A student of the LPN program in BC examining a torso model

Practical Nursing

Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 2 Years

Program credential icon Credential

  • Diploma

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Cowichan
  • Nanaimo
  • tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)

Looking for a rewarding career in Canadian health care that gives you the personal satisfaction that comes with helping others?

The Practical Nurse (PN) program provides you with the theory and skills required to practice safe, competent and ethical nursing care that contributes to the comfort and well-being of others. Becoming an LPN is a great way to start your nursing career in a short amount of time, providing you with a stable future with great earning potential as the demand for health care professionals continues to grow in Canada.

The LPN Program provides students with the skills and knowledge to become a valued professional in a demanding and challenging career in a variety of community care facilities.  


The Practical Nursing Diploma Program

VIU provides students with two options to complete a Diploma in Practical Nursing.

Practical Nursing Diploma Program (Option A)

This option offers the theory and skills required to practice as a Practical Nurse within acute care, extended care, intermediate care, and community care settings. The two-year program includes four consolidated practice experiences and one preceptorship. 

Practical Nursing Access Program (Option B)

This option offers students who have successfully completed the Health Care Assistant (Aide) program and who are experienced as Health Care Aides/Registered Care Aides with the option to consolidate their learnings in one semester (PN Access semester), which includes five theory courses and one consolidated practice experience course. After successful completion of the PN Access semester, students progress into year two of the Practical Nursing Diploma Program as per Option A.

On recommendation of the program faculty, graduates of the Practical Nursing Diploma program may write the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (Rex-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Option A: Two-Year Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Year 1 - Semester 1

Credits

PRNU 101 - (Pharmacology I)2
PRNU 102 - (Health Promotion I)2
PRNU 103 - (Variations in Health I)2.5
PRNU 104 - (Professional Communication I)2.5
PRNU 105 - (Professional Practice I)1.5
PRNU 106 - (Integrated Nursing Practice I)3
PRNU 107 - (Consolidated Practice Experience I)3
Total Credits16.5

 

Year 1 - Semester 2

Credits

PRNU 111 - (Pharmacology II)2
PRNU 112 - (Health Promotion II)2
PRNU 113 - (Variations in Health II)3
PRNU 114 - (Professional Communication II)2
PRNU 115 - (Professional Practice II)2
PRNU 116 - (Integrated Nursing Practice II)4
Total Credits15
Year 1 - Semester 3

Credits

PRNU 117* - (Consolidated Practice Experience II)5
Total Credits5

** PRNU 117 will be delivered in the summer at the Nanaimo campus, and in the fall at the Cowichan campus.

Year 2 - Semester 1

Credits

PRNU 202 - (Health Promotion III)2.5
PRNU 203 - (Variations in Health III)3
PRNU 204 - (Professional Communication III)1.5
PRNU 205 - (Professional Practice III)1.5
PRNU 206 - (Integrated Nursing Practice III)3
PRNU 207 - (Consolidated Practice Experience III)3
Total Credits14.5
Year 2 - Semester 2

Credits

PRNU 212 - (Health Promotion IV)1.5
PRNU 213 - (Variations in Health IV)3.5
PRNU 214 - (Professional Communication IV)1.5
PRNU 215 - (Professional Practice IV)1.5
PRNU 216 - (Integrated Nursing Practice IV)4
PRNU 217 - (Consolidated Practice Experience IV)7
Total Credits19
Year 2 - Semester 3

Credits

PRNU 218** - (Transition to Preceptorship)1
PRNU 219** - (Preceptorship)6
Total Credits7
Total Program Credits

77 
 

** PRNU 218 and PRNU 219 will be delivered in the summer at the Nanaimo campus, and in the fall at the Cowichan campus.

Option B: 16-Month Practical Nursing Access Program

Year 1 - Semester 1Credits
PRNU 121 - (Pharmacology A)4
PRNU 122 - (Health Promotion A)2.5
PRNU 123 - (Variations in Health A)4
PRNU 124 - (Professional Communication A)3
PRNU 125 - (Professional Practice A)3
PRNU 126 - (Integrated Nursing Practice A)4
Total Credits20.5

 

Year 1 - Semester 2Credits
PRNU 127 - (Consolidated Practice Experience A)6
PRNU 202 - (Health Promotion III)2.5
PRNU 203 - (Variations in Health III)3
PRNU 204 - (Professional Communication III)1.5
PRNU 205 - (Professional Practice III)1.5
PRNU 206 - (Integrated Nursing Practice III)3
Total Credits17.5

 

Year 2 - Semester 1Credits
PRNU 207 - (Consolidated Practice Experience III)3
PRNU 212 - (Health Promotion IV)1.5
PRNU 213 - (Variations in Health IV)3.5
PRNU 214 - (Professional Communication IV)1.5
PRNU 215 - (Professional Practice IV)1.5
PRNU 216 - (Integrated Nursing Practice IV)4
Total Credits15

 

Year 2 - Semester 2Credits
PRNU 217 - (Consolidated Practice Experience IV)7
PRNU 218 - (Transition to Preceptorship)1
PRNU 219 - (Preceptorship)6
Total Credits14
Total Program Credits

67

Option A and B: 

Option B: 

  • 600 hours of work experience as a Health Care Assistant or Resident Care Attendant or a Home Support /Residential Care Aide within the last two years. Please have your supervisor or HR department fill out the PN Confirmation of Work Hours form and submit the completed form to Registration.

