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Bridging Pathway for Internationally Educated Nurses (BPIEN)

Bridging Program

Certificate of Completion

Download Fact Sheet

The Bridging Pathways for Internationally educated nurses (BPIEN) is designed to help internationally educated nurses (IENs) to bridge the gap between their nursing education and experiences with Canadian Nursing, clinical, and non-clinical workplaces.

The BPIEN is for: IENs seeking to prepare for nursing practice and exams in Alberta and seeking support in licensing process in Alberta within their first 2 years of re-locating to Canada, and IENs seeking to prepare for further education in Canadian nursing schools.

This is a 32-week program featuring 8 courses which are delivered through a combination of in-person and online sessions, aiming at facilitating the academic and professional integration of the IENs and their transition into the Canadian workforce.

In this program, IENs will gain knowledge about the Canadian Health Care System, the Canadian Nursing professions, licensing requirements, and available education and career pathways. Emphasis will be put on concepts such as safe and ethical practice, cultural safety, and the entry-level Canadian nursing competencies through various student-centered learning activities such as quizzes, case studies, online discussions, simulated practice, projects, and community service-learning activities (aligned with the current COVID-19 public health restrictions).

School Health
Credits 0
Course Length Two Semesters (eight-months)
Hours 20 hrs/week x 32 weeks
Credential Certificate
Delivery Options Blended
Instruction Options Blended, Online, On-Site, Full-time
Offered Fall, Winter, and Spring
Practicum Yes
Tuition CAD 10,000.00 / session

*This program is not designated and ineligible to receive foreign nationals on a study permit.

*This program is not approved, affiliated, or associated with CARNA, CLPNA, or NNAS.

*CIC encourages all IEN to complete the NNAS/CARNA/CLPNA application processes and follow the regulated recommendations by the federal and provincial regulatory bodies in Alberta, Canada for licensing, registration or practice as a registered nurse in Alberta.

Admission Requirements
  • Diploma in Nursing and/or Midwifery or a Bachelor’s of Higher Degree in Nursing,
  • Be previously or currently a registered or licensed nurse in your country of origin,
  • Have a minimum of 1,000 hours of nursing experience within the last 2 years prior to the application, or
  • Be a recent graduate.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject’s specific requirements.
  • Students from non-English speaking countries should provide, in addition to any combination of the above, proof of IELTS or equivalent (TOEFL, CELBAN). An overall band of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
  • Entrance Interview.

 

Admission Recommendations
  • Any assessment documentation from NNAS, CARNA, CLPNA, or CRPNA, if available.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR C.
  • Criminal Record Check.
  • Negative TB Skin Test or Chest X-Ray.
  • Immunizations.

    Graduates of this program can pursue careers in healthcare and community care sectors. You can enter the workforce with the aim of gaining continuing employment in the Canadian healthcare environment. You can be employed in non-regulated professions across many public and private organizations, including hospitals, clinics, primary care centers, public health centers, home care, assisted living, long-term care, schools, daycares, universities, and community support organizations and social services.

    Course 1: Communication skills in Nursing

    Course 2: Career pathways for IENs

    Course 3: Canadian Nursing licensure for IENs

    Course 4: Professional Nursing Practice

    Course 5: Introduction to the Canadian health care system and Nursing

    Course 6: Nursing care for clients with health alterations

    Course 7: Canadian Nursing Skills review

    Course 8: Practicum

    Communication skills in Nursing
    This course will review the basics of English grammar and Canadian nursing vocabulary and communication skills, including the principles of medical terminology, therapeutic communication, and professional communication in the Canadian workplace context. Requirements for English language tests will be briefly reviewed.

    Career pathways for IENs
    This course will introduce students the career pathways for IENs in Canada, including non-clinical jobs and alternative careers. Within this course, IENs will also complete competency and skill assessments to identify their strengths and areas for growth. By the end of this course, students will design their own education and career roadmap.

    Canadian Nursing licensure for IENs
    This course will introduce students to the processes and requirements to become a nurse in Alberta, Canada. Students will learn strategies and resources to prepare for related exams.

