Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
As populations grow and age, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provide much needed patient-centred care.
As a key member of an interdisciplinary health care team, a LPN is responsible for providing routine care, observing patients’ health, assisting medical practitioners and registered nurses, and communicating instructions for home care and medications to patients.
UFV’s 19-month Practical Nursing program prepares you to work as a LPN in a variety of health care settings within hospitals, residential care facilities, and the community.
As part of your Practical Nursing training, you complete hands-on clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and selected community agencies. These clinical experiences encompass supervised practice, preceptorships, and observational experiences.
After completing the practical nursing diploma program at UFV — an approved program by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of B.C. — you are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration exam, which is the final step to be licensed as a practical nurse.
Whether you are a high school student looking to get into health care or mid-career as a health care assistant wishing to increase your qualifications, UFV’s LPN program can help you achieve your goals.
UFV also offers a bridging program that allows LPNs to receive credit on route to upgrading their qualifications as Registered Nurses (RN) through an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
As B.C.’s population continues to age, health care and social assistance will see the largest increase in job openings in the next 10 years. WorkBC reports that employment growth for licensed practical nurses will average 2% per year between 2018–2023 and 2.3% between 2023–2028.
Prospects for LPNs are especially favourable, because their role is expanding to include mental health, community, and pharmacology studies, with a focus on increased responsibilities to provide better patient outcomes.
LPNs can work in doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities, community hospice and large acute care centres. With additional training and experience, LPN’s can specialize in emergency care, operating rooms, pediatrics, or community health.