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APPROVED PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAMS
The following practical nurse education programs are approved by the Council of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) as mandated by the Health Professions Act (HPA). The review process is administered by the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC).
Practical Nurse Diploma Program Approval Status
The practical nurse diploma program is the basic education required in order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta.
Below is a current list of CLPNA-approved programs.
| Program. | Main Delivery Site. | Other Location(s) *Confirm with the Post Secondary Institution, as may vary. . | Status. | Next Review Date |
| Bow Valley College | Calgary | Airdrie, Okotoks, Strathmore, Cochrane Brokered* Three Hills (Prairie College) | Full Approval | Winter 2025 |
| Columbia College | Calgary | Full Approval | Fall 2025 | |
| Keyano College | Fort McMurray | Full Approval | Fall 2024 | |
| Lethbridge College | Lethbridge | Full Approval | Fall 2026 | |
| Medicine Hat College | Brooks Campus | Full Approval | Fall 2025 | |
| NorQuest College | Edmonton | Wetaskiwin | Full Approval | Winter 2026 |
| NorQuest College
Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) |
Edmonton | Approval to implement | Winter 2024 | |
| Northern Lakes College | Slave Lake | Lloydminster, Grande Prairie (Year 2), Home-Based (High Prairie), Peace River/High Level, Wabasca | Full Approval | Fall 2025 |
| Northwestern Polytechnic | Grande Prairie | Approval to implement | Winter 2024 | |
| Portage College | Cold Lake | Lac La Biche, St. Paul | Full Approval | Fall 2024 |
| Red Deer Polytechnic | Red Deer | Drumheller and Ponoka (2021-2022), Rocky Mountain House and Stettler (2022-2023) | Full Approval | Winter 2024 |
| Red Deer Polytechnic | Three Hills | Brokered* Three Hills (Prairie College) | Approval to implement | Fall 2023 |
(Table updated December 9, 2022.)
*Brokered = Post-Secondary Institutions that enter into agreements to deliver another institution’s approved program.
The program approval timeline is dependent on the approval status and is guided by the Standards for Diploma Program Approval of Practical Nurse Education (2019). This process includes an in-depth review of the curriculum and program delivery models, and site visits to the educational institution and clinical placement sites. The CLPNA’s Council makes the approval decision based on the results of the program review.
DOWNLOAD: Approval Standards for Practical Nurse Diploma Programs
Refresher Approval Status
Practical nurse refresher programs support a return to practice for individuals previously registered with the CLPNA on the general register but are no longer eligible for active registration.
RELATED – Membership Policy: Refresher Program
Below is a current list of CLPNA-approved programs.
| Program. | Main Delivery Site. | Other Location(s) *Confirm with the Post Secondary Institution, as may vary. . | Status. | Next Review Date |
| Lethbridge College | Lethbridge (distance delivery) | Full Approval | Fall 2026 | |
(Table updated August 18, 2023)
ADVANCED AUTHORIZATION EDUCATION APPROVAL STATUS
To practice in areas of Advanced Practice, LPNs are required to complete CLPNA-approved advanced training or education in the areas of Advanced Practice Foot Care, Advanced Practice Perioperative Nursing, and Advanced Practice Orthopedic Nursing.
RELATED – Restricted Activities and Advanced Authorizations
Below is a current list of CLPNA-approved programs.
Advanced Practice Foot Care Programs
| Program. | Main Delivery Site. | Other Location(s) *Confirm with the Post Secondary Institution, as may vary. . | Status. | Next Review Date |
| Alberta Foot Care Academy | Calgary | Full Approval | Spring 2023 | |
| Edmonton Foot Care Academy | Edmonton | Conditional Approval | Ongoing | |
| NorQuest College | Edmonton | Full Approval | Winter 2027 |
(Table updated March 17, 2023)
Advanced Practice Perioperative Nursing Programs
| Program. | Main Delivery Site. | Other Location(s) *Confirm with the Post Secondary Institution, as may vary. . | Status. | Next Review Date |
| MacEwan University | Edmonton | Full Approval | Fall 2027 |
(Table updated September 21, 2023)
Advanced Practice Orthopedic Nursing Programs
| Program. | Main Delivery Site. | Other Location(s) *Confirm with the Post Secondary Institution, as may vary. . | Status. | Next Review Date |
| NorQuest College | Edmonton | Full Approval | Fall 2027 |
(Table updated September 21, 2023)
DOWNLOAD: Approval Standards for Advanced Practice Education Programs
Questions?
For more information, please contact:
Email the Education Department
Ask CLPNA or call 1-800-661-5877 (toll-free in Alberta), or 780-484-8886.
