Critical Care Nursing Program

Credential Earned

Certificate of Completion

Length:

  • Full time: 13 weeks
  • Part time: 35–42 weeks

See Plan of Study details for more information.

Location

Available to learners in Nova Scotia.

Delivery

  • Independent, online learning with live classroom and simulation sessions
  • In-person skills and simulation sessions in Halifax, New Glasgow, Antigonish, Cape Breton or Yarmouth
  • Clinical placements

Dates

Full Time

  • Spring: April 7th, 2026-June 30th, 2026

Registration Deadlines

Full Time

  • Spring: March 16, 2026

Overview

The Critical Care Nursing Program (CCNP) prepares Registered Nurses to work in critical care settings. Whether you are new to critical care or very experienced in this environment, the program will stretch your understanding of critical care theoretical concepts and best practice guidelines. By gaining a broader insight into factors that influence safe care and by increasing sensitivity in relation to interprofessional teamwork and patient-centred care, you will become proficient in providing the patient/family with quality care in the critical care setting.

Requirements

  • Active-practicing RN license with the provincial regulator
  • Approval from a critical care unit manager to confirm a clinical seat and sponsorship for the program (see Plan of Study details for more information about sponsorship for full- and part-time options)

Registration Instructions

  • Registration happens in Genius, our student information system. See our Genius Learner Guide and Genius FAQ to help support you through the registration process.  
  • The email address you use to register may be shared with your classmates in the learning management system (Brightspace).

Register  Contact Us

The Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers offers education programming designed to meet the needs of learners across the province and strengthen our health care system. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programming that enables providers to develop and maintain foundational and specialty competencies.