Access to Practical Nursing Diploma

This full-time program prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes to perform to the full range of competencies as identified by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia (CLPNBC). The curriculum 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. Consistent with the CLPNBC Entry to Practice Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses, the focus for beginner's practice is care of clients with less complex and more predictable outcomes (p. 5). Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, graduates will possess the competencies to successfully complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).

Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of HCA, RCA, or HS/RCA Certificate


• Minimum 600 hours of HCA work experience, within the last two years, in a care facility where care is provided to a group of Gerentology clients. Work experience must be verified by an official employer letter.


• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent (ABE, GED)


• English 12 with a grade C+ or higher, (alternatively, an English Assessment can be arranged through the Student Services department)


• Math 11 with a grade C or higher (previous B.C. curriculum), OR Math 11 Foundations with a grade of C or higher (current B.C. curriculum). If students do not have Math 11, NVIT's Adult Basic Education Math courses: Math 057 (Developmental) or Math 059 (Algebraic) with a grade of C or higher will be accepted. Math prerequisite should be completed within the last four years. A math Assessment is available if the above requirements are not met, and can be arranged through the Student Services department.


• Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses with a grade of C+ or higher, or equivalent


• CPR Level "C"


• Solicitor General Criminal Record Check that is free of any charges or convictions


• Immunizations (as required by Practicum sites and recommended by BC Centre for Disease Control, 2009): diphtheria and tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps & rubella (MMR), varicella, and influenza.*


• Negative TB skin test. In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report is required.

* Students who do not meet the immunization requirements may be prohibited from attending Practicum experiences depending upon particular Health Authority policy, or Practicum site agency policy.

• Applicants with English as an additional language must meet the language requirements set by CLPNBC (2013), and be successful as follows:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with minimum scores of:
  
  
  
  • Overall speaking band score: 7.0
  
  
  • Speaking: 7.0
  
  
  • Listening: 7.5
  
  
  • Reading: 6.5
  
  
  • Writing: 7.0
  
  
  
  

Note: Please view CLPNBC current English requirements at the following site: http://www.clpnbc.org/elp.aspx

Course Listing for this program

Current Course Offerings