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

The Access to the Practical Nursing program provides health care assistants with the bridging courses and training to enter the second year of NIC’s Practical Nursing program. Upon completion, you will begin level 3 of the Practical Nursing program. You will be able to earn their diploma in Practical Nursing in under 16 months. 

Access to Practical Nursing Pathway

North Island College

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1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. English 12 (C+) or equivalent
3. Foundations of Math 11 (C) or equivalent or Pre-calculus 11 or MAT 053 or MAT 055 or successful assessment testing
4. Biology 12 (C) or equivalent
5. BIO 159 (C+) completed within 10 years, or equivalent

1. Declaration of English Language Competency Requirements for Practical Nursing form signed and dated.
2. Requisite Skills and Abilities Program Bulletin signed and dated.  These documents provide prospective students with information that may be helpful in deciding if the program is suited to them.  Prospective students who have questions or concerns should contact an educational advisor.
3. BC certificate in one of the following programs: 
    - Health Care Assistant (HCA)
    - Resident Care Attendant (RCA)
    - Home Support/Resident Care Attendant (HS/RCA)
    - Current BC Care Aide Registry Number
4. 600 Hours of Work Experience as an HCA or RCA or an HS/RCA within the last two years
Note: This includes work experience in any care setting (ex. Residential care, acute care, home care, hospice care)
          This does not include providing care to only one client.
          Work experience must be verified by official employer letter.
          Applicants with 600 hours of experience in Home Care setting may be admitted with an agreement to complete an additional day of education focusing on specific skills

Applications may be submitted starting 11 months before the intended program start date. Early application is recommended. Applications are open on the first business day in October. Students are accepted on a first applied, first qualified basis. Early application is encouraged.

Verify dates and deadlines directly with NIC.

Access to Practical Nursing Pathway

North Island College

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