Frequently Asked Questions

• If you are a graduate nurse with either a diploma or degree in nursing with current nursing registration within a province in Canada, you are eligible for the ACCN program. 
• If you are an undergraduate nursing student or an allied health care professional, you can apply for Open Studies and take certain theory courses in the program. It is highly recommended that undergraduate nursing students confirm with their academic advisor at their institution of study whether they may enroll in an ACCN course.

We do accept international students, although there are some unique provisions.

We recommend contacting our instructional assistant at accn@mtroyal.ca to discuss requirements and any questions you may have on progression through this program as an international student.

Please contact our Instructional Assistant for the details on how to apply.

Email the detailed courses outlined to transfercredit@mtroyal.ca. Include your Mount Royal student ID number in the subject line. For each course, indicate the direct equivalent you are requesting. Learn more about Mount Royal’s transfer credit or PLAR. 

Timelines for transfer equivalency assessments

Once you are admitted into the program, you can create a schedule that fits your own needs, taking one course at a time or, depending on your situation, two classes per semester. It is unusual for our students to complete more than two courses per term, and as such, we require that you speak with the Instructional Assistant if you are endeavouring to take more. You can expect to spend 10–12 hours/week studying for each course. Here is a complete list of all courses. 

The clinical practicum is 210 clinical hours (unpaid). The placement is coordinated by our staff and faculty at Mount Royal University and the placement coordinator for the location where you wish to do your clinical practicum. We offer placements in Calgary and can often accommodate requests for Edmonton, Kelowna and Kamloops. Other areas across Canada are potentially available, depending on local capacity. If you are looking for placement closer to home, please get in touch with us well in advance, and we can let you know the possibilities. 

Please note: We require students to have at least one year of Full Time Equivalent of acute medical-surgical nursing experience before commencing the clinical practicum.

Semester absences are acceptable, but please be aware that reactivation within the program is based on the length of absence. Once you have started the program, if you choose to take more than 18 months’ leave or six consecutive semesters (including the Spring and Summer), you must reapply for admission back into the program, pay the necessary application fees, etc. We suggest two years to complete the program from admission to keep the learning and skills fresh and relevant.

Learn about Mount Royal’s allowable absence eligibility for reactivation.

The ACCN courses correspond with the regular academic schedule at Mount Royal University. 

Please confirm course availability with the Academic Calendar. 

Semester duration

Yes. See below.

View course descriptions and materials for the ACCN program.

The theory courses in the ACCN program will provide you with a solid knowledge base to address the core competencies covered in the CNA certification exam in critical care or emergency nursing. This will reduce the experience hours required to be eligible for the certification exam.

We cannot guarantee job placement after completing the ACCN certificate; however, this program is recognized nationally, and many employers prefer hiring nurses with critical care or emergency nursing knowledge.

The ACCN certificate is a post-diploma certificate that focuses on student-centred learning. Each instructor in this program is an expert in their area of practice and looks for opportunities to challenge all levels of students taking this program, allowing you to deepen your current knowledge. The content is also based on best practice and evidence-informed practice guidelines, allowing even experienced nurses to continue questioning and growing in their practice. Students currently working in an ER or ICU may be eligible to challenge the clinical practicum hours with a defined portfolio showcasing knowledge, skills and abilities.

For some, this is clear — for others, many factors inform this choice. 

Emergency nurses work in an often fast-paced and unpredictable environment with patients of all ages and with a wide variety of clinical presentations, from minor injuries to critical illnesses such as cardiac arrest or major trauma. They become experts in priority setting in a chaotic environment.

Intensive care nurses work in an organized fashion with critically ill and injured patients requiring close monitoring for complex situations. They become experts at assessing and managing interconnected physiologic systems in a highly technical environment.

We suggest you contact the course coordinators for both streams to learn more about each and decide what works best for you.

No, you can only be registered in one stream at a time. If you wish to change streams, the Instructional Assistant can assist you.