OVERVIEW

This program prepares graduates 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 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 BCCNM Entry Level 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 Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of HCA, RCA, or HS/RCA Certificate;
• Minimum 600 hours of HCA work experience, within the last two years, in an Acute Care, Complex Care and/or Home Care Context. Work experience must be verified by an official employer letter;
• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent;
• C+ minimum grade in English 12, (alternatively, an English Assessment can be arranged through the Student Services department);
• C minimum grade in Math 11 (previous B.C. curriculum), or Foundations of Math 11 (current B.C. curriculum). If students do not have Math 11, NVIT’s Adult Basic Education Math courses: C minimum grade in Math 057 (Developmental) or Math 059 (Algebraic) 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;
• C+ minimum grade in Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses or equivalent.

Additional Requirements for Practicum Placement

• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C
• APN Pre-Practice Requirement
• Immunizations (as required by Practicum sites and recommended by BC Centre for Disease Control, 2024): diphtheria and tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps & rubella (MMR*), varicella, pertussis.
  • (From BCCDC Guide) COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for HCWs to reduce worker illness during periods of high SARSCoV-2 circulation in the community and to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to vulnerable individuals receiving health care, personal care or home support in hospital or community settings.
  • Please share your COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination status and provide supporting documentation if you have received your annual doses. If you cannot provide proof of these vaccinations, you will need to follow the protocols set by your clinical/practicum placement. These may include measures such as wearing a mask or completing a disclosure report. ;
  • Negative TB skin test (within 1 year of entering first practicum placement). In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report is required.
• Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Record Check Clearance for Vulnerable Sector (RCMP Checks will not be accepted).
• Additionally, internationally educated applicants must meet the current English Proficiency requirements set by British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

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

NVIT is committed to ensuring education is accessible to all people. Students who do not meet program requirements should contact the Department Coordinator or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

CAREER PATHWAYS

Licensed Practical Nurse