Psychiatric Nursing - Year 1 2025-2026
Overview
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS OCTOBER 1, 2024 until February 15, 2025
If you want to play a role in advancing the mental health and well-being of individuals, families and communities, this Psychiatric Nursing program will appeal to you.
Psychiatric Nursing is a two-and-a-half-year diploma program delivered via classes, labs and practicums. Experienced faculty will help you link theory with practice to help clients with mental illness, psychiatric disorders and developmental and/or cognitive difficulties to function at their maximum potential. You will build a strong foundation in psychiatric nursing practice including health assessment and interventions; mental health challenges; counselling models and therapeutic relationships; family and community partnerships; psychotropic pharmacology; and addictions and forensics.
This program is accredited by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, one of the most respected providers of nursing education in Canada. This Psychiatric Nursing program is recognized by the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan, as well as the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA), College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (CRPNBC), and College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM).
On graduation, you will be eligible to write the Canadian Registered Psychiatric Nurses exam needed to apply for designation as a registered psychiatric nurse with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS).
Year 1 – August 28, 2025 - June 26, 2026
Year 2 – August 27, 2026 – June 25, 2027
Year 3 – August 26, 2027 – December 17, 2027
Tuition
Year 1
Semester 1 - $2240.00 (subject to change)
Semester 2 - $2128.00 (subject to change)
Semester 3 - $1456.00 (subject to change)
Year 2 (semester3, 4, 5 and 6) $7920.00 (subject to change)
Year 3 (semester 7) $3150.00 (subject to change)
Books
Year 1 (semester 1, 2, and 3) $3400.00
Year 2 (semester 4, 5, and 6) $2000.00
Year 3 (semester 7) $550.00
Thirty-two seats are available starting the 2025-26 academic year.
Please contact the Battlefords Campus for more information: 306-937-5100
Battlefords Campus
Aug 28th, 2025 - Dec 17th, 2027 Full-time
Print Fee: $50.00
Admission Requirements
Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 70% in the following five subjects:
- English Language Arts A30
- English Language Arts B30
- one 30-level math such as Foundations of Math 30, Pre-Calculus 30, Math A30, Math B30, Math C30, Calculus 30, or General Math 30
- Biology 30 and
- Chemistry 30
Admission method
Competitive
The competitive admissions process is used for programs where the number of qualified applicants regularly exceeds the number of spaces available. In competitive programs, higher admission requirements and/or additional selection criteria may be required. The application period for this program is October 1 to February 15. All supporting documentation (transcripts) is required by 4:30 p.m. (Saskatchewan time), March 1.
Selection criteria
Current High School Students: The competitive score is calculated from final grades provided by March 1. Conditional admission may be granted on this basis. Current high school students must order transcripts to be sent directly to North West College at the end of Semester 1 and the end of Semester 2 of the grade 12 year. The final grade 12 mark will be used when the course is completed. The final grade 11 mark will be used in the absence of the grade 12 mark in the same subject.
High School Graduates: The competitive scores are calculated from the final marks in high school courses required for admission to the program. The high school competitive score will be compared to any grade point score(s) (UGPA) presented for a minimum of 15 passed post-secondary credit units to a maximum of 30 of the most recent credit units from recognized post-secondary institutions – and the highest score will be considered for the applicant’s competitive score. Such applicants must be in good academic standing with the institution. Applicants are then ranked in the order of the highest score.
Effective September 2024: English Language Requirement Specific to Psychiatric Nursing
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following: Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education) Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered. Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent. If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
IELTS (Academic): Must meet the minimum in each component shown below, and an overall minimum of 7
- Writing – 6.5
- Speaking – 7
- Listening – 7
- Reading – 6.5
CELBAN: For internationally educated nurses only
- Writing – 7
- Speaking – 8
- Listening – 9
- Reading – 8
TEF Canada
- Reading – 4
- Listening – 4
- Writing – 4
- Speaking – 5
Additional Requirements:
Applicants offered a seat in the program (After March 1, 2025) must provide:
- Accepted applicants must provide proof of Standard First Aid and CPR Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP).
- Accepted applicants must submit the original copy of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
- Accepted applicants are required to provide proof of 2015 WHMIS Global Harmonized System (GHS) certification. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current.
- Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current Transfer Lift and Repositioning (TLR) certification.
- N95 respirator mask testing (2 mask minimum) prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility. Contact ZEL Safety Services Inc for Porta Count testing.
- Applicants will need access to a computer for the entire program.
NOTE:
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Foreign credentials can be assessed to determine if admission requirements are met. There is a $75 fee for NWC to submit your transcripts to Sask Polytechnic for assessment.
