April 4, 2016. College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) has givena high approval rating for Portage College's Practical Nursing Staff with a fouryear accreditation renewal.

CLPNA commended Portage College staff for their continued excellence inprogram development. Early adopters of the new review process, the staffmodified and improved the standards, tools and the process as a result ofcommitted involvement. Staff can be recognized for support in upholding theestablished standards for Practical Nurse education in Alberta.

"Students can be confident to rely on us to offer a provincially recognizedprogram." Said Dr. Trent Keough, President and CEO of Portage College.

Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) was looking for volunteers topilot the new approval process after they changed their standards last year. Newstandards doubled from 5 to 10 with a total of 7 critical indicators and 80 generalindicators. The Portage College Practical Nurse Program's approval processwasn't due until next year but they chose to do it early with the opportunity to beinvolved with the pilot.

ESAC has a two-step process with applying. First a submission of standards withself-assessment and evidence to support. The second was an on-site visit. Theywere impressed with the college team by level of engagement and were surprisedthat they knew all about the updated standards. "Monica Gordon, Practical NurseProgram Coordinator, is a great leader and has really challenged people to get onboard to understand the process as well as the standards." Said Carol Ulliac,Dean of Health & Wellness at Portage College.

Nancy Broadbent, Executive Vice President said "We thank the staff forvolunteering to step forward. ESAC has provided further validation that our staffare leaders in their field and will contribute to the growth of our students."