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The Specialty Nursing Bachelor of Science, High Acuity Option, offers the only high acuity certification program in Canada to meet the needs of this growing nursing specialty. High acuity applies the foundational medical-surgical nursing skills you learn as a registered nurse (RN) to an acute care setting. A niche area of patient care, high acuity nurses work in inpatient units supporting acutely ill adults with multiple health challenges. No two patients are the same and each one requires individualized care. We prepare you to succeed in this challenging nursing specialty.

Specialty Nursing (High Acuity): Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Part-time)

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.

The following are requirements for entry into Specialty Nursing certificate and degree courses. Enforcement or waiving of any or all entry requirements is at the discretion of the program head.

If you have any questions about your experience or qualifications, please contact the program head.

English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
English Studies 12 (73%) or
English First Peoples 12 (73%) or
Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
ENGL 1177 -  Writing (73%) or
3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (73%) from a recognized institution

Post-secondary education: diploma in nursing

Current practicing registration with one of the following:
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) or
Canadian provincial equivalent or
Registered Nurse (RN) license number (if practicing outside Canada)

Work Experience: minimum six months work experience in an acute care setting

Submit a resume of work experience with your application.

Exceptions may be granted for undergraduate students taking entry-level theory courses or new graduates. A resume is required for placement in the program. If you have questions about whether your work experience qualifies, please contact the program head.

Interested nurses from international practice, residential, or other areas of care lacking recent (within two years) acute care experience may be required to complete a refresher course. BCIT recommends the following programs:

Douglas College
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Thompson Rivers University

Please contact one of the institutions above, as well as the program head, to determine an appropriate preparatory course of study.

International applicants

This part-time distance/online program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid work permit in Canada that will be valid for the duration of clinical training.

International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.

Academic Admission Requirement

Clinical requirements

Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.

As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times prior to being placed in your clinical studies.

Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification

All students participating in clinical courses must have current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Level C or Level Health Care Provider (HCP). The original certificate must be presented upon application to the clinical courses.

BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration

As well as providing this information at the time of admission, BCIT requires students to provide proof of BCCNM membership, Canadian provincial equivalent, or RN license number for each clinical course. Without proper registration, you will not be permitted to continue in the course.

Face Respirator Fit Testing

A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.

For the Respirator Fit Testing, fit testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s or 1870) is required and must be performed, in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit Testing must also include, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions in preparation for their fit testing by the provider they choose.

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Application Deadline Advice

Specialty Nursing Bachelor's Degrees

URL for Specialty Nursing (High Acuity): Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Part-Time) at BCIT

Specialty Nursing (High Acuity): Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Part-time)

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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