<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

In the the Practical Nursing Diploma, you'll develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to become a Licensed Practical Nurse with over 650 hours of hands-on clinical practice in communities across the region. Learn to provide holistic client-centered care while meeting LPN standards in B.C. Over 24 months, gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, a six-week preceptorship and blended online, in-person, case-based and skill-based training. Prepare for the expanding role of LPNs in B.C. and become a valuable member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in acute, complex, residential and community settings. 

Practical Nursing Diploma

North Island College

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1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. English 12 (C+) or [equivalent](https://www.nic.bc.ca/programs/programs/health/practical-nursing-diploma.html)
3. Math 11 - one of:
   * Foundations of Math 11 (C)
   * Pre-calculus 11 (C)
   * MAT 053 (C)
   * MAT 055 (C)
4. Anatomy and Physiology/Biology 12 (C) or equivalent (completed within the last 10 years)
5. Complete NIC's BIO 159 Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nursing (C+) or equivalent (with in the past 10 years), prior to beginning the program

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Sign and date the [Requisite Skills and Abilities and Program Bulletin](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/pn-program-bulletin-rsa.pdf)
2. Sign and date the [Declaration of English Language Competency Requirements for Practical Nursing form](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/eng-decl-pnrs.pdf)

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. Students meeting all requirements with the exception of BIO-159 may possibly be conditionally invited to the program.  Students will be required to register in and successfully complete BIO-159 by specified dates.
2. After acceptance into the program, the following is required before classes begin:
   * Submit a Criminal Record Check permission form (forms will be provided in the acceptance package).
   * Hold a current CPR certification (BLS CPR – FAC-019) or equivalent (must be maintained throughout the program).
   * Provide proof of a current Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) certificate.
   * The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) is mandatory for all staff and students who work in Health Authorities. Most of this training will be completed online through the Learning Hub. However, any students working in high-risk areas are required to complete **an additional 8-hour classroom module** at their own cost, and prior to their placements in high-risk areas.
   * Submit a completed immunization form that is validated by the public health nurse at your local health unit.
   * Attend the mandatory group information session.
   * Students are required to have a respiratory Fit test done prior to their fourth clinical rotation.
3. NIC offers upgrading courses if you need help meeting academic admission requirements.
4. Priority admission for self-declared Indigenous applicants is available for this program.

Admission Advice

Applications may be submitted starting 11 months before the intended program start date. Early application is recommended. Applications are open on the first business day in October. Students are accepted on a first applied, first qualified basis. This program is available for domestic applicants only. 

Verify dates and deadlines directly with NIC.

When you are ready to apply, use our [pre-application checklist](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/go/resources) to make sure you have everything you need, and visit our [How-to guides page](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/help) for more information.

North Island College

Practical Nursing Diploma

Overview

Curious where your education can lead you? Have a dream job and unsure how to get there?