St'uxwtews Education Centre

Access to Practical Nursing

This full-time program will prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and attitude to perform to the high level of competency required by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia (CLPNBC).

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Programs & Courses

Access to Practical Nursing

The program curriculum is integrated, culturally sensitive, and collaborative. This program will teach students how to care for individuals in a variety of life stages and practice settings. The beginning focus for students is consistent with the CLPNBC Entry to Practice Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses, which involves caring for patients with more predictable, uncomplicated outcomes. Upon graduation, students will have obtained the skills and knowledge required to successfully complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).

Admission Eligibility 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 gerontology (aging) clients. The hours and work experience must be verified by an official letter from the employer
  • Grade 12 graduation or equivalent (ABE, GED)
  • English 12 with a grade C+ or higher
  • Math 11 with a grade C or higher, or Math 11 Foundations with a grade of C or higher. This prerequisite should have been completed within the previous 4 years
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses. with a grade of C+ or higher
  • CPR Level “C”
  • Solicitor General criminal record search confirming the student has no charges or convictions.
  • Immunizations for the following diseases: 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 these criteria may not be allowed to attend practicum experiences, depending upon the particular Health Authority requirements and/or policies.
  • Students who have learned English as an additional language must meet the language requirements set by CLPNBC 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

The current CLPNBC requirements for English can be viewed here:

LEVEL A COURSES

  • PRNS-222 – Professional Practice A
  • PRNS-223 – Professional Communication A
  • PRNS-225 – Pharmacology A
  • PRNS-226 – Variations in Health A
  • PRNS-227 – Health Promotion A
  • PRNS-228 – Integrated Nursing Practice A
  • PRNS-229 – Consolidated Practice Experience A
  • STSC-101 – Strategies for Success 101

LEVEL 3 COURSES

  • PRNS-232 – Professional Practice III
  • PRNS-233 – Professional Communication III
  • PRNS-236 – Variations in Health III
  • PRNS-237 – Health Promotion III
  • PRNS-238 – Integrated Nursing Practice III
  • PRNS-239 – Consolidated Practice Experience III

LEVEL 4 COURSES

  • PRNS-242 – Professional Practice IV
  • PRNS-243 – Professional Communication IV
  • PRNS-245 – Transition to Preceptorship
  • PRNS-246 – Variations in Health IV
  • PRNS-247 – Health Promotion IV
  • PRNS-248 – Integrated Nursing Practice IV
  • PRNS-249 – Consolidated Practice Experience IV
  • PRNS-250 – Preceptorship