For those Calgarians who are interested in practical nursing but are without the high school marks required to enter such a post-secondary program, Bow Valley College has an upgrading option they should consider.
“This is a very flexible program,” says Charles Pankratz, dean of Academic Foundations (the upgrading division of Bow Valley College). “Even though it’s full-time, students are able to work at their own speed.”
Pre-PN is a full-time, daytime, four-month program consisting of three, sometimes four, high school-level upgrading courses: English, math, human sciences or biology. The main benefit of the pre-PN route of studies is a guaranteed seat in the PN program upon successful completion of the upgrading courses.
Pankratz said enrolment into practical nursing can be quite competitive, meaning without the seat guarantee, upgrading students may have to wait a semester or two before getting into the program.
Pre-PN students should expect a non-traditional classroom. A math, science and English teacher are in the room at the same time, along with teaching stations, computers and mainly one-on-one instruction based on each subject’s textbook, said Pankratz.
The cost is approximately $1,600 for pre-PN, but if a person only needs to upgrade one course or can’t take day-time classes, he or she should look into Bow Valley’s night course options instead.
“It works really well for the students who go this route,” said Pankratz, adding those enrolled tend to be very motivated to transition directly into the PN program with its semesters starting in January, May and September.
New pre-PN students can start at the beginning of every month and then have four months, working at their own pace, to complete the course. “If someone was ready to go today and had their tuition money, they could start in February,” said Pankratz.
Go to bowvalleycollegeweb.com for more.
