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:
Two years
Admission Requirements:
- 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.
- 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
- The passing score from another approved internationally recognized English language test as validated by the UDST Admissions and Registration Department; OR
- Successful completion of Foundation Year in Health Sciences.
- A minimum of 60% on the University Math Placement Test; OR
- A valid SAT Report Form with minimum score of 480; OR
- 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.
- Documented proof of completed immunizations and diagnostic tests as identified in the Student Immunization Form.
- 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.
- 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.
Program Educational Objectives:
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) describe the knowledge, skills, and competencies a graduate can demonstrate within 2-3 years of graduation.
Within a few years of graduation from the Diploma in Practical Nursing (Dip. PN) program, graduates will be able to:
PEO01. Demonstrate professional and competent practice in compliance with the Qatar Nurses Standards of Practice for associate nurse
PEO02. Advocate for improved patient outcomes through the use of best evidence and analytical thinking
PEO03. Engage in self-reflection to identify personal levels of competence and areas for growth
PEO04. Demonstrate commitment for life-long learning by engaging in continuous professional learning
PEO05. Contribute to advancing practical nurses as integral members of the nursing profession and healthcare team
Student Learning Outcomes:
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) describe the knowledge, skills, and competencies a graduate can demonstrate immediately upon graduation.
Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Practical Nursing (Dip. PN) program, graduates will be prepared to:
SLO01. Integrate theoretical, conceptual, critical, clinical thinking, and best evidence to make decisions
SLO02. Practice within a professional, ethical and legal framework and in consideration of diverse cultural contexts
SLO03. Communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals, families, communities and members of the inter-professional team to provide high quality person- and family-centered care
SLO04. Practice safely and competently in diverse practice settings, incorporating a range of nursing therapeutics for patients with stable and predictable states of health
SLO05. Serve as a global citizen and leverage professional role to advance sustainable development goals
SLO06. Model a spirit of curiosity and inquiry and pursuit of life-long learning
To see the 2022-2023 Study Plan pages, please CLICK HERE!
2023-2024 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 | - | BIOL1031 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BIOL1031 | Biochemistry & Microbiology (Lab) | - | BIOL1030 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| COMM1010 | English Communication I | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| NUPN1010 | Introduction to Practical Nursing | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| NURS1040 | Health & Health Systems | - | - | 4 | 3 | 36 Total HRs |
| Semester 1 Total: | 18 | 15 | 6 | |||
| Semester 2 | ||||||
| BIOL1210 | Anatomy & Physiology II |
BIOL1110 |
- | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| NURS1010 | Introduction to Pathophysiology & Pharmacotherapeutics |
BIOL1030 BIOL1031 (NUPN1010 OR NUMW1010) & BIOL1110 OR NUMW1210) |
- | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| NURS1020 | Nursing Therapeutics I |
BIOL1110 BIOL1030 BIOL1031 NUPN1010 |
- | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| NURS1030 | Introduction to Health Assessment |
BIOL1110 BIOL1030 BIOL1031 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 |
100 Total HRs |
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 and 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 and Newborn Care |
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 | 192 Total HRs | |
| Semester 4 Total: | 14 | 10 | 3 | |||
| Semester 5 | ||||||
| NURS2021 |
Alterations & Therapeutics II |
NURS2020 | - | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| NUPN2010 | Trends and Leadership for Practical Nursing | Min 34 Credits | - | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| NURS2010 | Theoretical Perspectives of Acute Health | NUPN2050 | NURS2050 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| NURS2050 |
Practical Nursing Practice Acute Health |
NUPN2050 | NURS2010 | 3 | 192 Total HRs | |
| Semester 5 Total: | 15 | 11 | 3 | |||
| Semester 6 | ||||||
| NUPN2060 | Practical Nursing Consolidation |
NURS2010 NURS2050 |
- | 5 | 320 Total HRs | |
| Semester 6 Total: | 5 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Year 2 Total: | 34 | 21 | 6 | |||
| Dip. PN 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