This program is offered every August and January in Kelowna, and alternating years in Vernon and Salmon Arm.
The practical nursing program is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes to perform the full range of competencies as identified by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). The program provides a learning experience that is integrated, professional, collaborative and culturally sensitive with an aim to prepare graduates to care for individuals and families at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.
Throughout the program students will engage in learning activities that will further their development as practicing professionals and leaders. The program focuses on person-centered care, advocacy and critical thinking in preparation for a career in healthcare. Students will progress through a combination of courses and clinical placements to prepare them for subsequent work as a Practical Nurse. Upon successful completion of the program graduates will be eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, required for licensure in B.C. Graduates of the program may obtain employment in community, continuing care, residential care or acute care settings.
There will be four program intakes per year: Each January at the Kelowna and Penticton campus and each September at the Kelowna and Vernon/Salmon Arm campus. Vernon and Salmon Arm alternate hosting the program each September. The overall length of the program is 70 weeks including built in program breaks; the length of instruction including preceptorship is 62 weeks.
B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent (ABE, GED), or mature student status
English Requirement:
Either:
Or
English Language Requirement:
In addition to meeting English language requirements for the Practical Nursing program, graduates must be able to demonstrate a level of proficiency required to be performance ready as a condition for registration and practice in British Columbia. See BCCNM's website for details.
Mathematics Requirement:
A minimum of 67% in any of:
Or a minimum grade of 70% in one of:
Biology Requirement:
Both:
Fall Intakes
Applications will be accepted starting at 8:30 a.m. on the first business day in October and ending no later than 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in February. Applicants will be ranked based on the grade average of the courses satisfying the Grade 11 Math, Grade 12 English, and Grade 12 Biology admission requirements.
Applicants enrolled in Grade 12 or Grade 12 upgrading are required to submit final or interim grades by 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in February.
The ranking of applications will take place in March and successful applicants will be notified by early April. Once the ranking has been completed, the limited number of seats in the program will be filled by offers of admission and all others will be put on a waitlist in order of their ranking. Students offered admission will be given a deadline to accept the offer by payment of the Admissions deposit. Those who do not accept their offer by the deadline specified will be cancelled and the seat offered to the next ranked person on the list.
Winter Intakes
Applications will be accepted starting at 9 a.m. on the first business day in April and ending no later than 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in July. Applicants will be ranked based on the grade average of the courses satisfying the Grade 11 Math, Grade 12 English, and Grade 12 Biology admission requirements.
Applicants enrolled in Grade 12 or Grade 12 upgrading are required to submit final or interim grades by 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in July.
The ranking of applications will take place in August and successful applicants will be notified by early September. Once the ranking has been completed, the limited number of seats in the program will be filled by offers of admission and all others will be put on a waitlist in order of their ranking. Students offered admission will be given a deadline to accept the offer by payment of the Admissions deposit. Those who do not accept their offer by the deadline specified will be cancelled and the seat offered to the next ranked person on the list.
Program Requirements: The following will be collected on the first day of classes by the instructor.
There may be additional fees associated with other admission and program pre-practice requirements. These requirements are usually completed outside of regular class time. Students are responsible for submitting appropriate documentation by the due dates provided. The admissions office and/or department chair will provide further instructions. Students may proceed into clinical practice education experiences only after successful completion of ALL the program pre-practice requirements.
Students must complete a minimum of 50% of the program hours at Okanagan College.
A pass in each Consolidated Practice Experience course and Preceptorship and a minimum of 70 in each other course.
Program Area:
Health and Social Development
Campus (Intake):
Credential:
Diploma
Delivery:
Cost:
2022-23: $12,520.58 (Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm) $12,693.59 (Vernon)
Notes:
September 2022: Vernon and Kelowna
January 2023: Kelowna
September 2023: Salmon Arm, Kelowna, and Penticton
September Intakes: Applications will be accepted starting at 8:30 a.m. on the first business day in October and ending no later than 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in February.
January Intakes: Applications will be accepted starting at 9 a.m. on the first business day in April and ending no later than 4:30 p.m. on the last business day in July.
This program is student loan eligible.
Okanagan College Calendar: Printed 07/05/2022