Bachelor Of Science in Psychiatric Nursing

Get started on your path to a rewarding career as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) with the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas College. As an RPN, you’ll work with a team of health care professionals to assess patient needs, develop treatment plans and address the complex relationship between a patient’s mental, emotional and physical health in the context of their social, cultural and religious situation. Psychiatric nurses are currently in demand, and as a Douglas grad your prospects will be particularly good: Douglas College has been the primary school for psychiatric nursing education in B.C. for over 30 years. You’ll get hands-on practical experience through clinically-focused practicums throughout the program, plus a full-time 11-week preceptorship experience at the end. Practicums take place in a variety of health care settings to give you the best well-rounded training prior to graduation.Upon completion of your degree, you will be eligible to apply to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). You will graduate fully prepared to write the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) to be certified as an RPN.

Applicants must meet the admissions requirements listed below:

I. Academic Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) program, students must complete the following required 30 university transfer (UT) credits, with a minimum grade of C (65) in each 3 credit course:

BIOL 1103, BIOL 1203, BIOL 2200, BIOL 2401

ENGL 1130 and one 3 credit UT ENGL elective course

PSYC 1100 and PSYC 1200

MATH 1160 or PSYC 2300 or BUSN 2429

One 3 credit UT elective course

NOTE: Students may apply to the BSPN program for the Fall or Winter semester following completion of the required 30 credits listed above. Students are accepted to the BSPN program on a first qualified, first admitted basis. In the event where students qualify for admission at the same time, but there are fewer program seats available than demand dictates, offers will be given to those students with a higher GPA on the required courses for admission to BSPN. Priority admission will be given to applicants who are in the Academic Foundations for Potential Psychiatric Nursing Applicants program. To receive priority admission, students should apply to Academic Foundations (for potential Psychiatric Nursing applicants).

II. Non-Academic Admission Requirements

After successful completion of the required Academic Foundation 30 credits, and with an offer of admission to the second year of the BSPN program, applicants will be required to satisfy the following criteria (appropriate forms will be provided):

Criminal Record Check (CRC) (within one year prior to the start of the program) - Students practice in environments that require individuals to provide proof of satisfactory, current CRC for the protection of clients. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit a current CRC as a condition of entry to the program. All costs related to the completion of the CRC are the responsibility of the applicant.

Immunization - A current record of immunizations. All costs related to required immunizations and/or testing are the responsibility of the applicant.

Deposit - A non-refundable deposit of 350.00 (applied to tuition) upon acceptance into the Degree program is required.