• Admission
• Curriculum
• Graduation Requirements

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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 by incorporating a combination of textbooks, internet/web delivery, teleconference, video conference and video recordings.

Each course will require 10 to 12 hours per week of study time. Optional on-campus or virtual 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. This may be supplemented with observation in 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 the program faculty. Clinical agencies must be pre-approved to meet the objectives of the Advanced Critical Care Nursing program.

Prior to commencing clinical, students must have 1-year FTE acute care medical/surgical experience and have completed a police information check.

All of these courses may be reported as nursing practice hours for the renewal of your governing body (e.g. CARNA). 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.

Continuation 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 enroll, or are enrolled.

Financial Assistance

Information regarding financial assistance is available from the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), the Students’ Finance Board, and Office of the Registrar - 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 and Recognition, students should consult with the Course 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 being a Registered Nurse/Graduate 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 enrollment 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 Course Coordinator

In addition, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Mount Royal Application for Admission form
• 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 the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).. 
  • NOTE: No conditions that would interfere with the ability to complete the practicum may be on the permit prior to commencing the clinical course.
• To complete the clinical practicum outside Alberta, students must submit a current, active permanent or temporary license with the appropriate nursing regulatory body
  • NOTE: No conditions that would interfere with the ability to complete the practicum may be on the permit prior to commencing the clinical course.
• Prior to commencing the clinical practicum, evidence of 1-year FTE acute medical/surgical experience (within the last 3-5 years) is required.  If you do not meet this requirement, a letter to support how you meet this requirement may be considered. 
  • The 1-year FTE requirement allows the student to develop the foundational skills to be successful in the clinical practicum.
    Note: This acute care experience is not a requirement to enter the program, it can be accumulated while completing the theory courses.