LPN Programs in BC

LPN Programs in BCThere is a total of six LPN programs in British Columbia recognized by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC (CLPNBC), and completing your training at any of these schools can help you become eligible for licensure in as little as two years.

The institutions profiled below have met both the provincial standards in practical nursing education set by the CLPNBC, and the national benchmarks established by the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR).

Licensed Practical Nursing Programs – BC

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College of the Rockies

Campus: Cranbrook

Admission Requirements for LPN program:

  • Have graduated from secondary school or hold an equivalent certificate (GED)
  • Show proof of passing scores in Grade 12 Biology, English and Math
  • Pass Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses (PPNP 101) course with a C+ grade or better
  • Proof of employment and references for applicants with work experience
  • Hold CPR-C and First Aid certifications
  • Submit to a Criminal Record Check
  • Present proof of current immunizations
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English

Course curriculum:

  • Professional Practice and Communications
  • Health Promotion
  • Pharmacology
  • Nursing Practice
  • Preceptorship

The exact curriculum at College of the Rockies may be modified from time-to-time. Click here to review the program structure for the current term.

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Vancouver Island University

Campus: Vancouver Island

Admission Requirements for LPN program:

  • Graduation from a secondary school or equivalent
  • Transcripts showing a minimum grade of C in Grade 12 English, Math and Biology
  • Pass the Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses (HHPN 001) course offered by VIU with at least a C+ grade
  • Proof of current immunizations
  • Completion of a WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) class
  • Demonstrate written, spoken and reading proficiencies in English language
  • Hold a CPR level C certificate
  • Pass a Criminal Record Check

Course curriculum:

  • Pharmacology
  • Health Promotion
  • Professional Communication
  • Integrated Nursing Practice
  • Consolidated Practice
  • Preceptorship

The above curriculum is condensed and does not list every single course required by the VNI LPN program. To see the current term program description in its entirety, please click here.

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North Island College

Campus: Vancouver Island

Admission Requirements for LPN program:

  • Have completed Grade 12 in high school, or hold a GED
  • Provide secondary school transcripts showing minimum required scores in Grade 12 English, Math and Biology
  • Complete Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses (BIO 159) with a grade of C+ or better
  • Submit a completed Practical Nursing Intake Package
  • Undergo a Criminal Record Check
  • Show proof of recent immunizations
  • Have a current CPR HRT-015 certificate
  • Attend mandatory group information session for new students

Course curriculum:

  • Professional Practice
  • Pharmacology
  • Integrated Nursing Practice
  • Consolidated Practice Experience
  • Variations in Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Final Practice Experience

Required courses and program structure at North Island College are subject to change on a term-by-term basis. Please refer to the school’s official practical nursing page for current information.

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Northern Lights College

Campus: Dawson Creek

Admission Requirements for LPN program:

  • Submit proof of high school diploma or GED, and minimum scores in Grade 12 English, Biology and Math courses
  • Demonstrate fluency in English language (written, spoken and reading comprehension)
  • Have successfully completed Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses (PNUR099)
  • Complete a Solicitor General Criminal Record Check
  • Undergo immunizations required by BC Centre for Disease Control
  • Show negative test results for TB
  • Hold a CPR Level C certificate

Course curriculum:

  • Professional Communication
  • Professional Practice
  • Health Promotion
  • Pharmacology
  • Integrated Nursing Practice
  • Consolidated Nursing Practice
  • Variations in Health
  • Final Practice Experience

To see the semester-by-semester program structure and recommended order of study, please visit the NLC LPN program page.

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Northwest Community College

Campus: Terrace

Admission Requirements for LPN program:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Provide transcripts showing passing scores in Grade 12 Biology, Math and English
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English language (reading, writing and speaking)
  • Successfully pass a CAT 3 assessment for English and NWCC PN Math assessment
  • Supply evidence of current immunization status
  • Have completed training for a CPR Level C certification
  • Pass a Criminal Record Check

Course curriculum:

  • Practical Nursing Anatomy and Physiology
  • Professional Practice
  • Health Promotion
  • Pharmacology
  • Integrated Nursing Practice
  • Consolidated Practice Experience
  • Preceptorship

To review the course-by-course program description for Northwest Community College, please refer to the school’s practical nursing page.

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Vancouver Community College

Campus: Vancouver

Admission Requirements for LPN program:

  • Have graduated from Grade 12 or have a GED
  • Hold an HCA, RCA or HS/RCA certification
  • Pass the Anatomy  and Physiology prerequisite class (NURS 1602) offered by VCC
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency
  • Pass the Knowledge Assessment Examination administered by Vancouver CC
  • Hold a CPR-C certificate
  • Proof of recent immunizations and a negative skin test for TB

Course curriculum:

  • Professional Communication
  • Professional Practice
  • Health Promotion
  • Pharmacology
  • Integrated Nursing Practice
  • Consolidated Practice
  • Preceptorship

The course outline for the current term can be viewed here at the VCC website.

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Practical Nursing Employment in British Columbia

There is a wide range of potential employers in B.C. for students who have recently completed their LPN training through an accredited program, or for experienced practical nurses who have relocated to the province. The CLPNBC provides a job board for its members that reflects current positions available in British Columbia. This resource is available through this link.