Practical Nurse Diploma

Diploma
Type
Length
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Courses

Required PRAN courses

PRAN-100
Professional Practice 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Corequisite: PRAN-110, PRAN-112, PRAN-115, PRAN-118, PRAN-150
Description
This theory course introduces the profession of Practical Nursing and the BC legislation that informs the practice. The history of nursing and, specifically, the evolution of Practical Nursing in the Canadian health care system are discussed. The philosophy and foundational concepts of the Provincial Practical Nursing Program (PPNP) are explored.
PRAN-101
Professional Practice 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-190 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-120, PRAN-122, PRAN-125, PRAN-128, PRAN-155
Description
This course examines the legislation influencing Practical Nursing practice with clients experiencing chronic illness and those in residential care settings. Specific professional issues such as responsibility, accountability, ethical practice and leadership relevant to the Practical Nursing role in residential care are explored. Critical thinking and decision making specific to the care of clients with the chronically health challenges and interprofessional practice are also addressed.
PRAN-110
Professional Communications 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Corequisite: PRAN-100, PRAN-112, PRAN-115, PRAN-118, PRAN-150
Description
This course provides learners with the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing. An experiential and self-reflective approach is used to develop self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include communication theory, the nurse-client relationship, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication and effective teamwork.
PRAN-112
Variations in Health 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Corequisite: PRAN-100, PRAN-110, PRAN-115, PRAN-118, PRAN-150
Description
This introductory course provides learners with the foundations of disease and illness across the lifespan. Learners will gain an understanding of pathophysiological alterations of body systems. Nursing management of disease and illness across the lifespan with an emphasis on interventions and treatment is also discussed. Cultural diversity in healing practices is explored as well as the incorporation of evidenced-informed practice.
PRAN-115
Health Promotion1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Corequisite: PRAN-100, PRAN-110, PRAN-112, PRAN-118, PRAN-150
Description
This course introduces the concepts of health promotion, the determinants of health and health inequities, and develops a beginning knowledge of normal growth and development. Topics include health enhancement, health protection, disease prevention and health restoration (recovery, care and support).
PRAN-118
Pharmacology 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Corequisite: PRAN-100, PRAN-110, PRAN-112, PRAN-115, PRAN-150
Description
This introductory course examines the principles of pharmacology required to administer medications in a safe and professional manner. Medication administration requires the application of the nursing process for clinical decision making. Various routes of medication administration are introduced, and complementary, Indigenous and alternative remedies, and polypharmacy across the lifespan are also explored.
PRAN-120
Professional Communications 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-190 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-101, PRAN-122, PRAN-125, PRAN-128, PRAN-155
Description
This course provides learners with the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing. An experiential and self-reflective approach is used to develop self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include communication theory, the nurse-client relationship, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication and effective teamwork.
PRAN-122
Variations in Health 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-190 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-101 PRAN-120 PRAN-125 PRAN-128 PRAN-155
Description
This course will increase the learners understanding of pathophysiology as it relates to the ageing process and selected chronic illness. The main focus of this course is on the care of the older adult experiencing a health challenge. Cultural diversity in healing practices will be explored as well as evidence informed research and practice.
PRAN-125
Health Promotion 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-190 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-101, PRAN-120, PRAN-122, PRAN-128, PRAN-155
Description
This course focuses on health promotion as it relates to the aging process. Health promotion activities are aimed at supporting clients in maintaining their helath. The concepts of health promotion, physical and mental wellness, normal ageing changes and continued independence are examine.
PRAN-128
Pharmacology 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-190 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-101, PRAN-120, PRAN-122, PRAN-125, PRAN-155
Description
This course builds on Pharmacology I to increase learners' understanding of pharmacotherapeutics prescribed for illnesses that clients experience across the lifespan. Topics include drug classifications and links with common diseases/illnesses based on a body system approach and drug resistance.
PRAN-200
Professional Practice 3
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-191 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-210, PRAN-212, PRAN-215, PRAN-250
Description
This course integrates the concepts from previous professional practice courses and introduces learners to practice in the community. The role of the Practical Nurse as leader is emphasized in interactions with clients and their families, and other health care providers.
PRAN-201
Professional Practice 4
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-290 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-220, PRAN-222, PRAN-225, PRAN-255
Description
This course prepares learners for the role of the Practical Nurse in caring for clients with acute presentation of illness. Legislation influencing Practical Nursing practice, specific professional practice issues and ethical practice pertinent to Practical Nursing practice in acute care environments are explored. Practice issues that occur across the lifespan are considered. Collaborative practice with other health care team members and, specifically, the working partnership with RNs in the acute care setting are examined.
PRAN-210
Professional Communications 3
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-191 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-200, PRAN-212, PRAN-215, PRAN-250
Description
This course provides learners with the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing. An experiential and self-reflective approach is used to develop self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include communication theory, the nurse-client relationship, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication and effective teamwork.
PRAN-212
Variations in Health 3
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-191 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-200, PRAN-210, PRAN-215, PRAN-250
Description
This course focuses on the continuum of care and the development of knowledge related to health challenges managed in the community setting. Pathophysiology and nursing care of clients requiring home health care, rehabilitation and supportive services in the community are explored. As well, cultural diversity in healing approaches are explored along with the incorporation of evidence-informed research and practice.
PRAN-215
Health Promotion 3
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-191 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-200, PRAN-210, PRAN-212, PRAN-250
Description
This course focuses on health promotion as it relates to the continuum of care across the lifespan. Health promotion in the context of mental illness, physical and developmental disabilities, and maternal/child health is highlighted. Normal growth and development from conception to middle adulthood is addressed.
PRAN-220
Professional Communications 4
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-290 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-201, PRAN-222, PRAN-225, PRAN-255
Description
This course provides learners with the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing. An experiential and self-reflective approach is used to develop self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include communication theory, the nurse-client relationship, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication and effective teamwork.
PRAN-222
Variations in Health 4
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-290 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-201, PRAN-220, PRAN-225, PRAN-255
Description
This course focuses on pathophysiology as it relates to acute disease and illness of clients across the lifespan, specifically the care of the client experiencing acute illness including nursing interventions and treatment options. Implications of the acute exacerbation of chronic illness are addressed. Cultural diversity in healing practices are explored as well as evidence-informed research and practice.
PRAN-225
Health Promotion 4
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-290 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-201, PRAN-220, PRAN-222, PRAN-255
Description
This course focuses on health promotion in the context of caring for clients experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic illness or an acute episode of illness. It examines health-promoting strategies during hospitalization to improve or help maintain clients' health status after discharge occurs. Also explored is how to prepare clients for discharge from care through teaching and learning of health-promoting strategies.