    Professional Nursing Practice
    This course will introduce students to professional, legal, and ethical standards, regulations, and relevant policies that guide nursing practice across various sectors in Alberta. This course will introduce students to the principles, expectations, and skills for collaborative practice and leadership in Canadian Nursing.

    Introduction to Canadian health care and Nursing.
    This course will introduce students to the evolution and current state of Canadian health care system and the Nursing profession in Canada.

    Nursing care for clients with health alterations.
    This course will review nursing care across the lifespan. Special considerations will be given to nursing knowledge and care interventions across various areas such as medicine-surgery, community health, psychiatric and mental health, gerontology, pediatrics, and perinatal health.

    Canadian Nursing Skills Review.
    This course will review nursing assessments and basic skills essential to the entry-level nurse in the Canadian context. Students will also practice those skills through case studies, and simulations.

    Practicum
    This course will provide a community service-learning placement or a capstone project for students. In this course, students will get familiar with the roles of nursing professionals across a variety of settings and will reflect on their contribution to the wellbeing of clients, families, and communities.

    PATHWAYS: GENERAL OVERVIEW

    **Please note: These pathways may vary based on individual circumstances and regulatory body requirements.

    OPTION 1: PATHWAYS TO BECOME A PRACTICAL NURSE

    Licensing pathway (recommended) Canadian Imperial College Bridging
    • Submit NNAS forms to regulatory body, school, and employer (recommended
    • Submit also your English test (CELBAN/IETLS) results to NNAS (recommended)

    ·  Communication skills in Nursing

    ·  Career pathways for IENs

    ·  Canadian Nursing licensure for IENs

    ·  Professional Nursing Practice

     

    Ensure all docs are send back to NNAS (recommended)

    CLPNA

    • Once NNAS report is available (or at the end of program), register with CLPNA
    • If advisory report deemed education and experience not comparable/ comparable
    • Recommendation will be made to either:
      • complete a LPN program
      • challenge the Practical Nurse exam

    ·  Introduction to the Canadian health care system and Nursing

    · Nursing care for clients with various health alterations 

    · Canadian Nursing Skills review

    · Practicum 

     

    PRIOR CPNRE Exam

    • Complete additional courses recommended by CLPNA
    • Submit all required certifications
    • Apply to write the CPNRE exam
    • Candidate may or may NOT qualify for a graduate nurse license at this point (temporary practice permit)

     

    CPNRE Exam

    • Full license

    OPTION 2: PATHWAY TO BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE

    Licensing pathway (recommended) Canadian Imperial College Bridging
    • Submit NNAS forms to regulatory body, school, and employer (recommended
    • Submit also your English test (CELBAN/IETLS) results to NNAS (recommended)

    ·  Communication skills in Nursing

    ·  Career pathways for IENs

    ·  Canadian Nursing licensure for IENs

    ·  Professional Nursing Practice

     

    Ensure all docs are send back to NNAS (recommended)

    CARNA

    • Once NNAS report is available, register with CARNA
    • If advisory report deemed education and experience not comparable/ comparable
    • Recommendation will be made to either:
      • Go back to RN school
      • Pursue ARNAP

    ·  Introduction to the Canadian health care system and Nursing

    · Nursing care for clients with various health alterations 

    · Canadian Nursing Skills review

    · Practicum 

            ↓

    ARNAP: Alberta Registered Nurse Assessment Program

    • After ARNAP results, CARNA will recommend candidates to:
      • Complete additional courses if gaps identified in competences
      • Or, go back to RN program
    • Once educational requirements are met, CARNA will recommend candidates to:
      • Submit all required documentation
      • Apply to write the NCLEX Exam
    • Candidate may or may NOT qualify for a graduate nurse license at this point (temporary practice permit)
    NCLEX Exam
    • Full license

     

    Requirements for clinical placements:

    • Standard First Aid and CPR C
    • Criminal Record Check
    • Negative TB Skin Test or Chest X-Ray
    • Mask Fit Testing and immunizations as required by Co-Op Placement Site
    • Additional training as per site policies

    Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

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