Requirements
Practical Nursing
Admission requirements
When you apply you'll need:
- grade 12 graduation or equivalent;
- to submit proof of a letter grade of “C+” or higher in English 12, or EFP 12, or "C" or higher in ENGL 092 & ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 & ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 & ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 & ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 & ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment;
- to submit proof of a letter grade of “C” or higher in in Principles of Math 11, or Pre-calculus 11, or Foundations of Math 11, or Applications of Math 12, or MATH 137 or MATH 073 or assessment;
- to submit proof of a letter grade of “C+” or higher in PNUR 101* "Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nursing"** or equivalent;
*Note: Camosun College courses BIOL 150 and 151, or BIOL 152 and 153, or BIOL 143 and 144 may be used as alternatives to PNUR 101.
**Note: A “C” or higher in Biology 12 is a pre-requisite for PNUR 101.
If you’re missing some prerequisites, don’t worry! Alternative secondary school prerequisites and general upgrading are available right here at Camosun College. There are many options for you to consider:
It is recommended that all applicants complete volunteer hours in a health care facility prior to starting the program. This will help prepare you for the reality of working as a nurse.
We strongly recommend you have basic computer literacy including experience with keyboarding and email skills prior to entering the program.
Participation requirements
- Applicants with English as an additional language must meet the language requirements set by CLPNBC (2011), and be successful in one of the following:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version with minimum scores of:
- Overall Band Score: 7.5
- Speaking: 7.5
- Listening: 8
- Reading: 7
- Writing: 7.5
- Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:
- Speaking: 8
- Listening: 10
- Reading: 8
- Writing: 7
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version with minimum scores of:
- A negative TB skin test or chest x-ray is required prior to the first clinical. TB testing must be done within three months of program start and students must provide the department with documentation of this prior to the start of the first practicum. Hepatitis B and the flu vaccine are highly recommended and are available at local health clinics or through a physician. It is strongly recommended that students maintain complete and current immunization throughout the program; Students who fail to comply with immunization requirements of clinical placement agencies may be prohibited from attending practice education experiences by Health Authority and clinical partner site policy.
- Students are required to have yearly respiratory mask ‘fit testing’ done. Fitting will be completed in the program and students will be responsible for completing this process and for any associated costs.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C is required prior to the first clinical placement. Annual recertification of CPR Level C must be maintained throughout the program. Students will be responsible for the cost of this certification; and,
- All students must have a criminal record check done through the B.C. Government’s Criminal Record Review program*.
*The Criminal Record Review Act requires that students registered in a post secondary program where they may be working with children and/or vulnerable adults, must have a criminal record check done through the B.C. Government’s Criminal Record Review program. The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Policing and Community Safety Branch is the authorized body under the Act to make the determination of risk and he/she is responsible for disclosing findings of the criminal record checks to the college. Any student found to be at risk by the Ministry will not be able to participate in clinical/practicum experiences, and thus, will not continue in their program of choice at this time. Information regarding application for the appropriate Criminal Record Check will be provided during information sessions and during the first 2 weeks of class. Students are responsible for any associated costs. Any Criminal Record Checks done outside of the College will NOT be accepted and will result in additional cost to the student.
First Aid, CPR Information, Standard First Aid and CPR Level C can be obtained from St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, HeartSafe and community and recreation centres.
- It is recommended that all applicants complete volunteer hours in a health care facility prior to starting the program. This will help prepare students for the reality of working as a nurse.
- Attendance at a program information session scheduled by Camosun College is highly recommended. Issues which may interfere with progress in the program will be addressed at this time.
- The work environment in which the Practical Nursing student/graduate will be employed requires demanding lifting and moving techniques and extensive hand washing. Any prospective students with back, neck, or arm injury or serious skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or latex allergy should consider carefully before making application to this program. For the same reasons, students with significant health challenges are advised to consult with the Program Assistant.
- Students are required to have basic computer literacy including experience with keyboarding, Internet search and email skills.
Clinical placements and a preceptorship are mandatory components of this program. Clinical placements include day and evening shifts, and if necessary, may include weekends. Clinical placements and the preceptorship are arranged at local agencies.
Completion requirements
A minimum GPA of 65% (“C+”) in each theory course and a “COM” in each clinical course is required to graduate from the program.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, required for licensure in BC.
