Post Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing (PGDCN)

Delivery Method: In-class
Starts: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall
Duration: 82 weeks
Practicum: 5 weeks (1.25 months)
Co-op: 10 weeks (2.5 months)
Credential: HCA Diploma and Post-Graduate DiplomaÂ
Program Overview
This program prepares internationally educated nurses (IENs) to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Canada. Learn interpersonal communication, Canadian medical terminology and gain a minimum of 335 hours of hands-on experience through clinical placements, practicums, and co-op. We fully prepare, guide, and assist you to meet each requirement of the regulatory process with the BC College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
Designation: The first 19 weeks of the program will prepare you to register and work as a Health Care Assistant. Upon completion, graduates will be able to meet baseline competency (entry to practice) requirements set out by the BCCNM and excel in the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Licensing Exam or the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX).Â
Employment Outcomes: 98% of Stenberg College graduates are working in their field of study within 6 months of program completion.
Admission Requirements
Pre-requisites:Â
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing *Diploma in nursing may be considered if work experience is 4+ years of employment as a nurse.Â
- Current Registration as an RN from the country of origin or last country where majority of work experience is completed.Â
- Minimum 2 years full-time work (30hrs/week), or the part-time equivalent, as a Registered Nurse within last 10 years. 900 hours of that work must be within the last 5 years. Clinical nursing practice hours are admissible.Â
- International students must provide a police certificate from country of origin.Â
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Overall IELTS Academic or General Test score* of 6.0 with no component less than 6.0 in Speaking and Listening and no component less than 5.5 in Reading and Writing. Must be within the last 2 years. *Other English assessments are acceptable.
Program Courses
- Orientation and Student Success SkillsÂ
- Personal and Professional Development CertificateÂ
- Health 1: Interpersonal CommunicationsÂ
- Clinical Prerequisite Certifications • Introduction to PracticeÂ
- Health and Healing: Concepts of PracticeÂ
- Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health ChallengesÂ
- Health 2: Lifestyle & ChoicesÂ
- Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive or Mental ChallengesÂ
- Healing 3: Personal Care and AssistanceÂ
- Clinical Placement: Multi-Level/Complex CareÂ
- Home Support/Assisted Living Simulation PrepÂ
- Home Support/Assisted Living PracticumÂ
- Career & Workplace PreparationÂ
- Cooperative Work ExperienceÂ
- Medical Terminology in the Canadian Healthcare SettingÂ
- Regulation of Professional PracticeÂ
- Canadian Nursing Workplace CommunicationsÂ
- Foundations of the Nursing ProcessÂ
- Introduction to PharmacologyÂ
- Introduction to Medical Surgical NursingÂ
- Foundations of Maternity NursingÂ
- Foundations of Pediatric NursingÂ
- CELBAN Test PreparationÂ
- Nursing Licensing Examination Prep (NCLEX, CPNRE)
Program Careers
As an RN or LPN, you can find work in various settings such as public hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health facilities, mental health organizations, home care and home support agencies, assisted living facilities, hospice care and more.

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