Take Your CCA Career to the Next Level
Advance from Continuing Care Assistant to Practical Nurse* and unlock greater career opportunities in healthcare
*pending approval by the Department of Advanced Education
Why CCAs Are Advancing to Practical Nursing
As a Continuing Care Assistant, you already have valuable healthcare experience. Take the next step in your career with enhanced skills and expanded responsibilities.
Open doors to leadership roles, specialized units, and increased job security in the growing healthcare sector.
Perform more advanced nursing procedures, medication administration, and patient assessments.
Gain regulated professional status with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia.
From CCA to PN: A Natural Career Progression
Build on Your CCA Foundation
Your existing healthcare knowledge and patient care experience provide a strong foundation for advanced nursing skills.
Advance Your Clinical Skills
Learn medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, and other advanced nursing procedures.
Step into Leadership
Take on supervisory roles, mentor new staff, and become a key healthcare team member.
Practical Nursing Program Highlights
Island Career Academy is the first Private Career College in Nova Scotia to offer the Practical Nursing program*. Start your PN training sooner.
*pending approval by the Department of Advanced Education
Program Duration
2 Years
35 weeks + 34 weeks
Clinical Hours
550
Hands-on experience
Class Size
Small
Personalized attention
Approval Status*
*pending approval by the Department of Advanced Education
Ready to Advance Your Healthcare Career?
Get detailed program information and speak with our admissions team about how your CCA experience can accelerate your journey to becoming a Practical Nurse.
Speak with an Advisor
Have questions about advancing from CCA to PN? Our admissions team is here to help.
Why Choose Island Career Academy?
- First private PN program in Nova Scotia
- Experienced healthcare instructors
- Small class sizes for personalized learning
- Strong clinical placement partnerships
- Career support and job placement assistance
Complete the form and we'll send you detailed program information
Information Request Form
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my CCA experience help with the PN program?▼
Your CCA experience provides valuable healthcare knowledge and patient care skills that form a strong foundation for practical nursing. You'll build upon your existing knowledge of healthcare settings, patient interactions, and basic care procedures to learn advanced nursing skills and responsibilities.
What additional skills will I learn as a PN?▼
As a Practical Nurse, you'll learn medication administration, IV therapy, wound care, patient assessments, care planning, and other advanced clinical skills. You'll also develop leadership abilities and gain the authority to supervise healthcare assistants and students.
Can I continue working as a CCA while studying?▼
Many students successfully balance part-time CCA work with their studies. Our program is designed with working healthcare professionals in mind. We recommend discussing your work schedule with our admissions team to create a plan that works for your situation.
What are the admission requirements for CCAs?▼
Admission requirements include completion of Grade 12 (or equivalent), current CCA certification, and healthcare work experience. We also require completion of specific prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and math. Our admissions team will review your background and help you understand any additional requirements.
What job opportunities are available after graduation?▼
Practical Nurses work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, clinics, and home care services. You can advance to charge nurse positions, specialized units, or supervisory roles. The healthcare sector in Nova Scotia has strong demand for qualified PNs.