Practical Nurse Diploma

About this programme

The Practical Nurse Diploma is a fast-paced program that will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to care for clients across various health care settings. Train in high-tech simulation labs that feel like the real thing before heading into practicum placements where you’ll build confidence and real-world experience. In this program, you’ll dive into courses where you’ll learn the basics of patient care, practice checking vitals and spotting health concerns. You’ll understand how medications work and build your confidence as a future nurse. With hands-on labs, clinical placements, and real-world scenarios, you’ll graduate ready to care, lead, and make a difference—starting day one. After graduation, you'll be able to take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. For our main campus cohort, most theory classes are delivered in person , with labs and clinicals always face-to-face . Detailed schedules for Red Deer cohorts are released each May. Thanks to our partnership with Campus Alberta Central (CAC), this program is also available in several central Alberta communities . In these locations, theory classes are online , while labs are held in person . View the admissions tab for details on these locations. RDP has also partnered with Prairie College to offer this program in Three Hills. If you choose this path, please apply through Prairie College . Do you already have prior learning? This program has a prior learning accelerated pathway option to complete the program at an accelerated pace.