Health Care Assistant grads can use prior learning, experience to train for a nursing career
Burnaby, BC – January 2, 2014 – Vancouver Career College is now offering the Practical Nursing Access program in Burnaby. The program recognizes the past education and work experience of Health Care Assistant graduates from accredited BC colleges, allowing them to earn their PN diplomas in 63 weeks. The college launched the program in Kelowna in October 2013.
“Nursing continues to be one of the most in-demand healthcare careers in the country,” says Larry Heinzlmeir, VP of Marketing at Vancouver Career College. “With the new Practical Nursing Access program, Health Care Assistant graduates can now use their existing education as the stepping stone toward careers in nursing and expand their opportunities in acute care hospitals, public health, home care and more.”
The Practical Nursing Access program trains students to become knowledgeable and competent practical nurses capable of working alongside physicians, registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. They learn to provide efficient and effective patient-centred care to people of all ages, managing disease and illness through intervention and treatment. They also focus on health promotion, including health enhancement, disease prevention and health restoration. The curriculum meets the standards and competencies outlined by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia (CLPNBC).
Hands-on experience is an integral part of the program, as well. Students will have opportunities to put their education to the test during three clinical placements in residential care, community health and acute care settings. A final preceptorship will allow them to demonstrate integration and consolidation of the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies in the workplace.
Graduates of the Practical Nursing Access program are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination.
Vancouver Career College is now accepting applications for the Practical Nursing Access program in Burnaby and Kelowna. For more information, call 1.877.607.7819.