Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing

Becoming a nurse in Canada requires internationally educated nurses (IENs) to navigate through many different processes and regulatory bodies. The outcome is certainly worth the effort, but the steps can become complicated and at times, overwhelming. This is why we developed the Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing – to help guide you through the processes and prepare you to meet the entry-level competencies required by the various nursing regulatory bodies!  

The Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing with Co-op prepares internationally educated nurses with the knowledge, skills, and requisites to practice safe, ethical and competent care in the Canadian health care setting.

To transition IENs into the Canadian health care setting as quickly as possible, the first 19 weeks of the program prepares you to register and work as a Health Care Assistant. Your paid, 10-week Cooperative Work Experience sets you up for success.

This program respects the education and experience of IENs but also recognizes the challenges IENs face. The program will support you in meeting the competency requirements for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in British Columbia, including knowledge-based and collaborative practice, accountability, ethical behaviour and therapeutic relationships.

Importantly, your classes, labs and clinical experiences will give you the knowledge, experience and confidence to complete registration assessments and examinations.

Admission Requirements

Pre-requisites

•  Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
  • Diploma in nursing may be considered if work experience is 4+ years of employment as a nurse
• Current registration as an RN from your country of origin or last country where majority of work experience was completed
• 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
• Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act
• International students must provide a police certificate from your country of origin

Language Proficiency Requirements

Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing
Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing with Additional Co-op

• Overall IELTS Academic Test score* of 6.0 with no component less than 6.0 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing (or other ESL equivalencies as determined by Stenberg).

Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing with English Component
Post-Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing with English Component and Additional Co-op

• Overall IELTS Academic Test score* of 5.5 with no component less than 5.5 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.0 in Reading and Writing (or other ESL equivalencies as determined by Stenberg).

*Must be within the last 2 years

Prior to Program Admission, Program Advisors will outline practice education requirements for the program. Upon enrolment, students will be informed of the next steps and timelines. Non-compliance could result in program dismissal. Requirements for practice education placements include:

• Acceptable Criminal Record Review with Vulnerable Sector Check by the Ministry of Justice
• Letter of good health completed by a physician
• TB screening results
• Proof of Immunity Status as required by industry
• Flu vaccination as required by industry
• Additional site-specific orientation/training may be required

Please note: A valid driver’s license and access to personal transport is recommended for HCAA200: Home Support / Assisted Living Practicum. Students who are not able to provide their own transport may have difficulty meeting the requirements of this component.

Recommendations:

• In order to meet practicum placement requirements, we highly recommend students bring copies of all immunization records from their home country.
• It is strongly recommended that applicants have 3120+ hours of paid work experience as a nurse to assist with the process of immigration.

Financing Your Education

You could be eligible for Employment Insurance funding for the Post Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing program, government student loans and non-repayable grants. Stenberg’s Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.

To request more information on this program call 1-866-580-2772 or fill out the form to the right today! Or, discover our next info session near you.