Access to Practical Nursing

Overview

Apply your previous training and experience as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) or Resident Care Attendant (RCA) to accelerate your practical nursing training.

VCC earns CASN accreditation

What to expect

This diploma program is offered on a full time basis and is divided into three levels. Each level must be successfully completed before the next one can be started. A major emphasis of this program is active student participation. Throughout the program the instructors will encourage the students to become increasingly more self-directed and responsible for their own learning. Students are expected to come to class well prepared for active participation in classroom, nursing lab and clinical activities.

Course guides provide direction of learning in preparation, in course activities and reflection of the content. The instructor acts as facilitator and expert to promote an environment conducive for learning through activities such as guided discussion, debate, audio-visual presentation, group activities, skill building exercises and simulation.  Some courses may be offered in a blended delivery mode. 

Level Access provides the foundation for the development of nursing practice and introduces the learner to the healthy adult, the older adult and concepts related to aging and chronic illness in various settings.

Level three examines a continuum of care in the community health setting and applies concepts from level one, two and three in the management of stable clients across the lifespan.

Level four integrates knowledge from previous levels and examines concepts related to the care of the medical/surgical client.

Each level is supported by a Consolidated Practice Experience (CPE) which reinforces the learning that has taken place within each level.

Eligibility to enter the Consolidated Practice Experience at the end of each level is dependent upon the successful completion of all of the other courses within that level. Each level must be successfully completed before the next one can be attempted.

A final practice experience or preceptorship prepares the learner for the role and expectations of the graduate. 

What you will learn

• Apply the Entry Level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses (2021) to provide safe, competent, culturally safe and ethical care.
• Practice within relevant legislation, BCCNM Standards of Practice Framework for LPNs: Scope of Practice Standards; Professional Standards; and Practice Standards as set out by the Health Professions Act of British Columbia and the BCCNM.
• Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence.
• Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients.
• Participate in interprofessional problem solving and decision making processes.
• Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting evidence-informed practice.
• Make systematic practice decisions that are client specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources.
• Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agreed upon plan of care.
• Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing and exploring with them in a caring environment.
• Provide culturally safe, person-centered care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety, cultural humility and diversity.
• Provide leadership, direction, assignment, and supervision of unregulated care providers as appropriate.
• Identify one’s own values, biases, and assumptions on interactions with clients and other members of the health care team.

Program duration and maximum time for completion

The Practical Nursing Access diploma is thirteen (13) months in length. Students must complete the diploma within two (2) years from the initial start date to the completion date.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

• N95 mask:
  Regulations stipulate that a properly fitted respiratory mask must be used when providing care to patients with suspected, known, or probable cases of acute respiratory infections. The respiratory mask must be a N95 respirator that is individually fitted by a trained and certified person. This individual mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning your program and is good for one year and must be performed annually. The original certificate must be presented to your program during the first week of classes.

Recommended considerations

• A caring attitude.  
• A sincere interest in people of all ages who require all levels of care. This includes individuals who are: mentally or physically disabled, experiencing life threatening situations, confused or requiring rehabilitation.
• Proficiency in the English language (reading/writing/listening/speaking) is essential.
• Basic computer skills: email, word processing and internet searching.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Any supportive courses in human biology, psychology, sociology, first aid or previous related work experience or education would be an asset.
• A basic foundation in mathematical calculations of decimals, fractions, and metric conversions.
• Flexibility to adjust to early morning and evening practicum shifts, to a variety of clinical settings and locations within the Metro Vancouver area.

For information about being a practical nurse, please review Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada.

Note: The BCCNM asks each licensure applicant about criminal offences. If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offence (other than a minor traffic violation) you should consider whether your application for licensure would be accepted. Licensing is mandatory in B.C. for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Program availability

Courses

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and costs

How to apply

Admission requirements completion:

• Find course and assessment options for meeting English requirements.
• Find course and assessment options for meeting math requirements.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 1602): Apply to the University Transfer Pathway to Health Sciences certificate. Acceptance into this program will allow you to register in the course.

If you are completing university transfer courses at VCC (e.g. BIOL 1602), you do not need to request to have your VCC transcripts sent to the Registrar’s Office.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

International students

Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]

Advising services for International students

[email protected]