Required PRAN practicums

PRAN-150
Integrated Nursing Practice 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Corequisite: PRAN-100, PRAN-110, PRAN-112, PRAN-115, PRAN-118
  • Required Supporting Lab: PRAN-150L
Description
This course emphasizes the art and science of nursing, focusing on the development of basic nursing care and assessment. Learners will apply nursing knowledge through the practice of clinical decision making, nursing assessment and nursing interventions aimed at promoting health, independence and comfort. A variety of approaches (e.g., simulation) are used to assist learners to integrate theory from other Term 1 courses.
PRAN-155
Integrated Nursing Practice 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-190 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-101, PRAN-120, PRAN-122, PRAN-125, PRAN-128
  • Required Supporting Lab: PRAN-155L
Description
This course builds on the foundation of Term 1 and emphasizes the development of clinical decision making, nursing assessments and interventions to promote the health of older adults. A variety of approaches (e.g., simulation) will help learners to integrate theory from Term 1 and 2 courses to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care with older adults.
PRAN-190
Consolidated Practice Exper 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite Or Corequisite: PRAN-100, PRAN-110, PRAN-112, PRAN-115, PRAN-118 minimum C+ and PRAN-150 minimum S
Description
This first practice experience provides learners with an opportunity to integrate theory from Term 1 coursework into practice. Learners will gain experience in various settings with a focus on the healthy client. Learning the role of the Practical Nurse, personal care skills, organization of care, focused assessment, beginning medication administration and professional communication are emphasized.
PRAN-191
Consolidated Practice Exper 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite Or Corequisite: PRAN-101, PRAN-120, PRAN-122, PRAN-125 PRAN-128 minimum C and PRAN-155 minimum S
Description
This clinical experience provides students with the opportunity to integrate theroy from level on and two courses into practice. Students will practice with ageing clients and/or those with chronic illness in residential care settings. Medication administration, nursing care, organization, comprehensive health assessment, wound care and introduction to leadership are emphasized in this course.
PRAN-250
Integrated Nursing Practice 3
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-191 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-200, PRAN-210, PRAN-212, PRAN-215
  • Required Supporting Lab: PRAN-250L
Description
This course builds on the theory and practice from Terms 1 and 2. Through a variety of approaches (e.g., simulation), learners will continue to develop knowledge and practice of comprehensive nursing assessment, planning for, and interventions with clients experiencing multiple health challenges in a variety of settings.
PRAN-255
Integrated Nursing Practice 4
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-290 minimum S
  • Corequisite: PRAN-201, PRAN-220, PRAN-222, PRAN-225
  • Required Supporting Lab: PRAN-255L
Description
This course emphasizes the development of nursing skills aimed at promoting health and healing with individuals experiencing acute health challenges across the lifespan. A variety of approaches (e.g., simulation) will help learners build on theory and practice from Terms 1, 2 and 3 to integrate new knowledge and skills relevant to the acute care setting.
PRAN-290
Consolidated Practice Exper 3
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite Or Corequisite: PRAN-200, PRAN-210, PRAN-212, PRAN-215 minimum grade C and PRAN-250 minimum S
Description
This clinical experience will introduce learners to community practice and an opportunity to apply and adapt knowledge gained in level 1, 2, and 3 within a continuum of care for clients across the lifespan. Students may gain experience through simulation and in a variety of community and residential care agencies and settings. These hours may be offered as CPE 3 or integrated into the Integrated Nursing Practice 3 course as practice hours.
PRAN-291
Consolidated Practice Exper 4
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite Or Corequisite: PRAN-201, PRAN-220, PRAN-222, PRAN-225 minimum C and PRAN-255 minimum S
Description
This clinical experience provides learners with the opportunity to integrate theory from all levels into the role of the practical nurse in the acute care setting and other clinical areas as appropriate. Learners will focus on clients with exacerbations of chronic illness and/or acute illness across the lifespan and will consolidate knowledge and skills such as: post operative care, surgical wound management, IV therapy, focused assessment, and clinical decision-making in acute care setting.
PRAN-295
Transition to Preceptorship
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-291 minimum S
  • Co-Requisite: PRAN-295L
Description
Transition to Preceptorship will prepare the learner for the final practice experience. Simulation experiences and self directed learning will provide the learner with increased competence and confidence in their final practice experience.
PRAN-299
Preceptorship
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: PRAN-295 minimum S
Description
This final practice experience provides an opportunity for the learner to doemonstrated integration and consolidation of knowledge, skills and abilities within the realities of the workplace, and become practice ready. This faculty monitored experience may occur through a variety of practice experience models, including the preceptorship model, under the immediate supervision of a single, fully qualified and experienced LPN or RN or RPN and/or within the context of a collaborative learning environment as a participating team member.

Entry Requirements

While it wasn’t always easy combining classroom time and field trips on top of the hours for studying and homework, it’s been great to gain so much hands-on experience during the courses.

Michelle Lindemann
Civil Engineering Technology

I like the problem-solving nature of millwrighting. I love how diverse the trade is. There’s always something new and different to work on.

Dusty Cathcart 2026
Vanderhoof Industrial Mechanic

This program gives you the ability to have a lot of hands-on time in the clinic where you can practice the skills you are learning and get a bit of an idea of what it is like to be a dental assistant.

Jordyn Karl
Dental Assistant Certificate Student

Taking this program is one of the most exciting things I could've done. It helped me grow into a professional, while also growing personally. I have carried my knowledge forward and will always hold the program and faculty close to my heart.

Janessa Sigurdson 2025
Accounting and Finance

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