Interested in working in BC's health-care field as a Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in BC? As the province's population grows and ages, the demand for nurses is increasing. Use EducationPlannerBC's Program Search Database to explore program options in nursing, and learn how you can get the education and training needed. Some programs allow for direct entry from high schools while some require additional certification and experience. Please check individual program profiles for details on academic and non-academic admission requirements. 

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide nursing care. They may work as part of a team, taking direction from doctors or registered nurses. They can also make certain nursing decisions on their own. This group includes operating room technicians, who are LPNs with additional training. Visit WorkBC's website to view LPN's career profile. 

A LPN completes a two-year nursing program. EducationPlannerBC's Program Search Database helps you explore different entry options of practical nursing programs in BC: 

Direct Entry to Practical Nursing Programs

Note: Undergraduate Prerequisite(s) may include post-secondary level course(s) in Biology and/or Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses. See each program profile on EducationPlannerBC for details. 

Access to Practical Nursing Programs 

The Access to Practical Nursing program is designed to build on the Health Care Assistant (HCA) Certificate. Students who complete or hold an HCA Certificate (or equivalent) may access/bridge-in to the second year of Practical Nursng Diploma.

Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses

Registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) provide nursing care to patients, clients and those in long-term are. Visit WorkBC's website to view RN and RPN's career profile. 

A RN normally has to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent. EducationPlannerBC's Program Search Database helps you explore different entry options for BScN programs in BC: 

Basic Entry to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Note: For entry to UNBC's and UVic's nursing programs, high school students must apply to study at one of UNBC's or UVic's partner institutions before applying to complete the BScN program at UNBC or UVic. See program profile for details. 

Licensed Practical Nurse Access to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

These programs allow Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to access/bridge-in to the second or third year of a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. Among other program-sepcific requirements, you must be currently registered and licensed as a full scope LPN in BC.

Note: For entry to UNBC's nursing program, students must apply to study at one of UNBC's partner institutions before applying to complete the BScN program at UNBC. See program profile for details. 

Footnotes: 

*Verify directly with the institution for program entry option for international students.

**See each program profile in EducationPlannerBC's Program Search Database for details on admission prerequisites at the post-secondary level.