Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSc in Nursing (BScN) Transition Program
Level Up Your Career
Turn your experience into opportunity!
The LPN to BScN Transition Program is an accelerated pathway designed for Alberta LPNs who want to become Registered Nurses.
This program prepares you to enter Year 3 of the four-year BScN program, putting you on the fast track to writing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and earning your RN designation in Alberta.
Further Study
Keep studying at RDP when you transfer into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, a collaborative program with the University of Alberta.
Related Careers
LPN
RN
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Spring 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note: Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of a CLPNA-approved Practical Nurse program in Alberta.
Academic Requirements
Applicants will be offered admission on a competitive basis based on their GPA ranking and Casper score.
Applicants should have an active practice license in Alberta, with 4,000 hours of practice, within the last four years as confirmed by employer letter.
Additional Requirements
GPA Calculation Information
The GPA calculation for Conditional Admission will be calculated according to the following:
18 post-secondary credits including all credits from the most-recently completed term plus the best grades from the next most recent term.
Completion of Casper Test
Applicants are only permitted to do the Casper assessment once per academic cycle. Applicants who have taken the test in previous years will be expected to retake it. The deadline to write the Casper test will be the first scheduled date in December (the year before the program starts). Students who write after the deadline will be considered for the waitlist.
Applicants will be offered admission competitively based on their GPA ranking and successful Casper assessment completion.
Technology
Applicants are required to have either a MAC or a PC laptop that meet the following specifications and requirements:
Apple Laptop
Minimum requirement
MacBook Air with 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 Gb storage solid state, 4 Gb memory
Web camera (built in or as peripheral)
Microphone
Windows Laptop
Minimum requirement
Laptop with 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 Gb storage, 4 Gb memory and Windows 10 operating system
Web camera (built in or as peripheral)
Microphone
Software
Latest version of Adobe Flash
Google Chrome browser
Microsoft Word*
Other
USB memory stick (Flash drive)
* Microsoft Word is used for several purposes. Students can either purchase and install the Microsoft Word application, or access Office 365 which is provided as part of the RDP student account.
Health & Safety
Health workers are responsible to attain and maintain required health and safety certifications and maintain recommended immunization standards.
For clinical and practicum placements, as a student of a Health program, you also are required to meet these standards of practice.
These health and safety requirements do not need to be submitted as part of your application. However, failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
View details about health & safety requirements for work-integrated learning (clinical or practicum) placements, including document submission deadlines.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards this program, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the program be delivered?
Students can continue to work while completing the program in a part-time, flexible learning environment. The program consists of four courses in online or blended formats, with most offered online. The delivery of the lab associated with NURS 305 will be scheduled in a condensed, face-to-face format to allow maximum scheduling flexibility for working students.
The Bachelor of Science Nursing program is delivered on campus.
Can students start in Open Studies and transfer into the program?
At this time, no, as we will only admit students in the Spring term.
Can students transfer into the transition program from other transition programs such as Athabasca?
Students admitted to the transition program can apply for recognition of prior learning. Credit can be awarded for, at most, two courses. No additional credit towards the Bachelor of Science Nursing program will be awarded.
Will there be more intakes?
At this time, we will only be offering intake for the Spring term.
What is the deadline to submit all requirements?
You must submit the following by January 15 of the application year;
- Proof of Active Practice Permit
- Proof of 4000 hours completed in the last four years (applicants who do not yet meet this requirement will not be considered)
- Official transcripts
Students who submit documents after the deadline will be considered for the waitlist.
Will you accept hours that were acquired longer than four years ago?
No. You must have completed 4,000 hours in the last four years.
Can students apply for recognition of prior learning?
Students admitted to the transition program can apply for recognition of prior learning. Credit can be awarded for, at most, two courses. No additional credit towards the Bachelor of Science Nursing program will be awarded.
What will the GPA calculation be based on?
18 most recently completed post-secondary credits.
Are students guaranteed a seat in Year 3 of the BSCN program?
Yes, students who successfully complete all the courses in the transition program will be guaranteed a seat in Year 3 of the BSCN program.
Do students need to meet the same minimum grades in their courses as the BSCN students?
No. Students will need to pass all classes and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0.
What if the hours are split between employers?
Applicants can provide a letter from each employer showing a cumulative 4000 hours.
Do I need to complete the transition program before taking the BSCN program?
No, you may apply to take the full four-year program. The transition program is an accelerated pathway designed for a current Licensed Practical Nurse wishing to become a Registered Nurse.
If I completed my LPN program in another province but work in Alberta and meet all other requirements, will this be considered?
No. You must have completed your accredited LPN program in Alberta.
I completed my LPN program in Alberta but have some of my working hours in another province. Will this be considered?
Yes, as long as you are licensed to work in Alberta and meet all other requirements.
Information for Indigenous Learners
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Transition program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples, effective in the 2025-2026 Academic Year (Spring 2026 intake), the program has designated three (3) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Explore financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and awards.
Program Content
View our course guide for additional program and course information.
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of all courses within the LPN to BScN Transition Program and above a 2.0 GPA.
Continuing and Professional Education
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