Academic Foundations for Potential Psychiatric Nursing Applicants

Program Overview

The Academic Foundations for Potential Psychiatric Nursing Applicants program is a one-year certificate program that prepares students for the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) program at Douglas College. The program includes 10 university-transferable courses in the sciences and liberal arts, and is designed to provide students with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and understanding of psychiatric nursing principles necessary for success in the BSPN program. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to the BSPN program and, upon completion, are eligible to work as psychiatric nurses in various settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Academic Foundations for Potential Psychiatric Nursing Applicants program is a one-year certificate program that prepares students for entrance to the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) program at Douglas College. The program includes 10 university-transferable courses (30 credits) in the sciences and liberal arts.

Objectives:

The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide students with the academic foundation necessary for success in the BSPN program
• Prepare students for the rigors of university-level coursework
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Foster students' understanding of the principles of psychiatric nursing

Program Description:

The program includes the following courses:

• Science courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Pathophysiology, Introductory Microbiology for Health Sciences
• Liberal arts courses: Academic Writing, English elective, Introduction to Psychology (I), Introduction to Psychology (II), University transferable elective

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Participation

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group work
• Simulations
• Clinical experiences

Careers:

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to the BSPN program. Upon completion of the BSPN program, graduates are eligible to work as psychiatric nurses in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community mental health centers.