COURSE CURRICULUM

The Practical Nursing diploma at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a two-year, six-semester program that blends theoretical learning with hands-on clinical practice to prepare students for competent, patient-centered nursing care. In Year 1, Semester 1, students build foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology, health assessment, professional practice and communication, and health fundamentals, gaining skills to support patient care in diverse settings. Semester 2 continues this foundation with anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and health variations, alongside advanced health assessment and praxis, integrating theory with practical application. Semester 3 focuses on integrated clinical practice and cultural diversity, allowing students to apply prior learning in real-world healthcare environments. Year 2, Semester 4, expands into advanced health assessment, professional practice, mental health and substance use disorders, and variations in health, further developing critical thinking and patient care skills. Semester 5 emphasizes community health, maternal-child health, culturally safe healthcare practices, and continued clinical assessment, preparing students for complex healthcare situations. The final semester, Semester 6, centers on integrated clinical practice, consolidating knowledge, technical skills, and professional judgment in diverse clinical settings. Across all semesters, students engage in experiential learning through simulations, labs, and community-based rotations, ensuring competence in holistic, humanistic care. Graduates emerge as confident, skilled licensed practical nurses, ready to meet the demands of dynamic healthcare environments and provide safe, ethical, and culturally responsive care.