Psychiatric Nursing Programs
Note: for the Fall 2010 intake, the application deadline has been extended to February 22, 2010. This deadline may be extended.
The Department of Psychiatric Nursing offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN)
- Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Post-RPN Degree Completion
The three-year on-site, full-time Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Program is designed to provide the graduate with specialized knowledge and skills to provide safe, comprehensive holistic care to individuals within the context of families, groups, and communities in a variety of mental health care settings. Each semester builds on foundational concepts and skills to prepare graduates to respond to the ever-changing mental health care needs of our society.
The four-year on-site, full-time generic Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Program (BSPN) is designed to provide the graduate with specialized knowledge and skills to provide safe, comprehensive holistic care to individuals, families, groups, and communities as context in a variety of mental health care settings. Each semester builds on foundational concepts and skills to prepare graduates to respond to the ever-changing mental health care needs of our society. The BSPN degree program also prepares graduates for future career and educational advancements in various leadership positions in the Psychiatric Nursing profession.
The part-time BSPN Degree Completion Program offers flexible on-line course delivery options for practising Registered Psychiatric Nurses who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing.
Both Diploma and Degree-prepared graduates are highly employable and work in many areas of health care including: long-term psychiatric facilities, acute care hospitals, children and adolescent programs, corrections/forensics, addiction services and community mental health settings.
For more information about our programs please contact the Department of Psychiatric Nursing at 604-777-6405.
Department Website
For an overview of our programs, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Location
Health Sciences Building at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to the David Lam Campus and to the various clinical agencies at which they may be assigned whilst a student in the Degree or Diploma programs. It is highly recommended that students have access to a vehicle on days when clinical practice experiences are scheduled, as clinical locations and clinical hours may make use of public transportation challenging. Clinical practice experiences take place at many hospitals and health care agencies throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
Note: for the Fall 2010 intake, the application deadline has been extended to February 22, 2010. This deadline may be extended.
The Department offers two intakes per year for the Diploma and Degree programs - Fall (September) and Winter (January). Completed applications with all required documents must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by February 1 for the Fall intake and by June 1 for the Winter intake.
The application deadline for the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Degree Completion Program is August 1 for the Fall intake, December 1 for the Winter intake and April 1 for the Summer intake. For admission to the program, applicants are required to provide a copy of active practising licensure as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines are identified for our programs, we encourage all
applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as soon as possible. Applicants who apply early and have submitted completed documentation early may be considered for admission before the stated application deadline.
Information Sessions
Applicants are strongly advised to attend a free information session to learn about the Psychiatric Nursing programs and to assist in making career decisions. Check the information schedule online or phone the Registrar's Office at 604-527-5478 for exact dates and times.
Admission
Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements (see Section A below) and have a successful Admissions Interview (see Section C below). Applicants are then selected based on preferential admission requirements (see Section B below) and seat availability.
Diploma and Degree Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements for one of the categories in Section A. Once minimum academic requirements are met, applicants will be asked to submit documentation to support preferential admission requirements as listed in Section B. Applicants will then be requested to attend an interview as outlined in Section C. If the applicant is found suitable for admission through the interview process, the applicant may be offered a conditional seat in the program depending on total number of preferential admission points and seat availability. If the applicant receives a conditional offer of admission, the Registrar's Office will request that final admission requirements be met as outlined in Section D.
Section A: Minimum Academic Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum "C+" average including:
- One Grade 12 science
- Biology 11
- English 12 with a minimum grade of "B" or see substitutions below
- *Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" OR one of the following substitutions:
- Principles of Math 12 with a minimum grade of "P"
- Algebra 11 with a minimum grade of “C”
- Algebra 12 with a minimum grade of “P”
- DVST 0210 with a minimum grade of "B-"
- DVST 0310 or higher with a minimum grade of "P"
- DVST Assessment with a placement at DVST 0310 or higher
- NURS/HISP/CSIS Math Readiness Assessment with a minimum score of "18"
- UT MATH or STATS (including PSYC 2300) with a minimum grade of "P"
- MATH 1101 with a minimum grade of "P"
- Math 11 Exemption Assessment with a minimum score of "30"
- DVST 0411 Challenge Exam with a minimum score of "30"
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Degree Program (BSPN) may be required to upgrade their math skills if admitted to the program with a math substitution not equivalent to or higher than Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C”. BSPN students are required to register for either Math 1160 or Psychology 2300. Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “B” is required as a pre-requisite for Math 1160. Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C” and Psychology 1200 are required as pre-requisites for Psychology 2300.
