Clinical FAQ

• There are a finite number of clinical placements in Alberta and across Canada
• Obtaining clinical placements is a challenge for all Universities
• Clinical placements are limited by the accepting agencies (hospital/community health)

• Accepting agencies are REQUIRED to accept any learners attending schools in their own province first. For example, an accepting agency in BC must accept any students attending BC schools first, so even if you live there, you attend an out of province institution, therefore you become an out-of-province student.
• Alberta based clinical placement is clearly identified on the Post-LPN BN Program webpage and Undergraduate calendar

• ConnectCare is an electronic health information and documentation system used by Alberta Health Services.
• The purpose is connecting sites across the province for seamless patient information and care.

Students are required to:

• complete three hours of online e-learning modules
• attend two mandatory (8-hour) in-person Instructor Led Training up to 14 days prior to commencing clinical.
• Instructor Led Training days are scheduled by Alberta Health Services without input from Athabasca University; there is no ability to change the date or time
• Out of province students will be required to travel to Alberta for Instructor Led Training prior to clinical commencing.
• Currently, learners entering a placement in Alberta find out 12 days before their clinical when the training will be
• The training can be any time in the 10 days before clinical starts

We are aware that this has great financial and logistical impacts for our out-of-province learners. We continue to work with ConnectCare leaders for possible solutions for our out of province learners.

• The current process is that clinical sign up is available at midnight MST on September 1, January 2, and May 1 for the following semester
• The midnight signup time has been evaluated for alternate time frames; after considerable investigation it was decided to maintain the current midnight time.

As per the Specific Program Regulations. Proof of active registration/licensure must be maintained while completing the program.