Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing

Applications open on Oct. 15, 2025, and all documents must be received by the deadline of Dec. 15, 2025.

At a glance

Credential: degree
Credits: 120
Next start: see program details

Athabasca University’s Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing is designed to support Alberta Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in accessing baccalaureate nursing education.

35
Average age
95%
Employment rate
^$95k
Median income
87%
Student satisfaction

Source: 2024 AU institutional data and 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

Be a part of the AU student community

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Sign up to receive more information from AU and start your education with us.

Start your journey

About Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing

The Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program at Athabasca University is for experienced LPNs in Alberta, aiming to elevate their skills and career opportunities. This comprehensive program provides nursing theoretical knowledge and practice experience to assist you in preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam and the potential for furthering your education in graduate studies. The program offers the flexibility of online coursework along with essential on-site practice components, all mapped to the current College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA, 2019) Entry-Level Competencies for the Practice of Registered Nurses.

Admission requirements

Admissions are competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Grade calculations are based on Athabasca University's undergraduate grading policy.

The available annual spaces in the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program may vary.

Applicants must submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including those not related to Practical Nursing education. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected, an offer of admission rescinded, and/or program removal.

Admission decisions are not appealable, and no admissions will be deferred. Please review all program information and requirements before applying. Incorrect or incomplete applications will not be considered, and there are no exceptions for late submissions. Please note that application fees are non-refundable.

See full Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing application requirements

Program details

Overview

Athabasca University’s Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program is built on the foundation that learners have knowledge of and/or practice experience in all the Canadian Council of Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR) Standards of Practice and CCPNR Code of Ethics as required by their active licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. This is why there are limited practice (clinical) courses required in this program compared to bridging programs.

The Entry-Level Competencies for the Practice of Registered Nurses (CRNA, 2019), the minimum requirements to provide the public with safe, competent, and ethical nursing care, also govern the program. Learners must adhere to the Canadian Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2025), healthcare partners' policies and procedures throughout the program, and meet all entry-level RN competencies at the completion of their program to graduate.

To attain the entry-level competencies, baccalaureate nursing learners must have the Requisite Skills and Abilities for Becoming a Registered Nurse in Alberta (CRNA, 2022). Therefore, those admitted to this program are attesting to and presumed to have the physical and mental health attributes to be capable of fulfilling the academic requirements of their program. Learners will encounter activities in seven categories of requisite skills and abilities (CRNA, 2022): cognitive, behavioural, communication, interpersonal, physical, sensory perceptual, and environmental.

The program is approved by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), and graduates are eligible to apply for licensure with CRNA.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
Dec. 15, 2025	Sept. 1, 2026

Applications open on Oct. 15, 2025, and all documents must be received by the deadline of Dec. 15, 2025.

Offers of admission and next steps will be emailed starting in late winter/early spring.

Program standards

Learners admitted to this program, and as practicing LPNs, are presumed to meet the physical and mental health attributes required to fulfill the academic requirements for baccalaureate nursing education. Please review the Entry-Level Competencies for the Practice of Registered Nurses and the Requisite Skills and Abilities for Becoming a Registered Nurse in Alberta.

The provision of reasonable accommodation(s) shall not require the program to lower standards, academic or otherwise, nor shall it relieve learners of their responsibility to develop and demonstrate the essential skills and competencies expected, as per the Alberta Human Rights Commission. This includes avoiding undue hardship in the provision of safe, competent, ethical nursing care at our healthcare partner sites during practice courses.

Please connect with Athabasca University’s Accessibility Services before application and at any time during the program, should you have questions or need support.

Completion times

Many learners complete the program in approximately 5 years of study. You may work at your own pace, but it is important to remember that practice courses have limited registrations, have prerequisite requirements, and all program requirements must be completed within 7 years of admission.

Tuition and fees

Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.

Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.

Financial aid and awards

We are dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$669	$669	$621	$621
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
0 credit total	$938	$938	$875	$875

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$223	$223	$207	$207
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
1 credit total	$227.50	$227.50	$211.50	$211.50

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$669	$669	$621	$621
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
3 credit total	$953.50	$953.50	$890.50	$890.50

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$892	$892	$828	$828
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
4 credit total	$1,181	$1,181	$1,102	$1,102

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,338	$1,338	$1,242	$1,242
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
6 credit total	$1,636	$1,636	$1,525	$1,525

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$2,007	$2,007	$1,863	$1,863
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
9 credit total	$2,318.50	$2,318.50	$2,159.50	$2,159.50

0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$669	$669	$621	$621
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
0 credit total	$1,125	$1,125	$1,062	$1,062

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$223	$223	$207	$207
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
1 credit total	$227.50	$227.50	$211.50	$211.50

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$669	$669	$621	$621
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
3 credit total	$1,140.50	$1,140.50	$1,077.50	$1,077.50

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$892	$892	$828	$828
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
4 credit total	$1,368	$1,368	$1,289	$1,289

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,338	$1,338	$1,242	$1,242
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
6 credit total	$1,823	$1,823	$1,712	$1,712

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$2,007	$2,007	$1,863	$1,863
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
9 credit total	$2,505.50	$2,505.50	$2,346.50	$2,346.50

0 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$669	$669	$621	$621
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
0 credit total	$1,722	$1,722	$1,659	$1,659

1 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$223	$223	$207	$207
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
Out of country fee	$261	$261	$261	$261
1 credit total	$488.50	$488.50	$472.50	$472.50

3 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$669	$669	$621	$621
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
3 credit total	$1,737.50	$1,737.50	$1,674.50	$1,674.50

4 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$892	$892	$828	$828
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
4 credit total	$1,965	$1,965	$1,886	$1,886

6 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,338	$1,338	$1,242	$1,242
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
6 credit total	$2,420	$2,420	$2,309	$2,309

9 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$2,007	$2,007	$1,863	$1,863
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$181	$181	$166	$166
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$88	$88	$88	$88
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
9 credit total	$3,102.50	$3,102.50	$2,943.50	$2,943.50

Courses

You will engage in a well-rounded curriculum that includes courses in three clusters in Athabasca University's Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program. Cluster A covers foundational subjects such as statistics, anatomy and physiology, ethics, and psychology, while Cluster B moves deeper into specialized nursing content such as medical-surgical nursing, mental health, family and community health, and leadership. Cluster C is the final practicum/preceptorship. These courses equip you with the comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practice skills to excel in your nursing career.

Program requirements

Calculate course fees

Career options

You may wish to work with patients in:

acute, mental health, community, or long-term care
clinics
administration

The knowledge and skills you gain in the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program are also preparation for graduate education, such as Athabasca University’s Master of Nursing program, which can lead to opportunities in:

senior leadership and management
advanced clinical practice
education
research

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

Take your first step to online learning

We'll send you helpful information about programs, financial options, applying, and studying at AU.