OR
- Grade 12 graduation including:
- One Grade 12 science
- Biology 11
- English 12 with a minimum grade of "B" or substitution
- Minimum of two UT courses with a minimum grade of "C"
- *Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" OR one of the following substitutions:
- Principles of Math 12 with a minimum grade of "P"
- Algebra 11 with a minimum grade of “C”
- Algebra 12 with a minimum grade of “P”
- DVST 0210 with a minimum grade of "B-"
- DVST 0310 or higher with a minimum grade of "P"
- DVST Assessment with a placement at DVST 0310 or higher
- NURS/HISP/CSIS Math Readiness Assessment with a minimum score of "18"
- UT MATH or STATS (including PSYC 2300) with a minimum grade of "P"
- MATH 1101 with a minimum grade of "P"
- Math 11 Exemption Assessment with a minimum score of "30"
- DVST 0411 Challenge Exam with a minimum score of "30"
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) Degree program may be required to upgrade their math skills if admitted to the program with a math substitution not equivalent to or higher than Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C”. BSPN students are required to register for either Math 1160 or Psychology 2300. Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “B” is required as a pre-requisite for Math 1160. Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C” and Psychology 1200 are required as pre-requisites for Psychology 2300.
OR
- Mature Student (19+) including:
- English 12 with a minimum grade of "B" or substitution (see below)
- *Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" OR one of the following substitutions:
- Principles of Math 12 with a minimum grade of "P"
- Algebra 11 with a minimum grade of “C”
- Algebra 12 with a minimum grade of “P”
- DVST 0210 with a minimum grade of "B-"
- DVST 0310 or higher with a minimum grade of "P"
- DVST Assessment with a placement at DVST 0310 or higher
- NURS/HISP/CSIS Math Readiness Assessment with a minimum score of "18"
- UT MATH or STATS (including PSYC 2300) with a minimum grade of "P"
- MATH 1101 with a minimum grade of "P"
- Math 11 Exemption Assessment with a minimum score of "30"
- DVST 0411 Challenge Exam with a minimum score of "30"
*Note: Important Information about Math Requirement
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) Degree program may be required to upgrade their math skills if admitted to the program with a math substitution not equivalent to or higher than Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C”. BSPN students are required to register for either Math 1160 or Psychology 2300. Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “B” is required as a pre-requisite for Math 1160. Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C” and Psychology 1200 are required as pre-requisites for Psychology 2300.
*Psychiatric Nursing Substitutions for English 12 with a minimum grade of "B":
- Douglas College Computerized English assessment with recommendation of College Level Writing Courses
- Successful completion of a college-level writing or literature course (minimum grade "P")
- Mastery of EASL 0475
Note: As of January 2010, the EASL substitution will be changed to a minimum grade of "C-" in EASL 0460 OR a minimum grade of "C-" in both EASL 0465 and 0475
- A grade of "C-" or better in DVST 0450 or DVST 0455
- A grade of "6" or better in the examination for English-Language A (higher Level) from the International Baccalaureate Program
- A grade of "3" or better in the examination for English-Language or Literature from the Advanced Placement Program
- Successful completion (ready to enroll in a college writing course) of the Child, Family, Community Studies English Language test
- A TOEFL score of "580" and "4.5" TWE or "600" and "4.0" TWE or a TOEFL score of "235" CBT or a TOEFL score of "92" internet based
- A minimum score of "5" on the Essay Level and a minimum score of "5" on the English Usage section and a minimum score of "10" on the Reading Comprehension section of the LPI (Language Proficiency Index)
Section B: Diploma and Degree Preferential Admission Requirements
Admission to Diploma and generic Degree programs within the Psychiatric Nursing Department is contingent upon availability of seats and applicant ranking as determined by a process of preferential admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must also meet all minimum academic admission requirements and have a successful admissions interview. In the event of a tie in numeric ranking in relation to the preferential admission process, date of application will be used in applicant selection.
All documents for preferential admission should be submitted with the application or shortly thereafter.
Preferential Admission Criteria
1.1 Education - Only the highest credential submitted will be assessed for score ranking.
Applicants who have successfully completed previous credentials from a recognized and accredited institution will receive the following score:
- Bachelor's Degree - 10 points
- Associate Degree/Diploma - 8 points
- Certificate in a Health-Related Field - 6 points*
- Citation in Health-Related Field - 3 points*
(Certificate/citation depends upon length of program, admission requirements, breadth and depth of subject matter) - High School Diploma - 1 point
*The Psychiatric Nursing Department reserves the right to decide if certificate or citation is health related.
Maximum total of 10 points
1.2 Associated Studies/University Transfer Courses
Applicants who have successfully completed an associated studies course or equivalent university transfer course with a minimum grade of "C" will receive 1 point for each course, or equivalent, up to a maximum of 4 courses:
- Biology 1103 - 1 point
- Biology 1203 - 1 point
- English UT 3 credit course - 1 point
- Other 3 credit UT course - 1 point
Maximum total of 4 points
1.3 Grade 12 Courses
Applicants who have successfully completed a Grade 12 course with a minimum grade of "B" will receive 1 point for each course up to a maximum of 3 courses:
- Biology 12 - 1 point
- Math 12 - 1 point
- Grade 12 Science course (other than Biology) - 1 point
Maximum total of 3 points
1.4 Volunteer and/or Related Work Experience
Applicants who have volunteer and/or work experience in a health-related field will receive the following scores: (Examples: Victim Assistance, St John Ambulance, Care Homes, Suicide Hotline, Planned Parenthood)
- 2,000 or greater hours of experience or more than three years experience - 3 points
- 1,000-1,999 hours of experience or 1- 3 years of experience - 2 points
- 100 - 999 hours experience - 1 point
*The Psychiatric Nursing Department reserves the right to decide if volunteer and/or work experience is health-related.
