Program Description

The Diploma in Practical Nursing (Dip. PN) is a two year health profession program that prepares graduates for licensing as an entry-level associate nurse in Qatar. The Dip. PN program is founded on internationally recognized educational accreditation standards and Canadian entry-level nursing competences. An integration of theory with extensive application in laboratory, simulation, and diverse clinical practice experiences prepare graduates to join the nursing workforce as autonomous, safe and competent entry-level practitioners. The Dip. PN prepares graduates with foundational knowledge, skills, and professional judgement to practice in public and private primary and ambulatory health care centers, community clinics, physician offices, schools, and hospitals. Graduates are prepared for future education for Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Midwifery.

Program Duration:

2 years

Admission Requirements:

1. High school graduation certificate or equivalent approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with a minimum average of 60%, plus three courses, each with a Minimum of 60%: one final year Mathematics (Academic Math Grade 12 or Advanced Math Grade 12), one final year Chemistry, and at least one of Biology or Physics
1. A valid (within two years) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall band of 5.0 with no individual band score (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) below 5.0; OR

2. The passing score from another approved internationally recognized English language test as validated by the UDST Admissions and Registration Department; OR

3. Successful completion of Foundation Year in Health Sciences.
1. A minimum of 60% on the University Math Placement Test; OR

2. A valid SAT Report Form with minimum score of 480; OR

3. Successful completion of Foundation Year in Health Sciences.
1. Admission is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked based on their overall final year (Grade 12 or equivalent) high school percentage, placement tests rankings, and admission priority category.
1. Documented proof of completed immunizations and diagnostic tests as identified in the Student Immunization Form.

2. Documented proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers (Level 3) at the time of enrolment or within one month of commencement of the program.

3. Students are responsible to maintain current immunizations and BLS throughout the duration of the program. These requirements may change during the program as determined with the Qatar Minister of Public Health and clinical partners hosting student practicums.

To see the 2022-2023 Study Plan pages, please CLICK HERE!

 

To see the 2023-2024 Study Plan pages, please CLICK HERE!

 

To see the 2024-2025 Study Plan pages, please CLICK HERE!

2025-2026 Study Plan:

COURSE
NUMBER
COURSE TITLE REQUISITE HOURS/WEEK
Pre-req CO-req CR LEC LAB
SEMESTER 1
BIOL1110 Anatomy & Physiology I - - 4 3 3
BIOL1030 Biochemistry & Microbiology - - 3 3 0
BIOL1031 Biochemistry & Microbiology (Lab) - - 1 0 3
COMM1010 English Communication I - - 3 3 0
NUPN1010 Introduction to Practical Nursing - - 3 3 0
NURS1040 Health & Health Systems - - 4 3 0
Semester 1 Total: 18 15 6
SEMESTER 2
BIOL1210 Anatomy & Physiology II BIOL1110 & BIOL1111 - 4 3 3
NURS1010 Introduction to Pathophysiology & Pharmacotherapeutics BIOL1030 & BIOL1031 & NUPN1010 OR NUMW1010 OR NURS1101 & BIOL1110 OR NUMW1210 - 4 3 3
NURS1020 Nursing Therapeutics I BIOL1030 & BIOL1031 & BIOL1110 & NURS1101 OR AND NUPN1010 - 4 3 3
NURS1030 Introduction to Health Assessment BIOL1030 & BIOL1031 & NURS1101 OR BIOL1110 AND NUPN1010 - 4 3 3
Semester 2 Total: 16 12 12
SEMESTER 3
NURS1021 Nursing Therapeutics II NURS1020 - 4 3 3
NURS1050 Person & Family Centered Practice Min 34 Credits - 3 0 3
Semester 3 Total: 7 3 6
Year 1 Total: 41 30 24
COURSE
NUMBER
COURSE TITLE REQUISITE HOURS/WEEK
Pre-req CO-req CR LEC LAB
SEMESTER 4
NURS2020 Alterations & Therapeutics I NURS1021 & NURS1050 - 4 3 3
NUPN2020 Theoretical Perspectives of Primary Care for Families NURS1021 & NURS1050 - 3 3 0
NUPN2030 Theoretical Perspectives of Maternal & Newborn Health NURS1021 & NURS1050 NUPN2050 2 2 0
NUPN2040 Theoretical Perspectives of Pediatric Health NURS1021 & NURS1050 NUPN2050 2 2 0
NUPN2050 Practical Nursing Practice for Families NURS1021 & NURS1050 NUPN2030 & NUPN2040 3 0 0
Semester 4 Total: 14 10 3
SEMESTER 5
NURS2021 Alterations & Therapeutics II NURS2020 - 4 3 3
NUPN2010 Trends & Leadership for Practical Nursing Min 34 Credits - 2 2 0
NURS2010 Theoretical Perspectives of Acute Health NUPN2050 OR NURS2401 NURS2050 OR NURS2491 6 6 0
NURS2050 Nursing Practice for Acute Health NUPN2050 NURS2010 3 0 0
Semester 5 Total: 15 11 3
SEMESTER 6
NUPN2060 Practical Nursing Consolidation NURS2010 & NURS2050 - 5 0 0
Semester 6 Total: 5 0 0
Year 2 Total: 34 21 6
Program Total 75 51 30

Graduate Future Pathways:

Graduates of the Diploma in Practical Nursing (Dip. PN) program may choose to continue their studies and complete a Bachelor in Nursing program.

Graduate Career Opportunities:

Practical Nurses provide direct patient care in public and private hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, educational institutions, physician’s offices, mental health facilities, occupational health, home settings, and private practice. They practice in government agencies and public policy departments. A wide range of career opportunities in the field currently exist and include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Practical Nurse in a Hospital
  • Practical Nurse in Dental Clinics
  • Practical Nurse in a Primary Health Care Center
  • Practical Nurse in Home Care settings
  • Practical Nurse in Physician Offices
  • Practical Nurse in Government Agencies

Program Contact:

Dr. Joanne Jaramillo
Department Head, Nursing