Practical Nursing Program
The BC Provincial Practical Nursing Curriculum is currently under review. Information on the 2012 PN intake will be available soon.
Please see the common questions and answers below.
Practical Nurse
As a practical nurse, you will play an integral part in the health care team by interacting with, and caring for individuals, families and groups across the life-span.
Practical Nurse Program
The Practical Nursing program is designed to develop the knowledge, skill and attitude necessary to practise as a safe, competent and professional practical nurse. You will develop knowledge in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care for all age groups as they experience various health challenges.
Practical Nursing students develop the skills and knowledge to care for patients in medical, surgical or rehabilitation units of acute care hospitals. They acquire an understanding of human development, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
Students will work through a combination of course work and practical clinical placements.
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE), to apply for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse in British Columbia.
Success factors
This program is well-suited for students who have the following attributes:
- Compassionate, accountable and flexible
- Enjoy working with diverse people across the life-span
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Enjoy working with others as a member of a team or in a leadership role
- Strong critically thinking skills
- Able to handle physically demanding situations
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Practical Nurse program must be licensed by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia in order to practise in British Columbia. Licensed practical nurses are able to work in:
- acute and continuing-care hospitals
- long term care agencies
- community agencies
- health clinics
- private placement
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Curriculum Review
The BC Provincial Practical Nursing Curriculum is currently under review and more information on the 2012 intake will be available soon. Below are answers to several common questions we have received.
Practical Nursing Prerequisites
- BC Math Foundations 11 C+ *
- BC English 12 C +
- Anatomy & Physiology equivalent to PNUR 1300 C **
Notes:
- *Math Principles 11or Math 0500/0510 will be honoured if completed by the end of Summer 2012 for the next 10 years.
- **Equivalent courses: Health (HLTH) 1121 (pre-requisite Grade 12 Biology C+) or BIOL 1593 and BIOL 1593 offered through TRU-OL.
Curriculum
The BC Academic Health Advisory is currently drafting a new PN curriculum that will meet the requirements and entry-level competencies required by the Canadian Practical Nursing Registration Exam. As a result the program requires lengthening to include these added education requirements.
The program may be as short as 16 months or up to 24 months. A diploma may be offered in lieu of a certificate to reflect the broadened education as well as providing some solutions to financial feasibility. This means that tuition will increase to accommodate the lengthened program.
Intake for 2012
Our next intake is likely to be in the late spring or fall of 2012. This will give the University time to implement a new program. Application information will be updated on the website as soon as curriculum information is completed. We do accept international students.
The University will offer the Generic program and will not offer an Access program for HCA trained students until further notice.
Contact Information
To find out more about our Practical Nursing Program, contact information is provided below: