The Practical Nurse Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic is an intensive, career-focused health program designed to prepare students for entry-to-practice as Licensed Practical Nurses. Students develop foundational knowledge in patient care, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and professional nursing practice.
Training includes high-fidelity simulation labs followed by progressive clinical placements in long-term care, acute care, community, and maternity settings. The program culminates in a comprehensive preceptorship experience that prepares students to transition confidently into professional nursing roles.
Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses. The program also offers a Prior Learning Accelerated Pathway (PLAR) for internationally educated nurses and healthcare professionals, allowing eligible students to receive credit for select Year One courses.
International students must meet health, safety, and medical authorization requirements prior to clinical placements.
- Academic Requirement: Students must have: • 60% in ELA 30-1 OR 70% in ELA 30-2 • 50% in MATH 30-1 OR 50% in MATH 30-2 OR 60% in Math 30 Applied OR 60% in Math 20-1 OR 70% in Math 20-2 • 60% in BIO 30 Indian Equivalent (for your system entry): 12th Science with Biology mandatory and Mathematics required (minimum 50–60% in required subjects as applicable).
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 each band) Duolingo: 130 TOEFL iBT: 92 Oxford ELLT: 8 overall (minimum 7 each band) PTE:65
- Special Requirement: • Eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam after graduation • Three clinical placements across healthcare settings • Final comprehensive preceptorship placement • Prior Learning Accelerated Pathway (PLAR) available • Health program standards and safety certifications required • Medical authorization required for Study Permit holders • Laptop required (Mac or Windows with specified technical requirements) • Program must be completed within 5 years (including PLAR attempts) • PLAR assessments charged at 75% of course tuition
- Application Fee: $150
- LOA Deposit: $1,500
- Annual Tuition Fee: $22,673
- Total Tuition Fee: $38,710
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: (September 2026
Eligibility
□ 12th Science with Biology and Mathematics
□ Minimum required percentage in English, Math and Biology
English Requirement
□ IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 each band)
OR accepted equivalent (Duolingo 130 / TOEFL 92)
Documents
□ Passport
□ 10th and 12th marksheets
□ English test result
□ Statement of Purpose
Fees and Admission
□ Application Fee – CAD 150
□ Tuition Deposit – CAD 1500
□ PAL Required
Program Confirmation
□ Duration – 2 Years
□ Intake – Fall 2026
□ Three Clinical Placements
□ Licensing Exam Eligible (Canada)
□ PGWP Eligible