Considering Athabasca LPN to BN Bridge

[mn777]

Hi all. I am an RPN in Ontario who is considering applying to the Athabasca Bridge program. I was wondering if it's possible to do all my clinical rotations in Ontario or is it just the last three month clinical that can be done in my region and the rest have to be completed in Alberta?? I think that's the way it works but just wanted clarification. I like the idea of doing these courses at my own pace and still being able to work and have a social life. I was accepted into the RPN to BScN program here at my local college but I need to work at least three-four days a week and this may be a bit much considering the amount of studying and homework required. I am also wondering if anyone from Ontario is enrolled or graduated from this program...Would love to hear your overall feedback of this program.

Thanks very much..:wink2:

[Fiona59]

All clinical time is in Alberta. You must also obtain an AB practice permit (and keep it current )to enroll in the course.

[mn777]

Appreciate your response!

[Laurafromontario]

Hi I am inquiring about the lpn to rn at athabasca... I am an RPN in Ontario and would like to bridge to rn. How many times would I have to travel to Alberta to do my clinicals? is it expensive to do the program online? where would i write my exams at the end of each course? what electives should I take while I await my license for alberta? Is it a difficult challenge to do courses online? Hard to figure out how to use the system online?

Thanx for your help

[Fiona59]

All your questions are answered in the Athabasca catalogue on line.

[Laurafromontario]

Has anyone here done the athabasca lpn to rn or enrolled in it that I can ask some questions?

[lpntobn]

Hi,

I can give you some info as I have just completed this program. As Fiona pointed there is also a lot of info in the calender. Anyhow, you will have to come to Alberta 3 times. They may be able to schedule two rotations back to back but chances are that this is really unlikely to happen so I wouldn't count on it. You'll need to come for 1 month for the med/surg rotation, one month for the Public Health rotation and 2 weeks for the Mental Health rotation. The last preceptorship can be done anywhere in Canada as long as AU can find a preceptor and you can pick where you want to go to do it.

You can start taking your electives anytime, even before being accepted into the program or being registered in Alberta. But you will have to meet the requirements to be registered in Alberta therefore should be assessed as soon as possible as you may need to take some courses to meet the Alberta requirements for registration. I know some LPNs had to take the Physical Assessment Course. You need to take electives from certain categories so you'll need to refer to the calender. I would pick electives based on your nursing interests. For example I took mostly psychology courses, an occupational health nursing and bio-ethical course.

As far as how much it will cost you can refer to the calender and add up the cost per course but keep in mind that the courses seem to go up every year. However, the books come with the course fees so you do not have to buy any additional books.

I really can't comment on how hard you will find it to do online. It worked great for me. The on-line system is easy. I had taken my LPN about 20 years ago so it took some work to get back into writing papers, studying, etc.

I just finished the program the last week of July and had several job offers. I started working as a Graduate Nurse the first week of Aug. It's been great, and I have no regrets !

Good luck, if you have any others questions just ask

[Laurafromontario]

Thank you for your reply very helpful!!!! One more question I am not very good at math and if I have difficulties do they have any support? What did you do when you needed some assistance?

[Laurafromontario]

I noticed also there is an option for the math either intro to statistics or computer oriented approach. Which one would you suggest taking?

[Fiona59]

Every AU course has a tutor assigned to it. Their contact hours are in the course package.

Only you can decide which math route suits your learning personality.

All this info really is in their website.

[Laurafromontario]

I understand its all in the package online just wanted some clarification. Maybe some personal opinions also thats why I am asking on this site.

Thanx

[lpntobn]

I took the regular statistics course. It really wasn't that bad. I didn't take the computer course as I wasn't that used to using a computer when I took this course. Each course has a tutor who is actually a professor and they are very helpful. You can email or leave a voice message for them anytime to get back to you plus there are a least time times a week set up were you can call them directly and they will answer your call.