Maximum total of 3 points
Total of all sections: 20 points
Section C: Admissions Interview
Once all minimum academic admission requirements are met, the applicant must participate in a Group Interview. The interview is to assist faculty in determining applicant suitability and readiness for the program. Suitability is determined by the ability to participate with a small group of other applicants, in an activity as a team member, demonstrating respect, flexibility, critical thinking, and good written and verbal skills. Recommendation for admission to the program is based on satisfactorily meeting the objectives of this interview process.
Section D: Final Requirements Prior to Entry (requested if offer of admission is made)
Applicants will be required to submit the following documentation if an offer of admission is made (appropriate forms will be provided):
- Medical Assessment to indicate satisfactory mental and physical health. All costs for the medical assessment are the responsibility of the individual applicant.
- Current record of recommended Immunizations. All costs related to recommended immunizations and/or testing are the responsibility of the individual applicant.
- Criminal Record Search (CRS) (within 6 months) - Students practise in environments that require individuals to provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current CRS for the protection of clients. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit a current CRS as a condition of entry to the program. Any CRS forms returned with a notation of a Record will be reviewed by the Registrar to determine if there is any relevance to the program applied to. In these cases, final determination of admission rests with the Registrar. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the individual applicant.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $350 tuition deposit and confirmation of acceptance form to reserve a seat in the program. This deposit will then be put towards fees owing upon registration.
NOTE: A Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) CPI certificate (within one year), a current Health Care Professional Level CPR certificate , and a Standard First Aid Certificate (within 3 years) will be required prior to the first clinical placement which occurs in Semester 2 of the diploma program and Semester 4 of the degree program. All costs related to obtaining these certificates are the responsibility of the student. It is also the student’s responsibility to maintain the currency of their Health Care Professional Level CPR certificate after clinical experiences begin.
Program Content
NOTE: Students can only register in the same required associated studies courses or PNUR courses a maximum of twice (this includes "W" withdrawals that appear on a student's transcript). Students in the Diploma and Degree programs are required to obtain a passing grade of 60% in all PNUR and associated studies courses in order to progress in the program.
It is highly recommended that students complete BIOL 1103 and/or BIOL 1203 prior to entry into Semester 1 of the diploma or degree program.
PROGRAM DESIGN - Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
Total Diploma Credits - 90.5
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|
Semester One
Total 18 Credits |
Semester Three
Total 17 Credits |
Semester Five
Total 14 Credits |
|
Semester Two
Total 17 Credits |
Semester Four
Total 12.5 credits |
Semester Six
Total 12 Credits |
**Students are required to have credit ( “C” grade or higher) for BIOL 1103, BIOL 1203 and ENGL 1130 prior to entering Semester 3 and PSYC 1130 prior to entering Semester 5.
PROGRAM DESIGN - Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN)
Total BSPN - Degree Credits - 123.5
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|
Semester One
Total 15 Credits |
Semester Three
Total 15 Credits |
Semester Five
Total 17 Credits |
Semester Seven
Total 17 Credits |
|
Semester Two
Total 15 Credits |
Semester Four
Total 14 Credits |
Semester Six
Total 15.5 Credits |
Semester Eight Total 15 Credits |
**Students must have credit (“C” grade or higher) for BIOL 1103, BIOL 1203, and ENGL 1130 and most other Semester 1 and 2 courses prior to entering Semester 3.
NOTE: A Douglas College Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing student may have the opportunity to change from the diploma to the degree program if there is a seat available in the degree program and if the student satisfactorily meets specified criteria. A student must declare their intent to change to the degree program before Semester 3 of the diploma program and, if approved to change programs, will be admitted into Semester 6 of the degree program after completing Semester 3 of the diploma program. Students who have been approved to change from the diploma to the degree program are required to complete the following extra associated studies course requirements prior to graduation (revised and currently undergoing further development):
| PSYC 1100 | (3 credits) |
| PSYC 1200 | (3 credits) |
| PSYC 2341 | (3 credits) |
| ENGLISH Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| Open Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| Open Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| BIOL 2401 | (3 credits) |
| MATH 1160 or PSYC 2300 | (3 credits) |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 24 credits |
REVISED BSPN Degree Completion Program:
Please Note: Current practicing RPN licence is required for admission to the BSPN Degree Completion program. