Program overview
Athabasca University’s Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing is designed to meet the specific educational needs of current RNs. You will build on your established nursing practice, augmenting your knowledge and skills in:
- nursing informatics
- nursing research
- primary health care
- leadership
- management
- family and community health promotion
All AU nursing courses are mapped to the most current entry-to-practice competencies as determined by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).
Why take the Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing?
Knowledgeable, skilled RNs are in high demand locally, nationally and internationally. Whether you wish to work in a hospital or clinic, in health prevention or acute care, in a large city or rural location, with select populations or people of all ages, the number of career avenues open to registered nurses is growing at a rapid pace.
AU offers a broad liberal university education and the flexibility to continue with your work and family commitments while you learn. All courses are delivered via online education with no on-site practical component.
Completion times
You can finish this program in as little as 2 years of full-time study. You can also work at your own pace to complete all your requirements within 5 years of your enrolment.
Admission requirements
You must have completed an approved registered nurse (RN) program in order to apply to the Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing program.
You must also provide proof of regulated (practicing) RN registration/licensure within a Canadian province or territory and maintain it while completing the program.
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 can take courses while you wait to be accepted into the program, however 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 and proof of nursing registration to AU. You can email your practising 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).
Transfer credit will not be granted for:
- 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-RN Bachelor of Nursing program, you must complete a minimum of 15 nursing credits from AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program, you must fulfil all of the course requirements of the Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing program.
Our program plans can help you determine which courses you will need to take and the order in which you should take them. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
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-RN Bachelor of Nursing program will also help you to succeed in the following roles:
- leadership and management
- advanced clinical practice
- education
- research
Further education options
Athabasca University
Program learning outcomes
When you successfully complete the Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing program, you will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- engage in baccalaureate registered nursing practice compliant with the Canadian Nursing College and/or Association of Registered Nurses with which students hold active licensure, while demonstrating registered nursing practice consistent with the current:
- CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses
- applicable Health Professions Act (HPA)
- applicable 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 RN 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
- Canadian Nurses Association. (2008). Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses. Ottawa, ON: Author.
- College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. (2003). Nursing Practice Standards. Edmonton, AB: Author.
- Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. (2007). Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in Canada: Canadian Degree Qualifications Framework. Retrieved from http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/95/QA-Statement-2007.en.pdf