Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Become a licensed practical nurse in BC
Fast-track your health care career with VIU’s Practical Nursing Diploma and step into a stable, high-earning career with unlimited growth potential. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are vital frontline leaders who work across the entire healthcare spectrum. They do a wide range of work in health and LPN roles are expanding across Canada.
The demand for healthcare leaders continues to soar across Canada, and this practical nursing program lets you move rapidly into the frontlines of healthcare to meet that demand.
What does a practical nurse do?
LPNs manage many clinical tasks and serve as trusted health educators and advocates for patients and their families. They translate complex medical plans into accessible, compassionate guidance. Whether helping an elderly resident maintain their independence or comforting a family during a crisis, the human-centered care an LPN provides relieves immense pressure on the wider healthcare infrastructure and strengthens the overall well-being of the community.
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Why choose the VIU LPN program?
In the VIU Practical Nursing program you dive into the heart of the action with four hands-on clinical placements. There is nothing more exciting than stepping out of the campus labs and immediately applying your skills to improve real patient outcomes in hospitals and community agencies. Real-world training options include acute care hospital wards, community agencies and long-term care facilities across the region.
Hands-on learning
Lab simulations
Gain lots of hands-on practice in simulation labs.
Clinical placements
Four intensive practice blocks applying what you’ve learned to care for real patients.
Final preceptorship
An immersive work experience, working one-on-one with a practicing LPN in a regional healthcare facility.
What can I do with Practical Nursing Diploma in BC?
- fast-paced emergency rooms
- acute care hospitals
- specialized clinics
- community health management
- long-term care
- rehabilitation centres
- urgent care centres
- home support agencies
- doctor’s offices
- schools
- private corporations
- occupational health departments
Entry points into the VIU Practical Nursing program
Option A: No health care experience needed
With a full two-year program, you gain all theory and skills required to practice as a Practical Nurse within the two-year program. Includes four consolidated practice experiences and one preceptorship.
Option B: Practical Nursing Access program
If you’re an experienced Health Care Aide/Registered Care Aide and have completed the Health Care Assistant (Aide) program, you can take the PN Access semester and then year two of the Practical Nursing Diploma.
About the Practical Nursing Diploma program
You’ll gain the clinical confidence, hands-on skills and ethical training needed to elevate patient comfort and wellbeing.
What you learn
Advanced clinical and nursing skills
- wound care
- medication administration
- vital signs monitoring
- physical assessments
- specialized care for acute and gerontological patients.
Critical thinking and clinical judgment
You learn to rapidly assess changing patient conditions, make sound ethical decisions under pressure and safely solve complex healthcare problems.
Interpersonal and collaborative leadership
You gain exceptional communication skills for patient advocacy, family education and collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Topics covered in the LPN program
The core curriculum balances theoretical medical knowledge with practical application, covering:
- anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
- pharmacology and safe medication administration
- holistic health
- physical assessments
- acute care
- medical-surgical nursing
- gerontological (elderly) and chronic illness care
- professional ethics
- nursing law
- leadership
When you graduate you will be eligible to write the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (Rex-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Admission Information
Option A and B:
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 minimum grade of "C+" or equivalent.
- Pre-calculus 11, or Foundations of Math 11; minimum grade of "C", or equivalent.
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "C".
- HHPN 100 - (Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses) with a minimum grade of "C+".
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
- Admission is determined by:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
| Option A Fees - Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36.5 credits x $230.90 per credit) | 8,427.85 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.78 per month) | 207.80 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.94 per month) | 229.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $50.08 per month) | 500.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate cost) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 11,950.85 |
| Option A Fees - Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (40.5 credits x $230.90 per credit) | 9,351.45 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.78 per month) | 207.80 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.94 per month) | 229.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $50.08 per month) | 500.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate cost) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 12,874.45 |
| Option B Fees - Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (38 credits x $230.90 per credit) | 8,774.20 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) | 166.24 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) | 183.52 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) | 400.64 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate cost) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 12,109.60 |
| Option B Fees - Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (29 credits x $230.90 per credit) | 6,696.10 |
| Student Activity fee ( months x $20.78 per month) | 166.24 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) | 183.52 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) | 400.64 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate cost) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 10,031.50 |
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
.
Application Fee:
$46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Shelley Trimblett Email: Shelley.Trimblett@viu.ca
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.
|
|||
| to | Nanaimo | Practical Nursing Access Program | |
|
Application Fee:
$46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Shelley Trimblett Email: Shelley.Trimblett@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Jamie Moses Email: PN@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Document deadline is Feb 28, 2027. HHPN 100 grades deadline is April 15, 2027. |
|||
| to | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) | Practical Nursing Access Program | |
|
Application Fee:
$46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: donna.kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Shelley Trimblett Email: Shelley.Trimblett@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Jamie Moses Email: pn@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Document deadline is Feb 28, 2027. Final grades for HHPN 100 are due April 15, 2027. |
|||
Courses and Concentrations
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 Credits | 16.5 |
| 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 Credits | 15 |
| Year 1 - Semester 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PRNU 117* - (Consolidated Practice Experience II) | 5 |
| Total Credits | 5 |
** 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 Credits | 14.5 |
| 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 Credits | 19 |
| Year 2 - Semester 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PRNU 218** - (Transition to Preceptorship) | 1 |
| PRNU 219** - (Preceptorship) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 7 |
| 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 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| 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 Credits | 20.5 |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| 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 Credits | 17.5 |
| Year 2 - Semester 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| 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 Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 - Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PRNU 217 - (Consolidated Practice Experience IV) | 7 |
| PRNU 218 - (Transition to Preceptorship) | 1 |
| PRNU 219 - (Preceptorship) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 14 |
| Total Program Credits | 67 |
Bridge into VIU’s registered nurse (RN) program
After you’ve completed Practical Nursing, you can to the LPN to RN bridge. You can join the second year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Visit the department site
To learn more, including details about your instructors, visit the department site.