Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing Degree Program (120 credits)

The Centre for Nursing and Health Studies offers the post-LPN BN program.

The program is designed to provide the Regulated (Practicing) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with the opportunity to continue his or her education in nursing in a baccalaureate program that offers flexible modes of course delivery and opportunities to develop a clinical focus. Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examinations and to apply for registration with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

Program Plans

Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University." Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

For additional program information, please email bnadvisor@athabascau.ca.

Enrolment Requirements

After official transcripts have been accepted, the following requirements apply:

1. Graduation from an approved practical nurse (LPN; RPN) certificate/diploma program.
2. Regulated (Practicing) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta.
3. Equivalent of one year full-time work experience (1,700 hours) as a Licensed Practical Nurse (submit letter(s) from employers to substantiate).
4. An overall average of C- (60 per cent) and no grade below a D (50 per cent) in the following secondary school courses:
   • English 30
   • two science courses at the 30 level

Applicants lacking the above high school course requirements may substitute comparable college or university-level courses.

Students admitted to the program must annually provide proof of current licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).

Agencies participating in practicum courses may request that students provide proof of up-to-date immunizations status and a criminal record check at the student’s expense.

Course Requirements

Courses listed in Cluster A are prerequisite to those listed in Cluster B, and courses listed in Cluster B are prerequisite to those listed in Cluster C. Pre/co-requisite course requirements are also present within both Cluster B and C. It is recommended that support and option courses be taken throughout the program. Students are responsible for ensuring that prerequisites and co-requisite course requirements are met throughout the program in accordance with the Prerequisite Declaration Form.

NOTE: Clinical courses will only be offered within Alberta.

Required Nursing and Non-Nursing Courses (75 credits)

* Students are strongly encouraged to register in their English course early in their program.

Options Courses (9 credits)

May be selected from Applied Studies, Humanities, Science, or Social Science. A maximum of three credits may be at the 100 level; at least three credits must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Computer Requirements

Access to a computer with basic word processing and Internet access is required. Refer to the online glossary.

Specific Regulations

Given the unique and professional nature of the post-LPN BN program, some of the general policies governing academic studies at Athabasca University are superseded by the following regulations.

1. In order to register in a nursing course with a practicum component, students must present proof of the following:
   • Current licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta.
   • Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
   • Agencies participating in practicum courses may request that students provide proof of up-to-date immunization status and a criminal record check at the student’s expense.
2. The pass mark for all nursing courses is C- (60 per cent).
3. Students in the post-LPN BN program are not permitted to challenge required nursing theory or clinical courses.
4. Students who have been awarded two failing grades in one or more clinical courses will be automatically withdrawn from the post-LPN BN program, with no opportunity for re-admission.
5. Students will be permitted a maximum of seven years to complete all degree program requirements from date of enrolment.
6. To be awarded a BN degree, a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 is required in all Athabasca University courses used toward the degree.