Psychiatric Nursing Degree at Grant Macewan College
Program Details
The program offers small class sizes, well-qualified faculty and diversity in teaching strategies. The curriculum focuses on promotion of health and care of clients across the lifespan for those experiencing mental and physical health problems and developmental disorders. The program of studies provides extensive theory, laboratory and clinical practice, building on knowledge from the discipline and practice of nursing and psychiatric nursing, as well as from the physical, biological, health and social sciences.
Experiences in practice settings are strategically positioned throughout the program. The program concludes with a 10-week course in a practice setting to facilitate consolidation of learning and set a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in psychiatric nursing. Program graduates receive a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from MacEwan and are eligible to write the professional registration/licensure examination to become as RPN.
Program Length
The Psychiatric Nursing Program has an annual intake each fall. The program is scheduled over 28 months, with years one and two each extending from September to the beginning of June and Year Three comprising a single term (September to December).
On successful completion of all program requirements students receive a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from Grant MacEwan College.
Part Time
The Psychiatric Nursing Program does not have a part-time program option. However, as students admitted to this program have four years to complete all graduation requirements and be eligible for a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing, they could extend their program over an additional academic year. Students considering this option are encouraged to consult with an advisor for assistance with program planning.
Taking the program courses as they are scheduled within the program of study promotes content integration and optimal learning outcomes. However, some students do choose to complete one or more non-nursing courses outside the program - for example, ENGL 108, PSYC 104, PSYC 105, HLSC 120 (Human Anatomy), HLSC 124 (Microbiology for Health Professionals), and HLSC 126/HLSC 128 (Human Physiology - 6 credits) - for purposes of managing their program workload.
Students who want to maintain full-time status throughout their program should exercise caution about the number of courses they complete outside the program schedule. Consideration for the Dean’s List (GPA of 3.7 or higher) or First Class Standing (GPA of 3.30-3.69) as a program student requires registration in “twenty-four (24) or more credits of study in two consecutive terms and not less than twelve (12) credits during a term” (MacEwan Academic Standing policy C2070). Academic Standing is assessed at the end of the winter term. A similar course load requirement also applies to eligibility for most scholarships and awards. Thus, if you want to receive consideration for academic merit, scholarships and other awards during the program, or you want to be full-time for Student Loan purposes, you will need to carefully plan your course work - by first considering the impact on the course workload for that term if you complete one or more courses in advance.
Entry to this program is competitive. As well, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4-point scale is required for progression between academic years and for graduation with a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing. A minimum grade of C- is required in every program course - including the non-nursing courses - in order to receive course credit. We therefore encourage you to plan for a course load that will optimize opportunities for your success.