What is an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are among the second largest nursing group in Canada. LPNs combine healthcare knowledge, skills, and judgement to treat various health conditions, prevent illnesses, and assist patients in achieving optimal levels of health and wellness.

As a valued member of the healthcare team, LPNs are primarily responsible for frontline healthcare delivery in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses, LPNs can provide patient assessment and care, including the administration of medications, preparation and assistance for surgeries, education on nutrition and self-care, and health promotion.

Practical Nursing Program in BC

Vancouver Career College’s Practical Nursing program combines a wealth of knowledge and training to aid you in becoming a successful LPN. Study pharmacology, health promotion, variants in health, and assist clients in acute care and palliative care settings.

Before you graduate and under the supervision of a fully qualified LPN or RN, complete a number of clinical placements and discover the skills needed to work in residential care and community facilities.

The curriculum for our Practical Nursing program is designed to allow students to immediately apply theoretical knowledge in practice through a spiraling curriculum structure. This method strengthens comprehension and improves proficiency by merging theory with hands-on application effortlessly. Enjoy the advantage of a direct link with instructors offering immediate assistance and customized learning experiences in a dynamic, face-to-face environment, guaranteeing attention to each student's distinct requirements.

High REx-PN Pass Rates

Students who graduate from Vancouver Career College’s Practical Nursing program are eligible to write the REx-PN, which is required to practice as a LPN in British Columbia and Canada. This program meets the requirements of British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) competencies and standards. Our graduates at the Abbotsford campuses achieved a 92% pass rate and our graduates at the Burnaby campus passed at 90% at the end of 2023!

Admission Requirements for Vancouver Career College's PN Program

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent (General 
  Educational Development, Adult Basic Education), or 
  mature student status (19 years old at the start of 
  class) 
• Math 11 Foundations with a minimum grade of 60% 
  or equivalent 
• English 12 with a minimum grade of 65% or English 
  First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of 65% or 
  equivalent 
• Anatomy and Physiology 12 with a minimum of grade 
  60% or equivalent 
• Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses 
  with a minimum of 65% or equivalent 

Administrative Requirements for Admissions:

• Criminal record check in accordance with the Criminal 
  Records Review Act and the Ministry of Justice 
  process for educational institutions 
• Interview and Acceptance of Suitability completed by 
  the PN Program Coordinator or a Designate 
• Signed PN Statement of Understanding 
• Signed HSPnet Student Consent Form 

Requirements Prior to Beginning Consolidated Practice Experience I

• Students should be 19+ 
• Submission of Physician’s Report (a provided template must be utilized) 
• Presentation of a Vaccine Passport (a provided template must be utilized), along with Proof of 
  Immunization as outlined in the Practice Education Guidelines
  (https://hspcanada.net/docs/PEG/1_3_Immunization.pdf)
• Up-to-date Proof of Negative TB Skin test or Chest X-ray

Note: When considering international documentation, the college may require verification from an international credential evaluation service report (e.g. ICES). This cost would be borne by the student.

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Admissions

• Three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where
  • English is the language of instruction, and
  • English is one of the country's official languages
    • Notes:
      • English as a Second Language/Additional Language courses do not quality for consideration in the three-year calculation.
• Or, International English Language Testing System - Academic Version (IELTS) with a minimum score of
  • Reading 6.5
  • Listening 7.0
  • Writing 6.5
  • Speaking 7.0
  • Overall Band Score 7.0
• Or, Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessmet for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:
  • Reading 8.0
  • Listening 9.0
  • Writing 7.0
  • Speaking 8.0

NOTE:

• Failure to complete any of these requirements before the beginning of CL101 Consolidated Practice Experience I could result in termination from the program.
• Students should begin the process of obtaining Immunizations, TB Tests prior to beginning the program.
   

Our Program Recognition

This program is recognized by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Students who graduate from the Practical Nursing program are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), which is required to practise as a licensed practical nurse in Canada. Learn how to apply for initial licensed practical nurse registration in British Columbia. Please visit www.bccnm.ca.

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. The program is offered as an in-person program.