Douglas College Canada

Licensed Practical Nurse Access to Psychiatric Nursing (Bachelor of Science)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon December 2026

Course Overview

The Licensed Practical Nurse Access to Psychiatric Nursing (Bachelor of Science) at Douglas College equips you with specialized skills to address the increasing need for mental health and substance use care. This program is ideal for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking to advance their careers and become Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). You will delve into critical areas such as trauma-informed practices, psychiatric nursing concepts, and therapeutic relations, building a strong foundation in evidence-based psychiatric nursing. This undergraduate degree offers a pathway to specialized practice within a vital healthcare sector.

This Bachelor of Science degree is studied on campus over four years, full-time, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Your curriculum will include essential theoretical knowledge alongside practical application through clinical practice, including a significant preceptorship experience. You will engage with core subjects like Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts, Psychiatric Nursing Research, and Ethics for Psychiatric Nursing. Upon successful completion, you will be well-prepared to undertake the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination, opening doors to rewarding career opportunities in mental health services across British Columbia and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program provides Licensed Practical Nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in psychiatric nursing, preparing them for a Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum covers essential concepts in professional psychiatric nursing, trauma-informed practices, and the nuances of mental health and addiction care. Students will explore ethical considerations, research methodologies, and specialized areas such as child and adolescent psychiatric nursing, family health promotion, and community-based psychiatric nursing. The program culminates in a comprehensive clinical practice experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for leadership and management roles in psychiatric nursing.

1 PNUR Required Courses (no course substitutions)

Professional psychiatric nursing concepts
Trauma informed practices
Psychiatric nursing in addictions and mental health
Psychiatric nursing concepts
Family health promotion of psychiatric nursing practice
Ethics for psychiatric nursing
Psychiatric nursing research
Psychiatric nursing of children and adolescents
Therapeutic relations III
Therapeutic relations IV
Clinical procedures III
Therapeutic relations V
Psychiatric nursing community concepts
Psychiatric nursing leadership and management
Psychiatric nursing clinical practice V: preceptorship experience

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 14,581.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 14,581.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 14,581.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 14,581.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 58,327.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 365.00 - USD 580.00
Food & Groceries USD 5,634.00 - USD 6,068.00
Transport USD 867.00 - USD 1,041.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,734.00 - USD 2,167.00
Estimated Total USD 8,235.00 - USD 9,276.00

Living cost estimates are based on New Westminster Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Clinical & Medical ServicesHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareMedical Research & Clinical TrialsMental Health & CounselingNursing & Allied HealthPublic Health & EpidemiologyRehabilitation & Physiotherapy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Fraser Health Authority

Island Health

Provincial Health Services Authority

Vancouver Coast Health

Why Study Licensed Practical Nurse Access to Psychiatric Nursing (Bachelor of Science) at Douglas College

What makes this program stand out

December 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in December 2026

Life at Douglas College in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Licensed Practical Nurse Access to Psychiatric Nursing (Bachelor of Science) at Douglas College

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and unlimited hours during breaks. They can also work unlimited hours on campus without a separate work permit.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Substance Use Counselor, Nursing Instructor.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program prepares Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to become Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). You will gain specialized skills to address mental health and substance use care demands in British Columbia.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The program has three intake months: June, September, and December. You can apply for admission to begin your studies in any of these months.
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