Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a licensed practical nurse in B.C., you need to register with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives. Eligibility is achieved by completing a recognized practical nursing education program and successfully writing the Rex-PN regulatory exam.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a licensed practical nurse in B.C., you may choose to become certified with the Canadian Nurses Association. Eligibility is achieved by being a registered nurse, psychiatric nurse, or nurse practitioner, work experience, and/or specialty education.

Licensed practical nurses

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a cardiopulmonary technologist in B.C., you may choose to be certified through the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists. Eligibility is achieved by completing a Bachelor of Science degree, or by being a Registered Nurse, or holding a recognized Medical Technologies Registration, in addition to a minimum of 1800 hours in the field of pulmonary technology at a recognized institution.

Cardiopulmonary technologists

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. These programs include courses in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education and assistance with examinations and treatment.

Licensed practical/vocational nurse training (LPN, LVN, RPN, Cert., Dipl., AAS)

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a health care manager in B.C., you may need to register with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Eligibility is achieved by completing a nursing program at a qualified institution, and sitting and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Employment as a manager in health care may require several years of related work experience, including supervisory experience.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a nurse in B.C., you must register with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Eligibility is achieved by completing a nursing program at a qualified institution, and sitting and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a health care manager in B.C., you may choose to become certified with the Canadian Nurses Association. Eligibility is achieved by being a registered nurse, psychiatric nurse, or nurse practitioner, work experience, and/or specialty education.

Employment as a manager in health care may require several years of related work experience, including supervisory experience.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse in B.C., you may choose to become certified with the Canadian Nurses Association. Eligibility is achieved by being a registered nurse, psychiatric nurse, or nurse practitioner, work experience, and/or specialty education.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a health care manager in B.C., you may need to complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program and the certifying examinations.

Employment as a manager in health care may require several years of related work experience, including supervisory experience.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a specialist in clinical and laboratory medicine, you must complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program and the certifying examinations.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a specialist in surgery, you must complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program and the certifying examinations.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a health care manager in B.C., you may need to be registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility for dietitians is achieved by graduating from an approved program and examination.

Employment as a manager in health care may require several years of related work experience, including supervisory experience.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a physical therapist in B.C., you must register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, successful writing of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination, and a clinical assessment.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a health care manager in B.C., you may need to be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved by graduating from an accredited medical school, writing the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exams, and completing a residency program.

Employment as a manager in health care may require several years of related work experience, including supervisory experience.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a clinical specialist in B.C., you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved by graduating from an accredited medical school, writing the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exams, and completing a residency program.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a specialist in surgery in B.C., you must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through enrolment in the UBC Faculty of Medicine.

Managers in health care

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a nurse in B.C., you must register with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Eligibility is achieved by completing a nursing program at a qualified institution, and sitting and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Employment as a nursing co-ordinator or supervisor requires related work experience.

Nursing coordinators and supervisors

Registered nurses

Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Bachelor's Degrees

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a nurse practitioner in B.C., you must register with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Eligibility is achieved by completing a nursing practitioner program at a qualified institution, and sitting and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a nurse practitioner in B.C., you may choose to become certified with the Canadian Nurses Association. Eligibility is achieved by being a registered nurse, psychiatric nurse, or nurse practitioner, work experience, and/or specialty education.

Nurse practitioners

Nursing Advanced Certificates

Registered psychiatric nurses

Nursing Continuing Education

Practical Nursing Diplomas

Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members. Operating room technicians prepare patients and provide assistance to medical practitioners prior to and during surgery. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres. Operating room technicians are employed in hospitals.

Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nursing Course

The Practical Nursing Diploma has the same body of nursing knowledge as registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) with a more focused approach to foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical judgment appropriate to the role of a practical nurse. This program will provide you with the knowledge, skills, judgment, and abilities to contribute to all phases of care from prevention to acute treatment and management, to long term and palliative care. After successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to write the Regulatory Exam--Practical Nursing (REx-PN) to apply for licensure to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in British Columbia.