- Students currently in high school or in upgrading are asked to provide document from their high school to show their most current marks and the subjects they are registered in for the remainder of the academic year. An additional interim report from high school will be required midway through the final semester and these marks will be used to calculate the average marks. Admission will be offered based on these interim marks, contingent upon their final transcript showing attainment of grade 12 and the overall average of the five subjects at 70% or greater.
Note: we can accept landing immigrants, permanent residents, and Canadian citizens. Foreign credential assessments should be completed prior to the application window. At this time, we are not accepting international students for Psychiatric Nursing.
Disclaimer: North West College has the right to make any changes deemed necessary
Courses
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YEAR 1
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BIOL 102 - Anatomy and Physiology 1
In the first of a two-course sequence, you will explore the human body focusing on the interaction between structure and function and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. You will learn how the levels of organization of the body and the components of cells, tissues and organs impact form and function. You will examine the following body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.
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CLIN 107 - Clinical Practice Education 1
You will provide safe, competent, and holistic client-centred psychiatric nursing care for at least one client while managing self-care. You will apply the nursing process as you demonstrate evidence-informed practice. You will establish a therapeutic relationship as you demonstrate foundational nursing skills in a clinical practice education setting.
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102(concurrent), NRSG 100(concurrent), NRSG 101(concurrent), NRSG 110(concurrent), NRSG 111(concurrent)
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NRSG 100 - Promotion of Psychiatric Nursing Praxis
You will be introduced to concepts of self that are central to the profession of psychiatric nursing. You will use critical reflection and synthesis to focus on developing the skills and attitudes expected of effective registered psychiatric nurses.
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NRSG 101 - Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing Concepts
You will be introduced to core concepts of the psychiatric nursing profession. You will study the governing legislation and the curriculum framework as well as major influences and trends that contribute to the psychiatric nursing profession. You will learn about health and mental health literacy and the importance of health teaching and learning strategies for all populations across the lifespan.
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NRSG 110 - Foundations of Nursing Practice
You will be introduced to theories and foundations of holistic nursing practice across the lifespan. You will learn how health interrelates with disease, illness, and wellness. You will become familiar with the nursing process as you study concepts of health promotion, illness prevention, illness detection, safety, and clinical decision-making.
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NRSG 111 - Medical/Surgical Nursing Skills 1
You will study types of microorganisms, their characteristics, and the relationship between the chain of infection, transmission of infection, and agents used to control microbial growth. You will describe differences between prions, viroids, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. You will demonstrate fundamental psychomotor nursing skills in a simulated lab setting.
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BIOL 103 - Anatomy and Physiology 2
In the second of a two-course sequence, you will continue to explore the human body focusing on the interaction between structure and function and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. You will examine how the levels of organization of the body and the components of cells, tissues and organs impact the form and function for the following body systems: endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance and reproductive.
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102
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NRSG 109 - Interpersonal Partnerships
You will be introduced to the concept of relational practice in nursing. You will learn how to establish therapeutic relationships and apply therapeutic use of self. You will practice communication, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and critical reflection in a peer-to- peer practice setting.
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NRSG 112 - Pathophysiology
You will be introduced to physiological illnesses across the lifespan. You will study organ system dysfunction and homeostatic imbalance, and the importance of nutrition. You will study hemodynamic monitoring, lab value analysis, and surgical principles.
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NRSG 113 - Medical/Surgical Nursing Skills 2
You will integrate the relationship between the chain of infection, the transmission of infection, and agents used to control microbial growth while practicing psychomotor skills. You will demonstrate intermediate and advanced psychomotor skills in a simulated lab setting.
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, CLIN 107, NRSG 110, NRSG 111
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NRSG 114 - General Pharmacology
You will study a variety of medication classifications with a focus on the principles of safe medication administration and drug dose calculations. You will study pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and related nursing interventions. You will mix parenteral medications in a simulated lab setting.
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, NRSG 110, NRSG 113(concurrent)
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NRSG 234 - Physical Assessment
You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a health history and holistic assessment of healthy individuals, which includes cultural, ethnic, social, and spiritual considerations. You will collect subjective and objective data in a simulated lab setting and report and document your findings.
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, CLIN 107, NRSG 100, NRSG 101, NRSG 110, NRSG 111, BIOL 103(concurrent), NRSG 109(concurrent)
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CLIN 108 - Clinical Practice Education 2
You will focus on safe, competent, and holistic client-centred psychiatric nursing care for a minimum of two clients in a clinical practice education setting. You will recognize the importance of health and mental health promotion, as well as illness prevention and detection. You will develop therapeutic relationships and demonstrate therapeutic use of self. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care while managing self-care. You will also demonstrate the ability to safely administer medications.
