Practical Nursing

 

About the Practical Nursing program

Nanaimo Campus Start Dates and Application Deadlines.

The Practical Nursing Diploma Program prepares graduates to provide nursing care in a diverse range of employment settings including: hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors’ offices, clinics, companies, private homes, educational institutions, and community health centres.

The two-year, credit-based program prepares individuals with the theory and skills required to work as a practical nurse, with the potential for career advancement and job mobility. This program is completed on a full time basis.

On recommendation of the program faculty, graduates of the Practical Nursing Diploma program may write the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (Rex-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Re-entry students

All VIU Practical Nursing (PN) program re-entry or transfer in students must apply to the PN program online before the deadline of March 31 each year.

In addition, students must also contact the PN Program Admissions and Registration Assistant Donna Kist to discuss re-entry or transfer-in to the VIU PN program.

Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca

Academic admission requirements

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.

RequirementHigh schoolcourseVIU course
English
one of:
  • C+ in English 12
  • C+ in English First Peoples 12
  • ENGL 067
  • English 115
Math
one of:
  • C in Foundations of Math 11
  • C in Pre-calculus 11
  • C in Applications of Math 12
  • Math 045 Principles of Math 11: Part I 
    and
  • Math 046 Principles of Math 11: Part II 
    or
  • Math 047 Principles of Math 11 - Advanced
Grade 12
  • Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
Biology 12
  • C in Biology 12
Human Anatomy and Physiology

HHPN 100 – with a minimum grade of C+, must be completed before attending any Practical Nursing Diploma courses. Applicants may be granted conditional acceptance into the Practical Nursing Diploma program prior to successful completion of the required HHPN 100 course.

For information on costs, dates, textbooks and pre reading packages, see Health Sciences and Human Services Professional Development and Training or call our registration line: 1.866.734.6252

Links and resources

Associations

Nursing resources

Evidence-based websites