Recommendations for Admission

  • Recent course in writing skills.
  • Volunteer experience in health care setting.

Notes on Admission

  • Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
  • Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
  • Immunization: A completed Immunization Requirements Form is required for the first day of classes.
  • CPR level "C" certificate (presumed to include 1 person, 2 persons, infant CPR and choking victim) is required for the first day of classes.
  • Proof of WHMIS training is required for the first day of classes.
  • Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
    • Admission is determined by:
      • Candidates meeting admission requirements
      • GPA scores rankings
  • Applicants may be granted conditional acceptance into the Practical Nursing Diploma program prior to successful completion of the required HHPN 100 course. HHPN 100 must be completed before attending any Practical Nursing Diploma courses. Note: To view and register for current course offerings please refer to the Professional Development and Training department.
  • This program is currently not available to international students.
  • Applicants with English as an Additional Language (EAL) must meet the language requirements set by BCCNM (2011), and be successful in one of the following prior to licensing:
    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version with minimum scores of:

    • Overall Band Score: 7.5
    • Speaking: 7.5
    • Listening: 8
    • Reading: 7
    • Writing: 7.5

    Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:

    • Speaking: 8
    • Listening: 10
    • Reading: 8
    • Writing: 7

Progression within the Program

Students must successfully complete all required courses in each semester before progressing to subsequent semesters and the final preceptorship.

A student may be discontinued in their program for a variety of reasons: course failure; withdrawal for personal, medical, fitness to practice concerns, etc. Since each semester is a pre-requisite for the subsequent semester, a student who does not successfully complete a semester will be discontinued in the program. If the student becomes eligible for re-entry, the student may request re-entry for when that course/semester is next offered. Re-entry is subject to seat availability; a seat will not be set aside for a returning student. 

1. Course Failure - Option A

  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails a program course, cannot proceed into the next semester and will be required to discontinue from the program. The student may request re-entry for the semester when that course is next offered. 
  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails a practice course, will be required to retake that practice course when it is next offered and may also be required to retake the theory and/or lab/learning centre course(s) that inform that practice course, upon the discretion of the program chair. 
  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails a single program course, re-enters and retakes the same course and subsequently fails that course (e.g., fails the same course twice), will be required to leave the program. If the student wants to re-enter the program, they must wait a minimum of two years and must apply to semester 1/year 1 of the program with no credit for previously completed program courses. 
  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails any two program courses (any combination of practice, lab, and/or theory), will be required to leave the program. If the student wants to re-enter the program, they must wait a minimum of two years and must apply as a new student to a semester 1/year 1 of the program with no credit for previously completed program courses. 

*'Program courses' are those courses that are core to the program.

Course Failure - Option B (PN Access Program)

  •  A student who is unsuccessful/fails a program course, cannot proceed into the next semester, and will be required to discontinue from the program. The student may request re-entry for the semester when that course is next offered.
  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails a practice course, will be required to retake that practice course when it is next offered and may also be required to retake the theory and/or lab/learning centre course(s) that inform that practice course, upon the discretion of the program chair.
  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails a single program course, re-enters, and retakes the same course and subsequently fails that course (e.g., fails the same course twice), will be required to leave the program. If the student wants to re-enter the program, they must wait a minimum of two years and must apply to year 1 of the program with no credit for previously completed program courses.
  • A student who is unsuccessful/fails any two program courses (any combination of practice, lab, and/or theory), will be required to leave the program. If the student wants to re-enter the program, they must wait a minimum of two years and must apply as a new student to year 1 of the program with no credit for previously completed program courses.
  • A student who is unsuccessful and is required to leave the program, when re-entering must be able to meet the requirement of 600 hours of work experience as a Health Care Assistant or Resident Care Attendant or a Home Support/Resident Care Aide within the last two years.

2. Re-Entry After Withdrawal from Program - Option A and B

See also section below regarding re-entry to program. 

A student who withdraws from the program (e.g., due to personal, financial, health, fitness to practice reasons) may request re-entry for when that semester is next offered.

Additional Re-Entry After Withdrawal from Program - Option B (PN Access Program):

PN Access program students are required to meet the 600 hours of work experience as a Health Care Assistant or Resident Care Attendant or a Home Support/Resident Care Aide within the last two years when re-entering.

3. Notice of Discontinuation - Option A and B

A student who is required to be discontinued from the program will first meet with the Program Chair. The re-entry process will be discussed, including any conditions for re-entry and any support services designed to help the student achieve greater success in their future studies. A 'Student Discontinuation Form' will be completed; the student will receive a copy of this form. 

