Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing

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.

The program builds on your current knowledge and practice skills, and prepares you for the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (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 College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) and to the NCLEX-RN detailed test plan as determined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Why take the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing?

The Post-LPN BN program is designed specifically for practicing LPNs. You’ll complete your BN degree, get hands-on clinical experience and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. Successfully completing this exam enables you to apply for registration with CARNA, which is required in order to become a Registered Nurse.

The Post-LPN BN is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and approved by the Nursing Education Program Approval Board (NEPAB). 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.

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-LPN BN program will also help you to succeed in roles in:

• leadership and management
• advanced clinical practice
• education
• research

Further education options

Athabasca University

• Master of Nursing – Generalist or Nurse Practitioner (link to new Master of Nursing program page)

Program learning outcomes

When you successfully complete the Post-LPN BN program, you will achieve or exceed the following learning outcomes:

1. Engage in baccalaureate registered nursing practice compliant with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) current entry-to-practice competencies for Registered Nurses while demonstrating practice consistent with the current:
   • CARNA Nursing Practice Standards and all other CARNA standards and guidelines;
   • CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses;
   • Health Professions Act (HPA), the practice statement in Schedule 24 of HPA, and the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation; and,
   • common law, provincial and federal legislation that directs practice.
2. Integrate concepts of population health, primary health care and health promotion while working with individuals, families and communities with complex alterations in health.
3. Synthesize theory, evidence-based practice and research while working with individuals, families and communities with complex alterations in health.
4. Model leadership behaviours such as reflection, advocacy and integrity to influence self and others toward goal achievement.
5. Function effectively as a baccalaureate Registered Nurse using critical inquiry processes to act in situations of uncertainty and ambiguity.
6. Work collaboratively with other disciplines and across health care sectors.
7. Incorporate personal integrity, responsibility and accountability in employment, community activities and further study.
8. Demonstrate commitment to scholarship and lifelong learning that includes self-reflection, self-direction and technological innovation.

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

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 will not be able to take nursing-specific courses until you’re accepted into the Post-LPN BN program. You can take non-nursing courses while you wait for a decision, but 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.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure you send your transcripts, proof of LPN or RPN registration, and verification of hours worked to AU. You can email your practising nursing registration number to enrol@athabascau.ca.