NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · CANADA
Access to Practical Nursing
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
18 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- DiplomaCredential Type
- 107.0Credits
- 18 monthsProgram Duration
- Full-Time, Hybrid Option AvailableFormat
- Fall TermOffered
- Merritt, In CommunityDelivery Location
This program equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in practical nursing. You will gain the competencies required by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) to care for individuals across different life stages and in various healthcare settings. The curriculum focuses on preparing graduates for entry-level practice with less complex and more predictable patient outcomes, ensuring they are ready to successfully complete the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN).
Curriculum
The program is structured across several levels, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.
- Level A
- Strategies for SuccessSTSC 101
- Professional Practice APRNS 222
- Professional Communication APRNS 223
- Variations in Health APRNS 226
- Health Promotion APRNS 227
- Pharmacology APRNS 225
- Integrated Nursing Practice APRNS 228
- Consolidated Practice Experience APRNS 229
- Level 3
- Professional Practice IIIPRNS 232
- Professional Communication IIIPRNS 233
- Variations in Health IIIPRNS 236
- Health Promotion IIIPRNS 237
- Integrated Nursing Practice IIIPRNS 238
- Consolidated Practice Experience IIIPRNS 239
- Level 4
- Professional Practice IVPRNS 242
- Professional Communication IVPRNS 243
- Variations in Health IVPRNS 246
- Health Promotion IVPRNS 247
- Integrated Nursing Practice IVPRNS 248
- Consolidated Practice Experience IVPRNS 249
- Transition to PreceptorshipPRNS 245
- PreceptorshipPRNS 250
Careers
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are prepared for a role as a.
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Access to Practical Nursing program?
- Applicants need a Health Care Assistant (HCA), Residential Care Aide (RCA), or Health and Safety/Residential Care Aide (HS/RCA) Certificate, along with 600 hours of HCA work experience within the last two years. You also need Grade 12 or equivalent, with specific minimum grades in English 12, Math 11, and Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses.
- How long does the Access to Practical Nursing diploma program take to complete?
- The program has a duration of 18 months when studied full-time. It is offered as a full-time program with a hybrid option available.
- What career outcomes can I expect after completing this program?
- Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are prepared for a role as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The curriculum ensures readiness to successfully complete the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN) and meet British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) competencies.
- What documents are required for the application process?
- Required documents include official employer letters verifying work experience, academic transcripts, proof of immunizations, a Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector, and proof of English Proficiency for internationally educated applicants.
- Is there financial aid available for this program?
- Information on tuition and living costs is not available on the program page. However, students can explore scholarships, bursaries, grants, student loans, and entrance awards through the NVIT Financial Aid office.
Entry requirements
Health Care Assistant (HCA), Residential Care Aide (RCA), or Health and Safety/Residential Care Aide (HS/RCA) CertificateSuccessful completion
Work ExperienceMinimum 600 hours of HCA work experience within the last two years in Acute Care, Complex Care, and/or Home Care. Must be verified by an official employer letter.
High School GraduationGrade 12 or equivalent
English 12C+ minimum grade, or English Assessment through Student Services
Math 11C minimum grade in Math 11 (previous B.C. curriculum) or Foundations of Math 11 (current B.C. curriculum). Alternatively, a C minimum grade in NVIT's Math 057 or Math 059. Math prerequisite must be completed within the last four years. A math assessment is available if requirements are not met.
Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical NursesC+ minimum grade or equivalent
BCCNM English Proficiency RequirementsRefer to BCCNM for current requirements (for internationally educated applicants)
Additional requirements for practicum placement include Standard First Aid with CPR Level C, specific immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, pertussis, COVID-19, influenza), a negative TB skin test (or chest x-ray if positive), and a Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector. Students who do not meet these requirements may be prohibited from attending practicum. Consult with the Department Coordinator or an NVIT Academic Planner for upgrading opportunities if you do not meet program prerequisites.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Information on tuition and living costs is not available on the program page. Please refer to the general financial aid section for information on scholarships, bursaries, and grants.
How to apply
1. Choose Your ProgramBrowse NVIT programs and book an appointment with a Recruiter if you have admission requirement inquiries.
2. Submit Your ApplicationApply online via Education Planner BC or download the application form from the NVIT website.
3. Receive Your Offer LetterYou will be notified via email by the Registrar's Office with either a Conditional Offer Letter or a Full Offer Letter.
Scholarships
Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, Student Loans, and Entrance AwardsVaries
Accreditation
Program prepares graduates for competencies identified by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Access to Practical Nursing program?
+
Applicants need a Health Care Assistant (HCA), Residential Care Aide (RCA), or Health and Safety/Residential Care Aide (HS/RCA) Certificate, along with 600 hours of HCA work experience within the last two years. You also need Grade 12 or equivalent, with specific minimum grades in English 12, Math 11, and Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses.
How long does the Access to Practical Nursing diploma program take to complete?
+
The program has a duration of 18 months when studied full-time. It is offered as a full-time program with a hybrid option available.
What career outcomes can I expect after completing this program?
+
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are prepared for a role as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The curriculum ensures readiness to successfully complete the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN) and meet British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) competencies.
What documents are required for the application process?
+
Required documents include official employer letters verifying work experience, academic transcripts, proof of immunizations, a Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector, and proof of English Proficiency for internationally educated applicants.
Is there financial aid available for this program?
+
Information on tuition and living costs is not available on the program page. However, students can explore scholarships, bursaries, grants, student loans, and entrance awards through the NVIT Financial Aid office.