Gain skills, attitudes and judgment needed to perform in a career in health care, with learning experiences that are integrated, professional, collaborative and culturally sensitive.

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 Nursing Professionals. 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 Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN), 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.

August 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.

Regional delivery of studies can differ according to the campus location, this program is offered every August and January in Kelowna, and alternating years in Vernon and Salmon Arm.