Through Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR), you can receive credits for courses through an evaluation that assesses your skills and knowledge in nursing and health-care topics.
Benefits of PLAR
PLAR can help you save time and money while completing the Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses. The knowledge you have gained from your prior experiences may qualify you for advance (ADV) credit.
If you are successful in the PLAR process, you are not required to take a specific course in full.
Competencies NorQuest’s assesses
For the Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses, NorQuest assesses the following competencies:
- Communications for Nursing
- Pathophysiology for Health-Care Professionals
- Basic Pharmacotherapeutics
- Maternity Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Community Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
PLAR process
To start the PLAR process, you must first apply for the Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses and submit all required documents. After NorQuest has reviewed your application, you will receive an email notification in your college email with directions on your next steps, such as:
- Reading the Candidate Guide and writing down any questions you may have
- Completing the Candidate Guide Self-Audit
- Booking an appointment with the program instructor
Time commitment
There are two types of PLAR that will determine how long it takes you to earn an advance credit:
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Transfer credit: if you have completed coursework at another accredited post-secondary institution that is similar and relevant to NorQuest’s Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses, you may request a transfer credit and—if successful—will not need to take the course in full. You can learn more about transfer credits in your Candidate Guide.
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Challenge course: If you believe you have the skills or knowledge relevant to the outcomes of a required course, you may choose to challenge it. Each challenge course can take up to 8 weeks to complete. Your Candidate Guide will have more information on challenge courses.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PLAR cost?
There are no fees associated with transfer credits. However, there is a non-refundable fee for each challenge course. During your meeting with the instructor, you’ll learn more about challenge course enrollment and fees.
Is PLAR awarded based on experience?
Not necessarily. PLAR is awarded based on the skills and knowledge you have through your experience working in the field. It’s not awarded solely based on the years of experience you have.
Is every assessment the same?
Not at all! The PLAR process is very individualized and unique to each student’s prior skills, knowledge, and self-assessment.
What happens if I’m not successful in the PLAR process?
If you do not meet the minimum requirements for the assessment(s), you must take the course in full.
Is it easier to have a course assessed through PLAR or take the entire course?
Neither is easier. The PLAR process allows you to demonstrate the knowledge you already have based on your previous experience. You may reduce the repetition of studying information that you already know, but PLAR is not an easier way to complete the program.
It’s simply a different way to obtain course credits. Your skill and experience level will determine which courses you choose to replace with PLAR.
In your Candidate Guide, the self-audit section will help you decide if you have a good grasp of skills and knowledge for a specific course.