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Practical Nurse Access Certificate

This program is currently under redevelopment and is not accepting program admissions. 

The program is under revision to ensure that students are provided with the quality education necessary to achieve the entry-level requirements of professional Licensed Practical Nurses in BC, as well as to meet the competencies required by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC.

NOTE:
PNAP 100, Pre-Nursing Mathematics is open for registration for professional development. Registration in PNAP 100 does not imply or guarantee admission into the Practical Nurse Access Certificate program.

Program under Revision

Generally, this program is available only to applicants residing in BC and the Yukon (refer to note below).

This certificate program is designed to provide those who have a Resident Care Attendant Certificate (RCA) or combined Home Support Attendant/ Resident Care Attendant Certificate (HSA/RCA) from a BC public post-secondary institution to become eligible to register as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in BC. Applicants with Long-term Care Aide certification are required to upgrade their knowledge to meet the competencies as an RCA. Applicants with other education or experience must demonstrate their eligibility for entrance.

On completion of the certificate program, students may write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination. Passing the examination is one requirement for licensure in BC (the CLPNBC can provide information about additional requirements).

Admission Requirements (under review)

Official documents of the following prerequisites must accompany applications:

  • BC Grade 12 or equivalent with minimum grades of C in BC Biology 12 or equivalent
  • acceptable RCA or HSA/RCA Certificate from a BC public post-secondary institution (LTCA and CCA graduates are required to upgrade their certificates to RCA level)
  • Completion of Adult Basic Education English (contact Vancouver Community College Testing Service to take the Adult Basic Education Reading and Writing Test)
  • 850 hours of employment as an RCA, preferably in a facility setting
  • Recommendation by current or recent employer to apply for program admission
  • Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (Basic Life Support, Level C)
  • Other admission requirements to be confirmed

The following are required on acceptance into the certificate program:

  • Satisfactory medical declaration of current health status from a general or family physician or nurse practitioner
  • Up-to-date immunization
    An official record for the following immunizations is required (immunizations and official record/s may be obtained from a family physician or local health unit): hepatitis B - immunization #1, #2, #3; chicken pox; mumps; measles; rubella; tetanus; meningitis; influenza (flu).
  • Satisfactory current criminal records search (refer to the policy; copies, faxes, or opened results are not accepted)
  • Nurse's uniform and shoes appropriate to the clinical agency
  • Stethoscope

Email Student Services for the program admission package.

Certificate Requirements (under review)

Residency Requirements

6 credits of TRU coursework (distance or on-campus)

Note

Courses with practice activities are held in various BC locations and are available only to students residing in BC and the Yukon. Students must travel to the locale of the labs and practicums and are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. Applicants residing outside BC who want to complete the program may participate at practicum sites in BC if appropriate arrangements can be made. Punctual attendance with active participation in all in-person labs and practice activities is required. Students are responsible for all costs associated with labs and practice activities. Labs and practice activities may be limited by geographic location, time of year, space, and enrolment.

Students are responsible for consulting with their TRU-OL program advisor to ensure that courses selected are appropriate for the program of study or to meet future educational goals.

Email Student Services for more information.