The Practical Nursing program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley is a two-year diploma program that focuses on bedside nursing, and teaching students to provide acute and critical care to patients with a wide spectrum of medical conditions.
Starting Fall 2013: This is a Mobile Learning Program.
As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer.
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- Ontario College Diploma
- 2 Years
- Program Code:
- 1704X01FPM
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work as a practical nurse in the health care system and to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination in Ontario.
Students learn the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation tools required to provide caring and therapeutic nursing care to individuals of all age groups and social settings. The curriculum covers classroom theory, laboratory techniques, practical experience and independent study. Most importantly, students gain hands-on experience in a variety of health care facilities and participate in clinical placements that may require evenings, overnight and weekend shift work.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy the challenges of working with and accepting people of all ages and stages of development and of varying backgrounds.
- Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Enjoy working with others as a member of a team or in a leadership role.
- Possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Are dedicated patient advocates.
- Possess ability to handle physically demanding situations.
- Possess maturity and are flexible.
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Your Career
Registered Practical Nurses work closely with the health care teams in a variety of community clinics, private homes, nursing homes, homes for the aged and geriatric, rehabilitative, medical, surgical and obstetrical units.
Graduates must be licensed by the College of Nurses of Ontario in order to practise in Ontario.
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Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| BIO7100 | Anatomy and Physiology I This course is the first of two courses introducing students to the human body and its functions. The topics include the study of medical terminology, language of anatomy, the cell, cell transport mechanisms, tissues, membranes and skin. Students also study the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory (blood), cardiac, vascular, respiratory and nervous systems. | 60.0 |
| ENL7777 | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| NSG7310 | Nursing I Theory Students are socialized into the profession of Nursing. The themes of critical thinking, caring and health promotion are introduced. The Roy Adaptation Model for Nursing is used as a framework for the nursing process by which basic human needs are studied. Co-requisites: NSG7311 and NSG7312 | 60.0 |
| NSG7311 | Nursing I Laboratory Students learn and practise selected basic nursing skills which promote adaptation. Co-requisites: NSG7310 and NSG7312 | 45.0 |
| NSG7312 | Nursing I Practicum Students learn to promote adaptation through the practice and implementation of selected skills. Students apply Roy's Adaptation Model for Nursing in the laboratory and the care of a client. Practice settings include lab and designated clinical sites. Co-requisites: NSG7310 and NSG7311 | 117.0 |
| NSG7313 | Health Care Consumer Theoretical models that support critical thinking while interacting with the health care consumer, utilizing specific techniques, such as teaching, facilitating and promoting change are presented. The role function mode (from Roy's Adaptation Model) serves as the framework for this course of study. | 30.0 |
| PSY7603 | Introduction to Psychology The following contemporary psychological concepts are examined: the biological basis of behaviour, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thought and language, development, motivation and emotion, personality, intelligence and assessment, health, stress and coping, psychological disorders, approaches to treatment and social psychology. | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| BIO7101 | Anatomy and Physiology II This course is the second of two courses introducing students to the human body and its functions. The main focus is on the role that hormones play in regulating cellular function, metabolism, reproduction, lactation, composition of blood and urine formation. Students also study the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive, endrocrine, lymphatic, digestive and urinary systems. Prerequisites: BIO7100 | 30.0 |
| ENL7645 | Communication Skills for the Practical Nurse Students develop professional skills that nurses require to communicate confidently with clients and other members of the health care team. Topics include writing and speaking effectively, using persuasive presentation skills, locating and evaluating information from a variety of media, developing an awareness of current health issues, and reflecting on/reacting to them and communicating with confidence in a collaborative work environment. Students experience classroom and online learning as they develop communication skills required to practise as a successful professional nurse in today's health care community. Prerequisites: ENL7777 | 45.0 |
