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Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing

At a glance

  • Credential: degree
  • Credits: 120
  • Next start: monthly

Athabasca University’s Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing is designed to meet the specific education needs of current licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) who are registered in Alberta.

  • 35

    Average age

  • 91%

    Employment rate

  • $80k

    Median income

  • 90%

    Student satisfaction

Source: 2023 AU institutional data and 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

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About Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing

The Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program at Athabasca University is tailor-made for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Alberta, aiming to elevate their skills and career opportunities. This comprehensive program not only builds upon your existing medical knowledge but also prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam, ensuring you're well-equipped to register as a Registered Nurse in Alberta. With an average completion time of 5 years, the program offers the flexibility of online coursework along with essential on-site practical components, all mapped to the latest entry-to-practice competencies and guidelines.

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.

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).

Program details

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).

The Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing is 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

References

Canadian Nurses Association. (2017). Code of ethics for registered nurses.

College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (2019). Entry-level competencies for the practice of Registered Nurses.

College of Registered Nurses of Alberta. (2013). Practice standards for regulated members.

College of Registered Nurses of Alberta. (2021). Requisite skills and abilities for becoming a Registered Nurse in Alberta.

Council of Ministers of Education (2007). Ministerial statement on quality assurance of degree education in Canada: Canadian degree qualifications framework.

Completion times

On average, students complete this program in about 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. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

Admission to the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program is currently paused, and when it reopens, admission will be restricted to applicants who reside in Alberta. New admissions criteria will be introduced, and seats will be limited. Admissions will take place once per year, and the process will be competitive. 

It has not been determined when admission will reopen. More information will be posted online once new program regulations have come into effect. 

Please note: Because seats will be limited, admission to the program cannot be guaranteed, even for applicants who meet the minimum enrolment requirements.

We strongly advise future applicants to not enroll in any courses until they have been admitted to the program. Because admission will be limited and competitive, and because students will need to satisfy the program regulations that are in place at the time of their admission to the program, it is risky to take courses before being admitted to the program. If you choose to take non-nursing courses prior to formal admission to the program, you do so at your own risk and discretion.

Please speak with an academic advisor before enrolling in any courses to make sure you that you have the best information for your situation.

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.

Learn more about transfer and advanced credit at AU

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:

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

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


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