COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC
CNA expanding Practical Nursing program at campuses across Newfoundland and Labrador

Students in scrubs will soon be a familiar sight in even more communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as College of the North Atlantic (CNA) expands its Practical Nursing (PN) program.

The number of available seats is increasing to 216 across nine campuses. By adding seats to the program throughout the province, CNA will be able to offer even more students the opportunity to study and eventually work closer to their homes, in regions where nursing shortages have been identified.

Each campus will have eight additional seats for Fall 2024 intake. The expanded seat allocation is as follows:

"We know the demand for practical nurses is growing, especially in smaller towns and more rural areas of the province," said Barbara Elliott, Dean of Health Sciences, explaining CNA brokers the PN program from the Centre for Nursing Studies and delivers it in areas outside the Northeast Avalon with a demonstrated labour market need. "By expanding the Practical Nursing program and adding additional seats throughout the province, we will be able to offer even more students the opportunity to study and eventually work closer to their homes, in regions where nursing shortages have been identified."
 
In addition to increasing the number of seats and campuses offering the PN program, 15 permanent faculty positions are also being added. The college anticipates recruitment for the permanent positions to commence by May 31. Positions will be posted online for a minimum of 10 calendar days. Once the permanent positions are filled, the remaining temporary requirements will be assessed for the 2024/25 academic year. Temporary workloads will be offered in accordance with the recall and seniority provisions of the Faculty Collective Agreement.
 
The intensive, 19-month program prepares students for the crucial role they will play in the healthcare system. Under an approved scope of practice, Licensed Practical Nurses contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities by providing compassionate, competent, and direct, patient-centered care.
 
Applications are currently open for Bay St. George, Burin, Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and St. Anthony campuses. Interested persons are encouraged to apply for the September intake. Applications are currently closed for Carbonear and Corner Brook campuses due to the number of applications already on file.
 
For more information about the PN program, visit Practical Nursing-College of the North Atlantic (cna.nl.ca).