Practical Nursing Diploma

The Practical Nursing Program is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, judgments and attitudes to perform to the full range of competencies as identified by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). The program provides a learning experience that is integrated, professional, collaborative and culturally sensitive with an aim to prepare graduates to care for individuals (and by extension, families of individuals) at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings. Upon successful completion of the program, learners will be eligible to write the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN).

The Practical Nursing Diploma is designed to provide you with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment necessary to assist individuals and families in community, acute and long-term care settings. After licensing, graduates can work in health-care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, occupational health units, community nursing services and private homes.

Practical Nurse Diploma

The Practical Nurse Diploma prepares you to give professional care to individuals and families in a variety of health care delivery settings. Upon completion of your second year, you will be eligible to write the Regulatory Exam – Practical Nurse. You are then able to apply to be registered with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) in order to become licensed as a Practical Nurse. Throughout this program, there are clinical placements and in order to meet requirements for them, you may have to travel to regional areas in the East Kootenay.

The Practical Nursing Diploma prepares graduates to deliver nursing care that meets the LPN practice standards and entry-level competencies of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives. Core concepts of caring, holism, nursing collaboration, self-reflection, lifespan, leadership and safety as well as diversity and Indigenous health will allow students to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary health care team in acute, complex or residential care and community settings. Through concept-based, case-based, skill-based, and integrated learning experiences students will participate in over 650 hours of hands-on clinical practice hours. Priority admissions given to students of Indigenous ancestry. 

Practical Nursing Diploma (NIC)

The Practical Nursing Diploma is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes to perform to the full range of competencies as endorsed by the British Columbia College of Nursing & Midwives (BCCNM). The curriculum provides a learning experience that is integrated, professional, collaborative, and culturally sensitive, with an aim to prepare you to care for individuals (and families of individuals) at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.

The Practical Nursing Diploma will prepare you to care for individuals and families at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings. Throughout the program, you will engage in learning activities that will further your development as practicing professionals and leaders. The program focuses on person-centered care, advocacy and critical thinking in preparation for a career in healthcare. You will progress through a combination of courses and clinical placements to prepare them for subsequent work as a Practical Nurse. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to write the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN), required for licensure in B.C. Upon graduating, you may obtain employment in community, continuing care, residential care or acute care settings.

The Practical Nursing Diploma provides a learning experience that is integrated, professional, collaborative and culturally sensitive with an aim to prepare graduates to care for individuals (and, by extension, families of individuals) at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.

The Provincial Practical Nursing Program (PPNP) is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, judgements and attitudes to perform to the full range of competencies as identified by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Consistent with the BCCNM Scope of Practice: Standards, Limits and Conditions, the focus for beginner’s practice is the “promotion, maintenance and restoration of health, with a focus on clients with stable or predictable states of health.” Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, learners will possess the competencies to successfully complete the regulatory exam for practical nurses, the REx-PN.

The Practical Nursing Diploma allows you to learn everything you need to deliver effective and empathetic front line patient care with the Practical Nurse diploma. This comprehensive program provides the knowledge, skills, judgment and attitude to perform to the competencies identified by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia. Upon successful completion of the program, you will possess the competencies to successfully complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam. (Williams Lake Campus only.)

The Practical Nursing Diploma prepares you to work as a LPN in a variety of health care settings within hospitals, residential care facilities, and the community. The program is comprised of four semesters followed by a preceptorship experience. Program courses are delivered in a variety of formats such as group work, multi-media approaches, lecture, lab simulation, and skill mastery. Once you graduate, you are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). Upon successful completion, you can be employed as a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

The Practical Nursing diploma will provide knowledge and abilites to provide safe, competent, culturally safe and ethical care. Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agree upon plan of care. Provide culturally safe, person-centered care across the lifespan. Students will participate in a final practice experience or preceptorship which prepares the learner for the role and expectations of the graduate. 

Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma

The Practical Nurse (PN) Diploma provides you with the theory and skills required to practice safe, competent and ethical nursing care that contributes to the comfort and well-being of others. You'll gain the theory and skills required to practice as a Practical Nurse within acute care, extended care, intermediate care, and community care settings. The two-year program includes four consolidated practice experiences and one preceptorship.

Educational Path

Practical Nursing Diplomas

Programs

Careers