| NSG7320 | Nursing II Theory How the three processes of maturation, reproduction, and degeneration influence an individiual's growth and development across the lifecycle is explored. Learners use a holistic view of the person and the nursing process to assess the achievement of physiological, psychological and social milestones necessary for health adaptation. Nursing interventions to support adaptation are explored with an emphasis on considering the client's culture and lifestyle, as well as teaching in the form of anticipatory guidance. Prerequisites: BIO7100 and NSG7310 and NSG7313 Co-requisites: NSG7322 and NSG7325 | 75.0 |
| NSG7322 | Nursing II Practicum As a developing, caring professional, the student assists clients (individuals and families) to meet their needs using health promotion and anticipatory guidance throughout the lifespan. Practice settings include lab and clinical settings involving various age groups. Prerequisites: BIO7100 and NSG7312 and NSG7313 Co-requisites: NSG7320 and NSG7325 | 154.0 |
| NSG7323 | Nursing Research Through the use of technology and human resources the student is introduced to the knowledge and skills necessary to support the development of evidence-based practice. The delivery model includes both classroom and online learning. | 30.0 |
| NSG7324 | Consolidation I This consolidation experience provides the student with an opportunity to integrate previously acquired skills and knowledge in a variety of settings. The focus is on health assessment, organizational and communication skills. Prerequisites: NSG7320 and NSG7322 and NSG7325 | 75.0 |
| NSG7325 | Health Assessment Knowledge and skills to perform a health history and head-to-toe physical assessment of clients across the lifespan are presented. The health history includes physiological, psychosocial, developmental, and environmental data and risk screening tools. Students are provided with an opportunity to practise collection of data through the skills of interviewing, observation, auscultation, and percussion and documentation of findings. Prerequisites: BIO7100 and NSG7311 and NSG7313 Co-requisites: NSG7320 and NSG7322 | 60.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| BIO7102 | Pathophysiology The human body's reaction to and defences against disease is studied. Particular focus is on immunity, inflammation, and infection and includes the nature of cancer. Students explore disease processes affecting major systems in the body. Prerequisites: BIO7101 | 30.0 |
| NSG7330 | Nursing III Theory Students study individuals' and families' adaptation in response to common health problems as a stimulus in the four (4) modes of the Roy Adaptation Model for Nursing. Students are introduced to the concepts of morbidity and mortality. Prerequisites: NSG7324 Co-requisites: NSG7331 and NSG7332 | 75.0 |
| NSG7331 | Nursing III Lab Building on the previous terms, students learn and practise selected nursing skills which promote adaptation in the four modes, with the focus on individuals and families who are experiencing physical and mental health problems. Prerequisites: NSG7324 Co-requisites: NSG7330 and NSG7332 | 30.0 |
| NSG7332 | Nursing III Practicum Students apply the nursing process to facilitate adaptation of clients (individuals and families) who are experiencing physical and mental health problems. Practice settings may include lab, acute care, clinic and community settings. Prerequisites: NSG7324 Co-requisites: NSG7330 and NSG7331 | 182.0 |
| PHA7100 | Pharmacology Students are introduced to responsibilities surrounding the administration of medications. The major drug classifications, actions, desired and adverse effects and implications regarding nursing care are studied. In addition, selected drugs common to the major classifications are discussed. The practice of the administration of medication begins in Nursing III Practicum. Prerequisites: BIO7101 and NSG7324 | 45.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED1704A | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or PSI0003 or ARC9001 or GEN1701 | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| NSG7340 | Nursing IV Theory Students study complex physical and mental problems with increasing morbidity and mortality. Prerequisites: BIO7102 and NSG7330 and PHA7100 Co-requisites: NSG7341 and NSG7342 | 40.0 |
| NSG7341 | Nursing IV Lab Students learn and practise selected nursing skills which promote adaptation in the four modes with focus on individuals, and families who are experiencing complex physical and mental health problems. Prerequisites: BIO7102 and NSG7331 and PHA7100 Co-requisites: NSG7340 and NSG7342 | 20.0 |
| NSG7342 | Nursing IV Practicum Learning opportunities of a more complex nature are provided. Students assist clients (individuals and families) with complex physical and mental health problems. Practice settings may include lab, acute care, clinic and community settings. Opportunities to develop leadership skills are provided. Prerequisites: BIO7102 and NSG7332 and PHA7100 Co-requisites: NSG7340 and NSG7341 | 130.0 |
| NSG7343 | Current Issues Students enhance their knowledge of concepts of professionalism and they focus on the legal and ethical standards of practice for the Registered Practical Nurse. Nursing issues and trends are explored through a variety of learning methods. Prerequisites: NSG7330 Co-requisites: NSG7340 | 30.0 |
