<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

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.

Practical Nursing Diploma

Okanagan College

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1. One of:
    - High school graduation or equivalent
    - Minimum 19 years of age and out of high school for at least one year
2. English 12 (70%) or equivalent alternatives
3. English Language Requirement*
    - Three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the medium of instruction and is also one of the country's official language. English as a second language/additional language are not included in this calculation.
        - *Note: In addition to meeting English Language Requirements, graduates must be able to demonstrate a level of proficiency required to be performance ready as a condition for registration and practice in BC. Visit BCCNM's website for details. 
4. Biology 12 (67%) or equivalent*
    *Note: The Grade 12 Biology course must include human anatomy and physiology.
5. Pre-Practical Nursing Anatomy and Physiology (PNUR 113) (70%) or equivalent
6. Math
Option A: minimum 67% in one of:

- Pre-Calculus 11 or equivalent
- Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11 or equivalent
- Principles of Mathematics 11 or equivalent
- Adult Basic Education MATH 011

OR
Option B: minimum 70% in one of:

- Adult Basic Education IALG 011
-  Both Math 084 and MATH 085


Academic Admission Requirement

1. Red Cross Standard First Aid or St John Ambulance Standard First Aid

2. CPR Level C course no more than 12 months before admission

3. Criminal Record Check from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office

4. Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray no more than 6 months before the date of application or adequate follow-up in the case of a positive test

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. If you do not meet the English Language Requirement, you must achieve scores identified in one of the two tests below: 
    - International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Overall band score 7.0; Speaking 7.0; Listening 7.5; Reading 6.5; Writing 7.0. 
    - Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN): Speaking 8.0; Listening 10.0; Reading 8.0; Writing 7.0. 

2. Applicants will be ranked based on the grade average of the courses satisfying the Grade 11 Math, Grade 12 English, and Grade 12 Biology admission requirements.

3. Final or interim grades for Grade 12 or Grade 12 upgrading courses must be submitted by 4:30 pm on the last business day in February for the September intakes, or by 4:30 pm on the last business day in July for the January intakes.

4. The following will be collected on the first day of classes:
    - Current immunizations (diphtheria and tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), varicella, and influenza).
    - Successful completion of all the BC Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) including the 8-hour in-person classroom course. 

5. For the criminal record check, Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

Admission Advice

August intakes:
Applications will be accepted starting at 8:30 a.m. on the first business day in October. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in February.

January Intakes:
Applications will be accepted starting at 9:00 a.m. on the first business day in April. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in July. 

Note: This program is offered every August and January in Kelowna; August or January in Penticton; and alternating years in Vernon and Salmon Arm.

Practical Nursing Diploma

Okanagan College

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