Re-entry into the Program

1. Notice of Re-Entry - Option A and B

A student seeking re-entry after withdrawing or being required to discontinue, must make their intent to return known to the Program Chair, in writing (formal letter or email), as soon as possible and no later than four months prior to the desired start date. The approval of a request for re-entry will take into consideration the date which the written notification was received by the Chair of the program. 

2. Seat Availability

Re-entry into the program is subject to seat availability. 

3. Corrective Learning Plan for Re-entry 

In order to facilitate a successful re-entry, prior to offering a re-entry student a program seat, the student will meet with the Program Chair and/or Program Advisor. Each student will be assessed individually and the 'Student Discontinuation Form' notes will be reviewed including recommendations for program re-entry. The student will complete a Corrective Learning Plan of how they have/will ensure competency/currency in their knowledge, skills, and practice; any gaps identified; specific strategies to close those gaps; and a specific timeline of what must be completed prior to re-entry. At the discretion of the Program Chair and/or Program Advisor, the Corrective Learning Plan may include the requirement for the student to complete: 

  1. A Directed Studies Course that focuses on integration of program knowledge, skills, and practice including decision-making and critical thinking. (Level/expectation will be consistent with what would be expected of a student at the level the student is returning to). The course will be structured around that student's specific learning needs. 
  2. OR one or more of the following:
    • Med Math (Drug Calculations for Health Care) Exam
    • Skills assessment on previously learning skills
    • Simulation Scenario and/or comprehensive lab scenario
    • Comprehensive Care Plan
    • Audit of lab/learning centre and/or theory courses. A student cannot audit a practice course. 
    • Repeat of lab/learning centre, practice, and/or theory courses. 

If the student does not successfully complete the requirements of the Corrective Learning Plan, then the Program Chair may: 

  • Permit the student to re-enter but at an earlier semester and repeat certain courses.
  • Not permit the student to re-enter or re-apply to that program for a minimum of two years. 

4. Number of Times for Re-entry

A student who has been discontinued from the program due to course failure, may re-enter the program at the point where they exited the program once only. If the student is requesting a second re-entry into the program, they must first meet with the Dean and Program Chair who will determine the eligibility for re-entry. 

Completion Requirements

The maximum time for a student to complete all program requirements is 3 years, with no period of absence exceeding 12 months.

Under exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Dean and Program Chair, a student may be granted an extension. 

Transfer from other institutions

The program will consider accepting transfer students from other recognized Practical Nursing Diploma programs on an individual basis, space permitting. The Program Chair, in collaboration with Registration Services, will determine transfer eligibility based on a review of prerequisites, official transcripts, course outlines, and other supporting documentation. Policies and practices developed by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer for Practical Nursing programs in the BC Transfer system will be used to guide student transfers.

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Diploma program can seek employment in a diverse range of employment settings, including: hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes, educational institutions, and community health centres.

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees - Year 1 Amount
Tuition (36.5 credits x $221.93 per credit) 8,100.45
Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) 199.70
Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) 220.50
VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) 276.00
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Books and supplies per year (approximate cost) 2,300.00
Fees - Year 2 Amount
Tuition (40.5 credits x $221.93 per credit) 8,988.17
Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) 199.70
Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) 220.50
VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) 276.00
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Books and supplies per year (approximate cost) 2,300.00
Notes
  • The fees above are for Option A and may differ for Option B.
  • Students taking the program at Cowichan Campus will pay a reduced VIU Students' Union fee.
  • Students are responsible for practice insurance, association fees, and travel expenses to practicum sites in Nanaimo and Duncan.
  • Students are responsible for the license examination fee at the end of the program which is arranged through British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
  • PRNU 106, PRNU 116, PRNU 126, PRNU 206, and PRNU 216 have an additional lab fee.
  • The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus Options
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Practical Nursing program at the Cowichan campus begins in January and is offered every second year i.e. January 2025, January 2027.



 

Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Naomi Knodel
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Naomi.Knodel@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Anne Ruuskanen
Email: PNChair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Carolyn Hayman
Email: PN@viu.ca
Coordinator Contact:
Email: PN@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

Applications for the Cowichan campus are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, even if they are currently working on prerequisites.

Seats in the program are offered as follows: first qualified applications are given first offers, until all seats are filled.

Comments:

This program is offered every second year at the Cowichan campus. Classes are scheduled through the summer, with a break during most of November and December.

Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses must be completed prior to attending any Practical Nursing diploma program courses, as per admission requirements.

Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Donna Kist
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2526
Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Anne Ruuskanen
Email: PNchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Carolyn Hayman
Email: PN@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

Final grades required by March 31, 2025.

Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Donna Kist
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2526
Email: donna.kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Anne Ruuskanen
Email: pnchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Carolyn Hayman
Email: pn@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

Document deadline is March 31, 2025.

Next Intake(s):

.

Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Donna Kist
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2526
Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Anne Ruuskanen
Email: PNchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Carolyn Hayman
Email: PN@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

March 31, 2025

Comments:

Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Seats in the program are offered as follows: first qualified applications are given first offers, until all seats are filled.

Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses must be completed prior to attending any Practical Nursing diploma program courses, as per admission requirements.

 

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.

Visit the Department Website

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.