees Year 2 2023-2024

Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.

Full Time Fees Year 2  Fall Winter 
Tuition $3,300.00 $2,550.00
Campus Rec Fee $70.00 $70.00
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Lab Fees $129.00 $0.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Fees $549.92 $420.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$3,849.92  ***$2,970.92
Total Cost Per Year   $6,820.84
International Full Time Fees Year 2 2023-2024
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
International Full Time Fees Year 2    
Tuition $9,900.00 $7,650.00
Campus Rec Fee $70.00 $70.00
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Lab Fees $129.00 $0.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Fees $549.92 $420.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$10,320.92  ***$8,070.92
Total Cost Per Year   $18,520.84
Full Time Fees Year 1 2024-2025
Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
 Full Time Fees Year 1 Fall Winter Spring
Tuition $3,519.00 $3,672.00  
Campus Rec Fee $75.00 $75.00  
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00  
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92  
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00  
Lab Fees $264.00 $132.00  
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00  
Total Fees $694.92 $562.92  
Total Tuition & Fees ***$4,213.92  ***$4,234.92  
Total Cost Per Year   $8,448.84  
 International Full Time Fees Year 1 2024-2025

Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.

International Full Time Fees Year 1 Fall Winter Spring
Tuition $10,557.00 $11,015.00  
Campus Rec Fee $75.00 $75.00  
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00  
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92  
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00  
Lab Fees Per Lab Course $264.00 $132.00  
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00  
Total Fees $694.92 $562.92  
Total Tuition & Fees ***$10,675.92  ***$11,577.92  
Total Cost Per Year   $22,829.84  
Full Time Fees Year 2 2024-2025
Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
Full Time Fees Year 2 Fall Winter
Tuition $3,366.00 $2,601.00
Campus Rec Fee $75.00 $75.00
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Lab Fees $132.00 $0.00
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00
Total Fees $562.92 $562.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$3,735.92  ***$2,885.92
Total Cost Per Year   $6,621.84
International Full Time Fees Year 2 2024-2025
Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
International Full Time Fees Year 2 Fall Winter
Tuition $10,098.00 $7,803.00
Campus Rec Fee $75.00 $75.00
Health and Dental Fee  *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Lab Fees $132.00 $0.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Fees $562.92 $430.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$10,660.92  ***$8,233.92
Total Cost Per Year   $18,894.84

Please note, these estimates are based on 100% enrollment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $33- $129 for 2023-2024 and $34-$132 for 2024-2025.

* Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website
** These programs have a mandatory Spring semester if students intend to graduate on time.
*** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar

Fall 2023 Program Structure

Please be advised this program is delivered face-to-face due to the heavy practical skills components. 

Year 1: Term 1 (Fall Semester) 
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 1: Term I (September - December)  23
NURS 106 Foundation of Anatomy & Physiology  6
COMM 103 Communications for Nursing 3
ENGL 1st Year University English 3
PN 155 Nursing Foundation I: Introduction to Nursing 4
PN 158 Health Assessment 4
PSYCH 103 Introduction to Psychology 3
* PSYCH 104 & PSYCH 105 combined may be used in lieu of PSYCH 103
Year 1: Term II (Winter Semester) 

 

COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 1: Term II (January - April)  24
HE ED 102 Health Education: Individual Health & Wellness 3
PAPHY 105 Pathophysiology for Health-Care Professions 3
PHARM 130 Basic Pharmacotherapeutics 3
PN 156 Nursing Foundations II: Basic Nursing 7
SOCY 100 Introductory Sociology 3
Year 1: Term III (Spring Semester)
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 1: Term II (May - June)  5
PN 160 Nursing Practice I: Continuing Care  5
Year 2: Term I (Fall Semester) 
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 2: Term I (September - December)  22
PN 200 Nursing Foundations III: Medical-Surgical Nursing 9
PN 202 Nursing Foundations IV: Maternity Nursing 3
PN 203 Nursing Foundations V: Pediatric Nursing 3
PN 205 Nursing Foundations VII: Mental Health Nursing 3

PN 210 

OR 

PN 211

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Medicine

OR

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Surgery

3
Year 2: Diploma Term II (Winter Semester)

COURSE

COURSE TITLE CREDITS

Year 2: Term II (January - April)

17
PN 204 Nursing Foundations VI - Community Nursing 4
PN 206 Nursing Foundations VIII: Transition to Graduate Nursing 3
PN 209 Nursing Practice III: Comprehensive Practice 3

PN 210 

OR 

PN 211

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Medicine

OR

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Surgery

7

Winter 2024 Program Structure

Please be advised this program is delivered face-to-face due to the heavy practical skills components. 

Year 1: Term 1 (Winter Semester) 
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 1: Term I (January - April) 23
NURS 106 Foundation of Anatomy & Physiology  6
COMM 103 Communications for Nursing 3
ENGL 1st Year University English 3
PN 155 Nursing Foundation I: Introduction to Nursing 4
PN 158 Health Assessment 4
PSYCH 103 Introduction to Psychology 3
* PSYCH 104 & PSYCH 105 combined may be used in lieu of PSYCH 103
Year 1: Term II (Summer Semester) 

 

COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 1: Term II (May - August) 24
HE ED 102 Health Education: Individual Health & Wellness 3
PAPHY 105 Pathophysiology for Health-Care Professions 3
PHARM 130 Basic Pharmacotherapeutics 3
PN 156 Nursing Foundations II: Basic Nursing 7
SOCY 100 Introductory Sociology 3
Year 1: Term III (Fall Semester)
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 1: Term II (August 28 - October 12) 5
PN 160 Nursing Practice I: Continuing Care  5
Year 2: Term I (Winter Semester) 
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS
Year 2: Term I (January - April)  22
PN 200 Nursing Foundations III: Medical-Surgical Nursing 9
PN 202 Nursing Foundations IV: Maternity Nursing 3
PN 203 Nursing Foundations V: Pediatric Nursing 3
PN 205 Nursing Foundations VII: Mental Health Nursing 3

PN 210 

OR 

PN 211

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Medicine

OR

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Surgery

3
Year 2: Diploma Term II (Summer Semester)

COURSE

COURSE TITLE CREDITS

Year 2: Term II (May - August)

17
PN 204 Nursing Foundations VI - Community Nursing 4
PN 206 Nursing Foundations VIII: Transition to Graduate Nursing 3
PN 209 Nursing Practice III: Comprehensive Practice 3

PN 210 

OR 

PN 211

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Medicine

OR

Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Surgery

7

Resources

Our modern and state-of-the-art nursing equipment helps you learn how to handle different situations through hands-on experience. These include updated hospital beds, intravenous pumps and vital signs monitors.