| NSG7344 | Consolidation II Students integrate previously acquired knowledge and skills in a variety of settings. The focus of this experience is to help students make the role transition from student to graduates. Students must have completed all course requirements before entrance to NSG7344. Prerequisites: ENL7645 and GED1704A and NSG7313 and NSG7323 and NSG7340 and NSG7341 and NSG7342 and NSG7343 and PSY7603 and SOC7605 | 320.0 |
| SOC7605 | Principles of Sociology Students are introduced to the major concepts and theories of sociology, which is the study of human society and social behaviour. The Canadian perspective is taken. Students study topics, such as the sociological approach, society, culture, socialization, groups, social stratification, and social class and social change. | 45.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $1,583.44 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,575.86 per term in Levels 03 and 04.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidential Fee: $45 in Level 01 and $100 in Level 03.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term in Levels 01, 02 and 03 and $76.03 in Level 04.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term in Levels 01, 02 and 03.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term in Levels 01, 02 and 03.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Students should budget for additional costs to cover nursing uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, bandage scissors, and travel including parking at clinical agencies during their practicum experiences.
Much of the program of study is done online and a computer at home would be beneficial. The cost of textbooks is approximately $2,000 for the first term and $1,000 in succeeding terms. Some textbooks are optional and students can utilize those in the Learning Resource Centre.
The fee for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam is $446.97.
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Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12 (SBI3C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 (SCH3C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
Accepted applicants must be in good health and submit a Health Assessment form and an Immunization form prior to registration. The annual influenza vaccine is required prior to clinical.
A current Standard First Aid and CPR Level "C" certificate is required prior to registration. Students cannot attend clinical until this is completed. Annual CPR recertification is required.
Computer skills are required throughout the program.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Practical Nursing program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Clinical Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
315 Pembroke Street East
Pembroke, ON K8A 3K2
Telephone: 613-735-4700 ext. 2708
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
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Additional Information
This Full-time day program is also offered at the Woodroffe Campus. While the learning outcomes at the Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of local circumstances which affect program delivery.
Clinical placements may occur anywhere in Renfrew County and transportation must be provided by the student. Where clinical placement agencies require photo ID, the student is responsible for obtaining the photo ID prior to clinical placement. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical without the photo ID.
NOTE: According to the College of Nurses of Ontario, those graduates wishing to be registered, following successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, must complete a declaration form indicating their status regarding:
- Any convictions of a criminal offence under the Controlled Substance Act (Canada) and the Food and Drug Act (Canada);
- Being subject of proceedings with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Ontario in another health profession or in another jurisdiction in nursing or in another health profession;
- Whether you are affected by a physical or mental condition/illness which may affect your ability to practise nursing. The College of Nurses of Ontario has identified that "in order to meet the suitability to practice requirements, an applicant has to provide a clear original Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Records Check that has been completed in the last six months". The College of Nurses of Ontario has resources available. Below are links to the CNO website where information can be found.
- Information about the good character and suitability to practice requirements can be found through this link: www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/new-applicants/ontario1/
- The fact sheet with information about the Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Records Check requirements can be found through this link: www.cno.org/Global/docs/reg/44035_CPIC.pdf
- The fact sheet about declaring a criminal offence can be found through this link: www.cno.org/Global/docs/reg/44044_DeclarationRegistrationReq.pdf
For more information, please contact K. Kidd, Program Coordinator, at 613-735-4700 ext. 2705.
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