| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-03-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program is a 120-week combined format program that prepares students for the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE). The program covers seven nursing ability categories and is taught by working Nurse Educators. Graduates are employed in various settings, including hospitals, mental health programs, and community services.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program is a 120-week program that is delivered in a combined format, with online theory and in-person labs and clinicals. The program focuses on the competencies that are required to successfully complete the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE). The seven categories of nursing abilities covered in the program are: therapeutic relationships and therapeutic use of self evidence-informed knowledge collaborative practice Advocacy quality care and client safety health promotion ethical, professional, and legal responsibilities
Teaching:
The program is taught by working Nurse Educators who are committed to student success. The program is recognized by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Careers:
Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) directly care for those with mental illness, physical and developmental disabilities, and addictions. RPNs also promote optimal mental health across community and health care settings. RPNs work in challenging clinical and treatment environments and in interdisciplinary team settings. RPNs are employed in a broad range of settings that provide challenging and exciting opportunities. As a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, you could find work in:
- Various Health Authority Hospitals
- Mental health & Substance Use Programs
- Inpatient and Community Services
- Forensic Service Departments
- Schools / Higher Education
- Group homes & Clubhouses
- Not-for-profit Organizations
- Nursing Education Programs
Entry requirements
- Attend an information session via webinar
- Submit an application form
- Successfully complete the online entrance essay assignment/assessment
- Provide an up-to-date resume
- If English is a second language, you will be required to pass one of Stenberg College’s recognized Language Proficiency Assessments (IELTS or CELBAN). Pre-requisites:
- If English is a second language, you will be required to pass one of Stenberg College’s recognized Language Proficiency Assessments (IELTS or CELBAN). Pre-requisites:
- Grade 12 English (minimum grade B)*
- Grade 12 Anatomy & Physiology or Biology (minimum grade B)*
- Grade 11 Math (Principles, Foundations, Pre-calculus, or Applications) (minimum grade B)* Additional Pre-requisites (under 19 years):
- Graduation from grade 12 with a C+ average
- Grade 10 Science (minimum grade C) Additional Pre-requisites (under 19 years):
- Graduation from grade 12 with a C+ average
- Grade 10 Science (minimum grade C)
- Stenberg College Regional Psychiatric Nursing applicants may write challenge exams or take upgrading courses to meet admission requirements for Math 11, English 12 and A&P/Bio 12 which must be passed with the above-noted minimum grades. Any Post-Secondary level Math, English or Anatomy & Physiology courses are also acceptable. Admission: For applicants applying for a seat outside of the Lower Mainland region, admission is granted to candidates on a first-qualified basis in the next available cohort. Admission to the Psychiatric Nursing program within the Lower Mainland region is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum pre-requisite requirements does not guarantee a seat. Applications are evaluated based on a multitude of factors, including prior post-secondary education and work/volunteer experience in the healthcare industry. Waitlists do not carry forward to the following intake and applicants are required to re-compete. For details regarding your specific region, please speak to a Program Registrar, as the intake status of a region can change. Twelve percent (12%) of Psychiatric Nursing program seats are allocated to self-identified Indigenous applicants who meet program requirements. If the seats are not filled within 12 weeks of the program start, the seats will be offered to other qualified applicants. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may be eligible for advanced entry LPNs are encouraged to apply and may be eligible for advanced standing in the program, resulting in fewer courses and reduced tuition. Pre-requisites for LPNs include:
- Verification of current Licensing as a Practical Nurse
- Proof of the equivalent of 2 years full-time (3600hrs) Work Experience as an LPN
- Proof of completion of an accredited LPN program in the form of a transcript Please Note: We are no longer accepting applications to our Lower Mainland region for the LPN Access Pathway due to a large waitlist and limited seat capacity. We are still accepting applications for all other regions for the LPN Access Pathway Program.
