UNBC to offer new nursing pathway for licensed practical nurses

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new program launching this fall at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) aims to provide licensed practical nurses (LPN) with a faster route to becoming registered nurses (RN).

The UNBC announced in a press release on February 5th that, starting in September, the accelerated pathway will be offered through the university’s existing two-year northern baccalaureate nursing program (NBNP). 

Designed for actively practicing LPNs, the pathway allows students to complete years three and four of the bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) degree, building on their existing education and on-the-job experience.

The program will be delivered at UNBC’s Prince George and Fort St. John campuses.

“The new LPN to RN pathway at UNBC strengthens our commitment to expanding health training opportunities where people need them most,” said minister of post-secondary education and future skills, Jessie Sunner. 

“By offering a streamlined pathway to becoming an RN, we are helping build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare workforce for northern and rural communities.”

UNBC plans to eventually fill about half of the available NBNP seats with LPN pathway students. 

According to the university, there are 16 NBNP seats in Fort St. John and 24 in Prince George, including priority seats for Indigenous students.

The UNBC says the pathway aligns with the original intent of the NBNP, which was created to shorten the time it takes for students with prior post-secondary education to complete a nursing degree.

“The new LPN pathway is a natural extension of that foundational intent,” said Dr. Nathan Lachowsky, dean of the faculty of human and health sciences. 

“[It provides] interested LPNs across the north with the opportunity to pursue advanced education in their field, while also preparing graduates to deliver high-quality healthcare to northern and rural communities.”

According to the UNBC, the full-time program will be delivered over five consecutive semesters and will combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, including simulation, lab work and clinical placements in northern communities.

To be eligible, applicants must be registered with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives and have at least two years of acute care experience in B.C.

According to UNBC’s school of nursing, the pathway was developed in response to feedback from LPNs looking for a faster way to advance their careers.

“We heard extensively from LPNs around our region that they were interested in taking an accelerated BScN program which allows them to move their careers forward as RNs,” said Dr. Catharine Schiller, chair of the UNBC school of nursing.

An online information session about the new pathway will be held on Tuesday, February 17th, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Applications can be submitted until March 9th. To apply, and for more information on the program, visit the UNBC’s LPN pathway webpage.