Program Overview

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

Students must meet all of the prerequisites listed below, meet their financial obligations with the college, and acknowledge their understanding of the college’s policies and procedures provided in the student handbook prior to starting classes.

Academic Requirements for Admissions

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent (General Educational Development, Adult Basic Education)

OR

• Mature student status (19 years old at the start of class)

AND

• 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

See here the equivalents for academic requirements

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

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.

Meet the English Language Proficiency Policy

Work Expereince Requirements:

Prior to beginning CL101 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: 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).

Graduates of the Practical Nursing program are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) or the Regulatory Exam Practical Nurse (REx-PN), both of which are required to practise as licensed practical nurses in Canada.

For information on initial licensed practical nurse registration in British Columbia, visit www.bccnm.ca. To learn more about the REx-PN exam, visit the official REx‑PN website.

This program is approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of British Columbia.

The Practical Nursing program is offered in class at the Burnaby campus.

For more information about our college policies, click the link below:
Student Handbook    Dispute Resolution Policy    Sexual Misconduct Policy    Refund Policy