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SOCI 171 - Culture and Diversity in Canadian Society
You will explore culture and diversity in Canada and the challenges they present. You will discuss the impacts of oppression, multiculturalism, immigration, social inequalities, and social justice at both personal and professional levels. You will discuss the historical and contemporary challenges of Indigenous peoples. You will also examine tools to foster social change and diversity competencies.
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YEAR 2
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CLIN 214 - Clinical Practice Education 3
You will demonstrate psychiatric nursing assessments and interventions. You will provide safe, competent, and holistic client-centred psychiatric nursing care to a minimum of three clients. You will counsel individuals, and critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care while demonstrating self-care concepts. You will also demonstrate safe medication administration.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 108, SOCI 171, NRSG 238(concurrent), NRSG 240(concurrent), NRSG 241(concurrent), PSYC 163(concurrent)
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ENGL 101 - Critical Reading and Writing
You will develop basic skills in critical analysis and effective reading by analyzing and evaluating materials from various disciplines. You will also refine your understanding and practice of the structures of composition by writing a research paper on a topic of your choice using APA-style.
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NRSG 238 - Individual Partnerships
You will study effective professional helping skills with individuals. You will be introduced to evidence-based psychological interventions, selected theories of counselling, and several counselling approaches and strategies. You will apply this theory in a peer-to-peer practice setting.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 108, SOCI 171
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NRSG 240 - Psychotropic Pharmacology
You will be introduced to the concepts of psychopharmacology. You will study pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic medications and related nursing interventions.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 108, SOCI 171
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NRSG 241 - Psychiatric Nursing Assessment and Interventions 1
You will focus on the psychiatric nursing assessment and interventions of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. You will be introduced to the concepts of psychological and spiritual health, as well as sociocultural components of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
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PSYC 163 - Healthy Lifespan Development
You will study human development from conception to death and examine theories and processes of human growth and development. You will discuss health promotion and health issues for each domain of development in relation to psychiatric nursing practice. You will explore physical, cognitive, social, and personality development across the lifespan.
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CLIN 215 - Clinical Practice Education 4
You will demonstrate psychiatric nursing assessments and interventions for individuals, groups, and/or families under faculty supervision. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care while demonstrating self-care concepts.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163, NRSG 239(concurrent), NRSG 242(concurrent), NRSG 246(concurrent), NRSG 259(concurrent)
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NRSG 239 - Addictions
You will study addictions across the lifespan and be introduced to bio-psychosocial theories, the Four Pillars strategy, and assessment, screening, and diagnostic tools. You will examine psychiatric nursing interventions, treatments, and concepts in health promotion with diverse cultures.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163
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NRSG 242 - Group Partnerships
You will be introduced to the foundations of group counselling. You will study group theory and group process. You will demonstrate group facilitation skills in a practice setting.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163
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NRSG 246 - Family Partnerships
You will learn family theory, family assessment tools, and psychiatric nursing interventions that will prepare you to work with diverse families. You will learn about forms of family violence along with other issues that affect families. You will develop strategies to improve an individual’s functioning within the context of a family and have the opportunity for experiential learning through practice.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163
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NRSG 259 - Psychiatric Nursing Assessment and Interventions 2
You will focus on psychiatric nursing assessment and interventions of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. You will be introduced to comorbidity, relapse, and recovery concepts and will formulate plans of care.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163
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CLIN 216 - Clinical Practice Education 5
You will demonstrate guided psychiatric nursing assessments and interventions for individuals, groups, and/or families. You will study current and emerging health issues for marginalized and vulnerable populations. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care. You will demonstrate increased autonomy as you engage in personal and professional developmental activities to enhance your learning while you manage self-care.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 215, NRSG 239, NRSG 242, NRSG 246, NRSG 259, NRSG 247(concurrent), NRSG 248(concurrent)
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NRSG 247 - Forensics
You will study the role of the psychiatric nurse in a forensic environment. You will examine professionalism, forensic culture and subculture, psychiatric nursing assessment, and intervention protocols. You will study the theory of care, custody, and control in forensic settings.
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NRSG 248 - Community Partnerships
You will study community theory and assessment tools. You will examine psychiatric nursing roles and interventions that will prepare you to work with individuals in diverse communities. You will also develop strategies for community improvement.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 215, NRSG 238, NRSG 239, NRSG 240, NRSG 241
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YEAR 3
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CLIN 243 - Clinical Practice Education 6
You will demonstrate integration, synthesis, and application of theoretical concepts. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing practice as you care for high acuity clients with comorbidities. During a preceptored clinical practice education experience, you will demonstrate autonomy and leadership principles. You will model roles and responsibilities of a graduate psychiatric nurse and engage in professional development opportunities as you manage self-care.
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 216, NRSG 247, NRSG 248