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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

Return to Registered Nurse Practice Certificate

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Admission Requirements

IENs must submit evidence of RN employment prior to coming to Canada.

IENs must have the equivalent of at least 2 years (3,200 hours) full-time paid RN work experience in either long-term care and/or medical-surgical settings.

  • An email message or copy of the BCCNM Assessment of Application letter for applicants seeking initial registration with BCCNM and those applying for BCCNM reinstatement; this letter specifies the supplementary education that is required
  • An official transcript from your completed nursing program, sent directly from the educational institution to TRU
  • A completed and signed Request for Canadian Employment and Role Verification form
  • IENs must submit evidence of RN employment prior to coming to Canada
  • Evidence of current employment as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a health care assistant (HCA) in a care facility or hospital in the Canadian health care system with a minimum of 1600 hours worked
  • A completed and signed Requisite Skills and Abilities form, stating that you have read and understood the BCCNM brochure
  • Following submission of the application and all admission requirements, an assessment interview with the Program and Course Lead

Admission Process

Applications are reviewed and considered after all admission requirement documentation is received. Applying to the program does not guarantee admission, as program suitability is assessed on an individual basis.

The processing of applications is expedited when all required documents are submitted at the same time.

Applicants are advised of their eligibility for admission and informed of course dates and registration procedures as soon as documents are processed, and admission requirements are satisfied, and the program has adequate space.

RRNP admission flowchart

Canadian Nurse

  • Verification of current annual RN licensure in Canada.

-OR-

  • A letter of assessment form the BCCNM stating eligibility for registration.

-AND-

  • Official post-secondary transcript(s).
  • Documented evidence of RN practice/employment history (resume)
  • A completed and signed Requisite Skills and Abilities form

International Nurse (IEN)

  • A letter of assessment form from the BCCNM stating eligibility for registration.
  • A Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) summary. An applicant must have 30% or more "emergent" (out of the 15 categories assessed by the NCAS) overall to enter the program. The safety, assessment, and therapeutic communication competencies must be at the emergent level.
  • Official post-secondary transcript(s)
  • Documented evidence of RN practice/employment history
  • Documented evidence of current employment as a licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in a care facility or hospital in the Canadian Health Care system with a minimum of 1600 hours.
  • Resume (include whether employment is full-time, part-time, or casual.
  • A completed and signed Requisite Skills and Abilities form

Additional requirements upon acceptance into the RRNP program

  • Criminal Record Check
  • Up-to-date immunization records
  • A Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certificate
  • A current CPR Level C or CPR-HCP (Health Care Provider) level classroom-based certification (internet or online course not accepted)

Residency Requirements

A minimum of eight TRU credits (distance or on-campus); specifically: NURS 3641, 3643 and 3651, which must be completed through OL

The lab theory course NURS 3641 and the lab workshop course NURS 3643 must be completed before the practicum course NURS 3651 and is offered four times a year.

Certificate Requirements (17 credits)

  • Certificate completion within three years of initial course enrolment
  • A grade point average (GPA) of 2.33 (C+) or higher over all courses required for the credential, as follows:
    • HLTH 3611, Professional Growth (3)
    • HLTH 3621, Relational Practice (3)
    • HLTH 3631, Clinical Decision Making (3)
    • NURS 3641, Principles and Skillfulness: Theory (3)
    • NURS 3643, Principles and Skillfulness: Lab (0)
      • Please note a grade of at least C+ in NURS 3641 must be achieved in order to progress into NURS 3643
      • Registration for this course is based on prior approval by the Program and Course Lead
    • NURS 3651, Return to Registered Nurse Practice (5)
      • Please note securing a practice placement can take up to six months, but typically happens in four months, and is determined by facility availability

Notes

Potential candidates are assessed on an individual basis by the Program and Course Lead.

This program was developed for Registered Nurses (RNs) with prior Canadian work experience and may not be suitable for all IENs.

Preference is given to BC residents for admission into the RRNP program.

Courses with practicum activities are typically held in BC. Applicants residing outside BC who want to complete the program may participate at practicum sites in BC or in another province if appropriate arrangements can be made. Students are responsible for all costs associated with labs and practice activities. Lab and practicum activities may be limited by geographic location, time of year, space and enrolment. Practicum placements cannot be guaranteed in the student's home region.

Students are responsible for consulting with their program advisor to ensure that the courses they select are appropriate for their program of study and educational goals. Students who proceed without approval may find that a course does not meet requirements and may be subject to transcript assessment fees.

Students enrolled in this program are not eligible for full- or part-time loans or grants from StudentAidBC or any other provincial loan offices, as the program cannot be completed on a full-time basis from start to finish.

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