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Critical Care Nursing Specialty (Combined Critical Care/Emergency Option) Advanced Specialty Certificate

British Columbia Institute of Technology

BCIT website
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  • Location
  • Length

    The length of the program varies, as it is offered in a variety of formats:

    • BCIT offers theory and some clinical courses by part-time, independent study. We deliver theory courses over a 12-week term using mini iPads for the Critical Care Nursing courses and guided learning modules for the Emergency nursing courses and online tutor support. If you work full-time, you would generally register for one theory course per term, although this can vary depending on your additional commitments.

    • Through independent study, learn in you own community and structure your learning schedule in a manner that is most convenient for you. Complete full-time clinical courses at clinical sites throughout BC, over 3 to 4 weeks. If you live outside BC, clinical placements may be negotiated.

    • Most Specialty Nursing programs arrange special offerings of courses as "Compressed time frame programs". Offered in full-time study formats, they enable you to take several courses over a specified period of time. If you are interested in this option of study, contact the Program Head for more information and program start dates.

    • Nurses with relevant experience and/or previous courses can request assessment for appropriate placement within the program.

    Maximum program length for either the Advanced Certificate or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is seven years.

  • Tuition Estimate

    Please see the Part-time Studies Fees page for information on tuition fees and refunds.

    Tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. View the courses in the program matrix for individual course fees.

  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates

    iPads:

    The Critical Care Nursing Specialty program is delivered on iPads and requires that students have an iPad mini - 16 GB or better.* Students that do not have an iPad can purchase one from the Apple Store or another computer retailer. The cost is approximately $560. You may be able to receive an educational discount by showing your BCIT ID.

    Students in the Critical Care Nursing Specialty program will access course materials on their iPad. Students must be registered in a course to access the course materials on iTunes U. Codes for the e-texts can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore. Sponsored students will recieve their course materials at orientation.

    *In special circumstances, an iPad can be borrowed from the BCIT Library.

  • Credential Granted
    Advanced Certificate

Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out BCIT's scholarships page.

Application Deadline Advice

Please refer to the BCIT website

Contact Info

Jenna Coroliuc
Program Assistant
jenna_coroliuc@bcit.ca
604-451-7103
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7103

Note: The Critical Care Nursing Specialty program is delivered on iPads. Please visit the Costs & Supplies page for details.

Program approval

Please contact the program head to declare this program.

Entrance requirements

The following are requirements for program 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 to arrange program advising.

English Language Proficiency

Specialty Nursing courses are taught in the English language and require adequate English skills. To review BCITâ??s requirements on English language proficiency, please visit BCITâ??s Admission and Registration page on English requirements.

Work Experience

RNs or undergraduate students currently registered in an accredited RN or BSN program may start their Specialty Nursing certificate by taking entry level theory courses. Applicants to the more advanced Specialty Nursing certificate courses may require a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of relevant work experience in an acute care setting and a resume of work experience may be required to progress in the program. If you have questions about whether your work experience qualifies, please contact the program head.

If you are a long term or residential care nurse or an RN lacking current (within the last 2 years) acute care experience, Kwantlen College offers a Competency Assessment and Enhancement for Nurses course that provides a refresher in acute care principles.

This assessment involves an individual self assessment, multiple choice exam and practice simulation. This course may be required for admission in the Specialty Nursing programs. For more information on Kwantlen's offering please visit:

Once you have been assessed, you may be required to complete a tailored curriculum designed to meet BCIT's need for familiarity with acute care principles. This curriculum may include some of the following courses:

Scheduled intakes

Ongoing Part-time Studies intakes: January, April and September.

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General Admission Requirements (All Students)

The English-Language Proficiency required for study at BCIT is detailed here.

BC Secondary School (or equivalent)

You will need to meet the specific admission requirements of your intended program. Most programs require Grade 12 graduation with specific Grade 11 and 12 courses. Some programs also have non-academic requirements such as submitting a resume or participating in an interview.

For more details on BCIT's Admission and Registration requirements check here.

Application priority is given to BC residents who are Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who have lived in BC for the 12 months immediately before enrolment. Second priority is given to out-of-province citizens and landed immigrants. Third priority is given to applicants who are neither Canadian citizens nor landed immigrants.

Out-of-Province

You will need to meet the specific admission requirements of your intended program. Most programs require Grade 12 graduation with specific Grade 11 and 12 courses. Some programs also have non-academic requirements such as submitting a resume or participating in an interview.

For more details on BCIT's Admission and Registration requirements check here.

Application priority is given to BC residents who are Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who have lived in BC for the 12 months immediately before enrolment. Second priority is given to out-of-province citizens and landed immigrants. Third priority is given to applicants who are neither Canadian citizens nor landed immigrants.

BC Transfer Student

For details on transfer credit at BCIT check here.

 

Out-of-Province Transfer Student

For details on transfer credit at BCIT check here.

 

Mature Student

If you have not graduated from secondary school you can still be admitted to BCIT based on your relevant experience.

To gain Mature student status, you must also meet BCIT's English-language requirements as well as any prerequisites for your desired program.

There is helpful information for Mature students in the Frequently Asked Questions section of BCIT's Admission & Registration webpage.

International Student

For details on applying to BCIT as an International Student check here.

Other Student (including Special Consideration)

The Technology Entry Program is for students who want to improve their skills in core areas such as communications, Math, Chemistry or Physics to meet the prerequisites of their intended BCIT Technology Program.

 

How to Apply

For information on applying to BCIT's programs check here.

Training in a program like this one can lead to different careers. Related occupations are presented to show potential career options, not definite outcomes.

Follow the links to learn more about these careers on WorkBC's career profiles.