To begin your journey you will be required to complete these forms and documents as a part of the application process.
Get career ready at one of these three campuses: Cold Lake, Lac La Biche or St. Paul.
Our program emphasizes collaboration, health promotion, and family-centered nursing. You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide variety of health care settings, both rural and urban. Our enthusiastic, experienced instructors focus on building your competency in nursing practice through imaginative, innovative classroom and lab experiences. As a graduate, you'll be eligible to write the national licensing examination administered through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).
This two-year diploma program is delivered via blended delivery with some classes and all labs being offered in person, and some classes being offered online. Students in the first semester of their program can expect the majority of their classes to be online with in-person labs and exams.
As the Practical Nursing Diploma has an enrollment limit, the College reserves the right to employ academic rating scales for admission purposes. Applicants will be sent an offer if their overall GPA as assessed with the required admissions courses is at or above the annual competitive GPA. Offers would be sent out once a student had submitted all required documents and a GPA could be assessed. For applicants who meet requirements but do not meet the competitive GPA their application will be placed on a competitive waitlist and offers may be sent based on GPA and seat availability.
Because this program is in such high demand, you may wish to begin your studies part-time by taking university courses in the meantime. For more information, use the link to our Info Request Form below.
Learn more about strategies for success in nursing school here to help you achieve a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta. Read more here.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.
Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
International Student Apply
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
International Student Study Permit
Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.
International Information Request
Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.
More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.
Career Potential
Graduates will be eligible for jobs in acute care hospitals, continuing care centres, community care settings, client homes or doctor's offices. Practical nurses earn approximately $26.45 to $34.63 per hour.
Credentials
Year 1: N/A
Year 2: Diploma
Admission Requirements
Year 1: A High School Diploma is Recommended:
- Biology 30 with Minimum 60% or equivalency
- English 30-1 with a Minimum of 60% or English 30-2 with Minimum 70%
- Math 20-2 with Minimum 60% or equivalency
- Chemistry 30 is strongly recommended
- NOTE: Those who do not meet admission requirements listed above are encouraged to look into Open Studies
- High School and/or Post-Secondary Transcript of grades
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Other admission requirements include
- Minimum age of 18 prior to first practicum placement
- Copy of CPR Heart & Stroke BLS for Healthcare Providers Certificate to be completed within 3 weeks prior to program’s August start date to ensure certification remains valid through their first clinical.
- Current Immunization record, signed by a Canadian physician, nurse practitioner, or public health nurse - to be completed before clinical placement.
- Signed Immunization and Placement Disclosure Waiver Form
- Health Status Questionnaire signed by a nurse practitioner or physician
- Police Information Check & Vulnerable Sector Search - To be completed within 90 days of the program start date.
- Signed "Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search Waiver Form for Admission to the Practical Nurse Program"
- ESL - ALL students whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Format with minimum scores as follows: Listening 7.5; Reading 6.5; Writing 7.0; Speaking 7.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet Based) with minimum test scores as follows: Listening 23; Reading 21; Writing 25; Speaking 22.
- CELBAN, with a minimum test score as follows: Listening 10; Reading 8; Writing 7; Speaking 7.
Note: Testing must have been completed within two years prior to application to the program
Year 2: Completion of Year 1 nursing courses. Students new to the program must provide a Police Information Check & Vulnerable Sector Search
English Language Proficiency
ALL students whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Format with minimum scores as follows: Listening 7.5; Reading 6.5; Writing 7.0; Speaking 7.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet Based) with minimum test scores as follows: Listening 23; Reading 21; Writing 25; Speaking 22.
- CELBAN, with a minimum test score as follows: Listening 10; Reading 8; Writing 7; Speaking 7.
Note: Testing must have been completed within two years prior to application to the program.
Transferability:
Transfer credit listed on the ACAT (Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer) website will be approved for transfer credit to Portage College. Specific credit awards to a program are subject to the requirements and regulations of the admitting program and may vary from the total credit awarded by Portage College. To determine if this program transfers to other institutions refer to the ACAT website.
Think you might have courses similar? Check this site Alberta Government Link for agreements.
Prior Learning Assessments are available for the PN program. If you feel you have prior learning that you would like assessed or have questions about this assessment process, please contact one of our Student Advisors. Our Student Advisors can provide you with the Prior Learning Assessment guideline and related application form.
For more information on the processes of PLAR for the Practical Nursing program, click here.
Program Start/End Dates
Year 1: August 28, 2025 to June 26, 2026
Year 2: August 29, 2025 to May 22, 2026
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
St. Paul Campus
Application Deadline
Domestic: Open until seats are filled.
International Student: June 30, 2025
First Year Students
Long Term Care: Beginning of April (5 weeks)
Second Year Students
Acute Care 1: Third week of November (4 weeks)
Acute Care 2: First week of March (4 weeks)
Preceptor Lead Practicum: First week of April (271 hours)
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024
| Tuition | $2,684.55 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Name Plate | $25.00 |
| Total | $3,280.53 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $2,684.55 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,938.53 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,219.06
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024
| Tuition | $2,684.55 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $3,255.53 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $2,684.55 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,938.53 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,194.06
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Fee Explanations
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)
If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024
| Tuition | $8,272.40 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Name Plate | $25.00 |
| Total | $8,868.38 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $7,670.15 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $7,924.13 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,792.51
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $8,272.40 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $8,843.38 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,670.15 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $7,924.13 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,767.51
Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2025-26 -Year 2 of program started 2024-25 not including mandatory fees: $16,249.35
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Fee Explanations
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Practical Nurse Diploma
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.