General Information

The certificate program is designed for post-diploma study for registered nurses seeking to develop knowledge, skills and expertise in the areas of critical care or emergency nursing. The program is designed with theoretical and clinical courses that prepare practitioners to deal effectively with critically ill and emergency patients in rural, regional and tertiary hospitals.

Theory courses are designed for distance learning incorporating a combination of print material, teleconference, video conference, video recordings, electronic mail, web support, and student/instructor telephone conferences. In addition, several courses have been designed to offer the option of Internet/web delivery.

Each course will require 10 to 12 hours per week study time. Optional on-campus seminars/tutorials may be offered for some courses.

Clinical practica are arranged for each student by the program faculty in critical care or emergency departments and other related settings to meet the student’s learning needs, skill development and competence (as assessed by program faculty). Ongoing supervision and guidance are provided jointly through a preceptorship experience in conjunction with program faculty. Clinical agencies are pre-approved to meet objectives of the Advanced Critical Care Nursing program.

Students are required to complete a police information check prior to commencing their clinical experience.

All of these courses may be reported as nursing practice hours for the renewal of CARNA (College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta) registration. Students who meet specific criteria may receive credit by prior learning assessment for the clinical course.

Academic Performance Requirements

In matters of program continuance, there are instances when institutional processes do not fully address concerns related to student progress or continuance in a program. This applies in the following circumstances:

1. Violations of a professional code of ethics and/or standards of practice (e.g., CARNA, CNA nursing professional practice documentation). A committee established by the program will assess violations of relevant codes and standards and whether the student will be required to withdraw from the program based on the seriousness of the violation.
2. Students who are unsuccessful after two registrations in the same core course (as defined by the program) will be required to withdraw from the program. This includes, but is not limited to, the following examples of unsuccessful registration:
   • students who do not achieve the minimum required grade (as defined by the program) in one or both registrations
   • students who earn a grade of “F” in one or both registrations
   • students who withdraw from the course with a “W” in one or both registrations
3. Students who are denied a practicum placement by an external stakeholder because of an assessed detrimental impact on the client, client group, or community being served. Students who are unable to meet clinical course requirements on this basis will be required to withdraw from the program.

Continuance in the Program

To be a continuing student of record in the ACCN Certificate Program, a minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses and a minimum of 18 credits for the Critical Care Nursing and Emergency Nursing Streams.

University Transfer

The Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing Certificate is transferable to post-registered nursing baccalaureate programs at most Alberta universities. Students must meet the admission requirements for the university of their choice. Students considering transfer credit are encouraged to investigate their education plans with an academic advisor at the institution and faculty in which they are seeking to enrol, or are enrolled in.

Financial Assistance

Information regarding financial assistance is available from the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA), the Students’ Finance Board, and Student Awards and Financial Aid (Mount Royal). Other possible sources of funding may include Health Regions, Alumni Associations, and Specialty Interest Groups. Scholarship information is available on the Mount Royal website.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Before making an application for Prior Learning Assessment, students should consult with the Coordinator. Recognition for prior learning may be given to students who have clinical experience and/or national certification in specialty areas (e.g. Critical Care or Emergency).

Admission Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized post-secondary educational institution with a diploma or degree and is a Registered Nurse
• Nursing students with senior-level status in a recognized nursing program are permitted to take some theory courses in the program and are strongly encouraged to discuss course enrolment with the academic advisor at their primary institution
• Allied Health Professionals such as LPNs, Paramedics or Respiratory Therapists are permitted to take some theory courses in the program with the approval of the program coordinator

In addition, applicants must submit the following documents:

• The Mount Royal Application for Admission form
• The Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing program information form (contact your program coordinator)
• Final/Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Proof of current, active nursing registration
• To complete the clinical practicum in Alberta, students must submit a current, active permanent or temporary license with CARNA
• To complete the clinical practicum outside Alberta, students must submit a current, active permanent or temporary license with the appropriate nursing regulatory body