Program overview
Athabasca University’s Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing is designed to meet the specific education needs of current LPNs and RPNs who are registered in Alberta.
The program builds on your current knowledge and practice skills, and prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam. Your studies will include:
- medical surgical nursing
- mental health care
- nursing informatics
- nursing research
- primary health care
- leadership
- management
- family and community health promotion
You will also have the opportunity to develop a clinical focus in the final Consolidated Professional Practice course.
All AU nursing courses are mapped to the most current entry-to-practice competencies as determined by the CRNA and to the NCLEX-RN detailed test plan as determined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Why take the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing?
The Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program is designed specifically for practicing LPNs. You’ll complete your Bachelor of Nursing degree, get hands-on clinical experience and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. Successfully completing this exam enables you to apply for registration with The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta, which is required in order to become a registered nurse.
The Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and approved by the Nursing Education Program Approval Board Committee. It is also a solid foundation for future graduate study in many health disciplines.
AU offers a broad liberal university education and the flexibility to continue with your work and family commitments while you learn. All non-clinical courses are delivered via online education. You will also need to complete on-site practical components in order to complete the program.
Registered nurses skills and abilities
Understanding the general demands and performance expectations on registered nurses is key to making the right decision to advance your career. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta document titled Requisite Skills and Abilities for Becoming a Registered Nurse in Alberta (2021) will assist you in your decision-making skills.
Completion times
On average, students finish this program in approximately 5 years of study. You can work at your own pace to complete your requirements, but you have to finish all program requirements within 7 years of your enrolment into the program.
Admission requirements
You must have completed an approved practical nurse (LPN; RPN) program in order to apply to the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program. You must also meet the following requirements:
- regulated (practicing) licensed practical nurse with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (submit proof of registration at time of application), which must be maintained while you complete the program.
- equivalent to 1 year full-time work experience (1,700 hours) as a licensed practical nurse (submit verification letter(s) from employer(s) at time of application).
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and you can start registering in courses.
Please note: You will not be able to take nursing-specific courses until you’re accepted into the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program. You can take non-nursing courses while you wait for a decision, but taking courses before receiving the results of your official evaluation is at your own discretion. You may want to talk to an academic advisor before enrolling to make sure you take the best courses for your situation.
Make sure you send your transcripts, proof of LPN or RPN registration, and verification of hours worked to AU. You can email your practicing nursing registration number to enrol@athabascau.ca.
Transfer and advanced credit
You may receive additional transfer credit for courses taken as part of your previous nursing program. You may also be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). We don’t grant PLAR for nursing courses.
Transfer credit will not be granted for:
- nursing clinical courses that are more than 5 years old
- nursing theory courses that are more than 7 years old
- non-nursing courses that are more than 10 years old
To meet the residency requirements for the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program, you must complete the following from AU:
Program requirements
To complete the program you must fulfil all of the course requirements of the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program.
Our program plans can give you an overview of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Please note: Most clinical courses must be taken in Alberta. You can take NURS 441 in your home province if a clinical placement can be found.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:
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.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
Career options
You may wish to work with patients or in administration in:
- acute, community or long-term care
- clinics
- health promotion
The skills you gain in the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program will also help you to succeed in roles in:
- leadership and management
- advanced clinical practice
- education
- research
Further education options
Athabasca University
Program learning outcomes
When you successfully complete the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program, you will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- engage in baccalaureate registered nursing practice compliant with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) current entry-to-practice competencies for Registered Nurses while demonstrating practice consistent with the current:
- CRNA Nursing Practice Standards and all other CRNA standards and guidelines
- CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses
- Health Professions Act (HPA), the practice statement in Schedule 24 of HPA, and the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation
- common law, provincial and federal legislation that directs practice
- integrate concepts of population health, primary health care and health promotion while working with individuals, families and communities with complex alterations in health
- synthesize theory, evidence-based practice and research while working with individuals, families and communities with complex alterations in health
- model leadership behaviours such as reflection, advocacy and integrity to influence self and others toward goal achievement
- function effectively as a baccalaureate Registered Nurse using critical inquiry processes to act in situations of uncertainty and ambiguity
- work collaboratively with other disciplines and across health care sectors.
- incorporate personal integrity, responsibility and accountability in employment, community activities and further study
- demonstrate commitment to scholarship and lifelong learning that includes self-reflection, self-direction and technological innovation
References