LPN programs in Calgary/Bridge programs to RN in Canada

World Canada CA Programs

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I am considering applying into the LPN program at Bow Valley College in a year from now. I know it is very difficult to get into the BN program at Mount Royal from what I have heard, and I have spent 5 years in university as it is so the 17 month lpn program at Bow Valley just seems more practical for me right now to get a job sooner. I keep hearing conflicting info. though regarding bridge programs. I have heard there is no way you can bridge from LPN to RN in Canada, then I have read that you can still get your BN in two years through Athabasca University after completing the LPN program? Which is correct? I would like to be an RN eventually so I don't want to waste time and money on the LPN program if it will never lead to RN/BN. Could some canadian folks/alberta folks please help me?

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You are correct about Athabasca, it is a (approx.) 2 year on line program with 3 or 4 1 month clinicals over the course. I have two RPN (LPN) friends doing it.

They love it.

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Awesome! I figured that it did transfer because on the Bow Valley lpn site it says it can be transfered to athabasca although a girl working at a university told me that lpn does not lead to rn in canada but I did not think that sounded right at all. What kinds of requirements are there to get into the BN athabasca program? Do they go mostly by your grades from the LPN program? How busy is the online program, is your friend currently working as an lpn too? I feel that this would be the best route for me as my husband and i have just bought a home, and being in school already for so long it would be really hard going so many years again with a very low income.

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Athabasca is an excellent school and i highly recommend it, i lived in Alberta.

The program does lead to a BScN, hence why my friend is doing it, she currently resides in Ontario and is working full-time as an RPN (LPN). The liciensure is Alberta. If she want to work as an RN in Ontario she must write the Ontario exam.

From what i was told there are a total of 17 courses including clinicals and you have 6 months to complete each course. Each course has telephone/online support and tutor. She is able to write all her exams at the local college, with a proctor of course, and do all but the last clinical locally. The last clinical is in Alberta for about 4 weeks. Bottom line on that, its as busy as you want it to be.

As for requirements it never really came up but my understanding is that they went by her LPN (RPN) grades.

I hope this helps. If you need more help please feel free to PM me.

As for myself, i am entering my second year of a BScN program. We met as volunteers for the local Red Cross first aid team.

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I am stuck in the same position. I think I will be taking the LPN (at Bow Valley) - RN route via Athabasca while I am done. 3.5 GPA for fall 2012 at Mount Royal is pretty ridiculous!

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Do you mean 2011? Yeah i am hoping they will take REALLY good marks from my first degree and not the not-so-good ones. I have my spot for the LPN at BVC though for August 29th. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Have you done any post-secondary?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Canadian forum

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Athabasca is an excellent school and i highly recommend it, i lived in Alberta.

The program does lead to a BScN, hence why my friend is doing it, she currently resides in Ontario and is working full-time as an RPN (LPN). The liciensure is Alberta. If she want to work as an RN in Ontario she must write the Ontario exam. ......

There is not an "Ontario exam". The CRNE is a national exam and is accepted all across Canada. She will have to apply for Ontario licensure.

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Do you mean 2011? Yeah i am hoping they will take REALLY good marks from my first degree and not the not-so-good ones. I have my spot for the LPN at BVC though for August 29th. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Have you done any post-secondary?

Nope, 2011 is 3.3 GPA. It will have gone up to 3.5 for 2012 fall. I am still not on "post-secondary student status" because I have not done 10 university level courses yet. I'm not sure if I will get in for fall 2011 at Mount Royal but I am going to work hard for another year to see how it goes because this semester has been going very well for me. If it doesn't work out, I will for sure consider the BVC - Athabasca route. I am currently 20, 21 in November and am currently a open studies student at MRU!

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Hi.

It is all correct about Athabasca after BVC. Just keep in mind, that in order to apply to Athabasca after LPN Program you need to submit employment letter from your workplace confirming 1 year experience on the hospital site as LPN. This is one of the requirments to get into Athabasca,

I got seat into BVC for August 29, 2011 as well :)

Ciao.

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Hi.

It is all correct about Athabasca after BVC. Just keep in mind, that in order to apply to Athabasca after LPN Program you need to submit employment letter from your workplace confirming 1 year experience on the hospital site as LPN. This is one of the requirments to get into Athabasca,

I got seat into BVC for August 29, 2011 as well :)

Ciao.

Hi! Did you take that program as well? Yes my friend was looking into it and she told me that. It just sucks that it's going to be online for Athabasca. :down:

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Hi! Did you take that program as well? Yes my friend was looking into it and she told me that. It just sucks that it's going to be online for Athabasca. :down:

No, what "sucks" is working LPNs need to complete over 1000 hours of paid work experience to be admitted to the programme and kids fresh out of high school can apply and be accepted for degree programs at the universities.

I can't remember if it's 1700 or 1200 paid hours but it's around a year full time.

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