Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program paused for new admissions
Last updated: April 4, 2024
Several important changes are in progress with Athabasca University's (AU) Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing (Post-LPN BN) program to provide better service to students and to ensure learners can move through the program efficiently.
Admissions pause: Effective April 28, 2023, the Post-LPN BN program is paused for new admissions. No new applications or current, incomplete submissions will be considered.
Residency requirement: Only Alberta residents will be eligible for admission to the program when admissions reopen. This is in alignment with Post-LPN BN programs in other provinces. AU must limit the number of students in the program to support success and to facilitate progression through clinical placements and program completion.
Future enrolment: When program admission reopens, there will be one annual intake. We are working on new regulations, which will be communicated once approved.
We understand that this information has an immediate impact on prospective students, particularly those outside Alberta. This was a difficult decision that was made with careful consideration for our current students and the program's future.
Please refer to the following FAQs for additional details on how you may be directly impacted. If your questions are unanswered here, please email the Bachelor of Nursing Advising Team from your AU learner email and include your student ID.
Sincerely,
Dawn Mercer Riselli, RN MN CCHN(C) (she/her/hers)
Program Director, Undergraduate Programs, Faculty of Health Disciplines
Athabasca University
Frequently asked questions
There is no scheduled reopening date at this time. New program requirements (including admissions requirements) are currently under development.
Once admission reopens, admissions will occur once per year and will be restricted to residents of Alberta.
Because seats will be limited, admission will be competitive, and there is no guarantee of admission, even if students meet the minimum admission requirements.
More information will be posted online once new program regulations and admissions criteria have come into effect. Prospective students can sign up below to receive communications once information becomes available.
We strongly advise future applicants not to enrol in any courses until they have been admitted to the program.
Because admission will be limited and competitive, and students will need to satisfy the program regulations that are in place at the time of their admission, it is risky to take courses before being admitted to the program.
Please speak with an academic advisor before enrolling in any courses to ensure that you have the best information for your situation.
The program has been restricted to Alberta residents and there are no plans for this to change in the future. This is in alignment with many other Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing programs.
We encourage practical nurses outside of Alberta to explore the program offerings in their home province.
We strongly advise prospective students to wait to make major life changes until new admission requirements (including residency requirements and criteria) become available.
How can I learn more?
We know that prospective students are eager to learn more about the future program regulations and admissions process for the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program.
If you wish to receive more information as it becomes available, you may add your name to a communications list.
Please be advised that this is not a waiting list. This list will only be used to share information about the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program.
Updated September 23, 2025 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)