Practical Nursing

About the Program

Do you feel a strong sense of purpose to provide safe and appropriate nursing care to those in need? If so, becoming a Practical Nurse may be the career choice for you.

This program is for you if you:

• find it rewarding to care for people who are ill, injured or disabled
• can combine compassion with professionalism
• are interested in healthcare sciences
• would enjoy working in a hospital or resident-care setting
• have good critical thinking skills
• have good computer skills including working knowledge of word processing, email and internet searches

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent (General Educational Development, Adult Basic Education), or mature student status as defined by the educational institution*
• English 12 with a minimum grade of C+ or Technical Communications 12 with a minimum grade of B+ or equivalent**
• Math 11 Principles with a minimum grade of C (current BC curriculum) OR Math 11 Foundations with a minimum grade of C (commencing 2012) or equivalent*
• Biology 12 (human biology) with a minimum grade of C or equivalent*
• Completion of Stenberg College Entrance Informational Interview
• Successful completion of the Online Computer Skills Entrance Test
• Completion of Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act

Stenberg College Practical Nursing applicants may write challenge exams or take free upgrading courses to meet admission requirements for Math 11, English 12 and Bio 12.

* Entrance requirements can be met with evidence of alternate assessments such as Challenge Exams, or acceptable standardized English equivalency tests as per the Stenberg College Language Proficiency chart. Evidence of Post-Secondary studies at an equivalent level where English was the first language is acceptable.
** English Language Proficiency Requirements met through standardized tests as defined by NAPRA for Non-Native English Speakers

As English is the language of study in BC, students must meet English language proficiency at an appropriate level to be accepted into the provincial Practical Nursing program. These requirements can be satisfied through three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the medium of instruction and is also one of the country’s official languages. English as a Second Language/Additional Language courses are not included in this three-year calculation. Those not meeting this requirement must achieve scores identified in alternate acceptable tests.

In addition to the admission requirements above, applicants with English as an additional language must also meet one of the following language requirements:

• IELTS Academic Module (scores valid for one year)
  Overall score of 7 or higher with the following minimum scores Speaking: 7, Listening: 7.5, Reading: 6.5, Writing: 7

OR

• CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
  Speaking 8, Listening 10, Reading 8, and Writing 7

Prior to Practical Nursing Program Admission, Program Advisors will outline practice education requirements for the program.  Upon enrollment, you will be informed of next steps and timelines.  Non-compliance could result in program dismissal.  Requirements for practice education placements include:

• Acceptable Criminal Record Review with Vulnerable Sector Check by the Ministry of Justice
• Letter of good health completed by a physician
• TB Screening Results
• Proof of Immunity Status as required by industry
• Flu vaccination as required by industry
• Additional site specific orientation/training may be required

Financing Your Education

You could be eligible for Employment Insurance funding for education, government student loans, as well as other financing options; Stenberg’s Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.