Practical Nursing
Overview
Learn to provide safe, ethical, and culturally sensitive nursing care for individuals and families at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.
VCC earns CASN accreditation
Note: The courses and fees for this program will change for September 2027.
| Tuition | $17,092 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 16 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
What to expect
This diploma program is offered on a full time basis and is divided into four 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 one provides the foundation for the development of nursing practice and introduces the learner to the healthy adult.
Level two explores 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 for LPNs Framework: Scope of Practice Standards; Professional Standards; and Practice Standards as set out by the Health Professions Act of British Columbia and the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (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 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 Diploma is sixteen (16) months in length. Students must complete the diploma within three (3) years from the initial start date to the completion date.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
Core minimum standards for admission requirements, including English as an Additional Language standard have been established by the Provincial Practical Nursing Program Curriculum. VCC admission requirements for this program are in addition to those provincial expectations. All of these requirements must be met.
- BC Grade 12 or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
-
Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
-
BIOL 1602 Human Anatomy and Physiology with a minimum grade of 68% or equivalent within the last 3 years
-
English Language Proficiency as specified for the Practical Nursing or Access to Practical Nursing programs
Internationally Trained Nurses:
- Students with transcripts from outside of Canada may be required to submit a comprehensive evaluation form from an educational credential assessment service provider.
Upon Acceptance into the program:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC):
Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Valid CPR-BLS certification:
Certificate must remain valid throughout the program.
- TB skin test:
Students must submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest X-ray dated a maximum of six months prior to the program start date. An additional TB test is required after each potential exposure to TB and/or travel to areas with a known prevalence of TB.
- Immunization Record:
A School of Health Sciences Student Immunization Record must be completed. Students may be declined placement in a clinical or practicum site if a completed immunization record is not provided.
- 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.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
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.
- Good command of English comprehension, verbal and writing skills essential.
- Basic computer skills – email, word processing, 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
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
Fall 2027 |
|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Courses
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 1001 | Professional Communication 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1002 | Professional Practice 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1003 | Health Promotion 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1004 | Variations in Health 1 | 1.5 |
| NURS 1005 | Pharmacology 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1006 | Integrated Nursing Practice 1 | 4.5 |
| NURS 1007 | Consolidated Practice 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term Two | ||
| NURS 2001 | Professional Communication 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2002 | Professional Practice 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2003 | Health Promotion 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2004 | Variations in Health 2 | 1.5 |
| NURS 2005 | Pharmacology 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2006 | Integrated Nursing Practice 2 | 6 |
| NURS 2007 | Consolidated Practice 2 | 4 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| NURS 3001 | Professional Communication 3 | 1 |
| NURS 3002 | Professional Practice 3 | 1 |
| NURS 3003 | Health Promotion 3 | 1 |
| NURS 3004 | Variations in Health 3 | 1.5 |
| NURS 3005 | Integrated Nursing Practice 3 | 4 |
| NURS 3006 | Consolidated Practice Experience 3 | 2 |
| Credits | 10.5 | |
| Term Four | ||
| NURS 4001 | Professional Communication 4 | 1 |
| NURS 4002 | Professional Practice 4 | 1 |
| NURS 4003 | Health Promotion 4 | 1 |
| NURS 4004 | Variations in Health 4 | 2 |
| NURS 4005 | Integrated Nursing Practice 4 | 6 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Term Five | ||
| NURS 4006 | Consolidated Practice 4 | 6.5 |
| NURS 4007 | Transition to Preceptorship | 1 |
| NURS 4008 | Preceptorship | 6 |
| Credits | 13.5 | |
| Total Credits | 63.5 | |
This guide is intended as a guideline only. The College reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
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
Note: The courses and fees for this program will change for September 2027.
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $17,092 |
Term 1 - $3,500 Term 2 - $4,172 Term 3 - $2,827 Term 4 - $2,961 |
| Student union | $362 | |
| College initiative | $192 | |
| Campus resource | $684 | |
| Medical and dental | $428 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $751 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $19,590 |
Books and Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
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Technical requirement
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 this 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.
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
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