Program Overview

Practical Nursing Diploma

Overview

Develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a Licensed Practical Nurse with over 650 hours of hands-on clinical practice in communities across the region. Prepare for the expanding role of LPNs in BC and become a valuable member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in acute, complex, residential, and community settings.

Location

• Campbell River
• Comox Valley
• Port Alberni

Length

• 2 years

Delivery

• In-person
• Full-time

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• Minimum C in Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-calculus 11 or NIC MAT 053 or MAT 055 or equivalent, or successful assessment testing
• Minimum C+ in English Studies 12 or Provincial English 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENG 096 or ENG 098 or in both ESL 092 and ESL 095 or equivalent, or successful assessment testing
• Minimum C in Anatomy and Physiology 12 or Biology 12 or NIC BIO 060 or equivalent, completed within 10 years
• Minimum C+ in BIO 159 Human Anatomy & Physiology Fr Prac Nurs, or equivalent, completed within 10 years
• Declaration of English Language Competency Requirements for Practical Nursing form signed and dated
• Requisite Skills and Abilities and Program Bulletin signed and dated

Indigenous Priority Admissions

• Self-identify as an Indigenous person
• Complete the Indigenous Priority Admission Request for a Reserved Seat form
• Meet NIC's general admission requirements, and/or specific program requirements

Before Classes Begin

• Submit a Criminal Record Check permission form
• Hold a current CPR certification (BLS CPR - FAC 019) or equivalent
• Complete a Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) course
• Submit a completed immunization form
• Attend a group information session
• Complete a respiratory Fit test prior to the fourth clinical rotation

Course Requirements

Level 1

• PNS 111 Professional Practice 1
• PNS 112 Health Promotion 1
• PNS 113 Variations in Health 1
• PNS 114 Professional Communications 1
• PNS 115 Pharmacology 1
• PNS 116 Integrated Nursing Practice 1
• PNS 117 Consolidated Practice Experience 1

Level 2

• PNS 121 Professional Practice 2
• PNS 122 Health Promotion 2
• PNS 123 Variations in Health 2
• PNS 124 Professional Communications 2
• PNS 125 Pharmacology 2
• PNS 126 Integrated Nursing Practice 2
• PNS 127 Consolidated Practice Experience 2

Level 3

• PNS 231 Professional Practice 3
• PNS 232 Health Promotion 3
• PNS 233 Variations in Health 3
• PNS 234 Professional Communications 3
• PNS 236 Integrated Nursing Practice 3
• PNS 237 Consolidated Practice Experience 3

Level 4

• PNS 241 Professional Practice 4
• PNS 242 Health Promotion 4
• PNS 243 Variations in Health 4
• PNS 244 Professional Communications 4
• PNS 246 Integrated Nursing Practice 4
• PNS 247 Consolidation Practice Experience 4
• PNS 248 Transition of Final Practice Experience
• PNS 249 Final Practice Experience

Completion Requirements

• Achieve a minimum of C in each course (except pharmacology)
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of C+ (2.33 GPA)
• Pass each nursing practice experience
• Adhere to the BCCNM Standards of Practice for LPNs

Practicum

• Practice placements in various health agencies, including community agencies, residential care facilities, and acute care hospitals
• Most placements are near NIC, but some require travel
• Students are responsible for transportation costs and may work 8 or 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, and weekends during the final preceptorship

Careers

• LPNs are in high demand across BC, providing essential care in hospitals, community care, clinics, and correctional facilities
• Regulated by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, they take on leadership roles, manage complex care, and have opportunities for advanced education

Costs

• Domestic:
  • Tuition: $12,010
  • Lab: $520
  • Student Union: $490
  • Learner Resource: $415
  • Health and Dental: $570
  • Total: $14,005

Frequently Asked Questions

What abilities and skills are required to be successful in the Practical Nursing program?

• Familiarize yourself with competencies: Understand the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives Entry-Level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses
• Basic computer skills: Navigate the internet, access online resources, create and manage Word documents, attach documents to emails, and submit assignments via email
• Math skills: Accurate math calculations are crucial; complete a math evaluation upon admission to identify any learning needs
• Transportation: A valid driver's license and access to personal transport are strongly recommended, as they are crucial for meeting the requirements of clinical practice components

What do I need to do before classes begin in the Practical Nursing program?

• Submit a Criminal Record Check permission form
• Hold current certifications: CPR Certification (BLS CPR - FAC 019) or equivalent, and WHMIS course completion
• Submit an immunization form
• Attend a group information session
• Complete a respiratory Fit test prior to the fourth clinical rotation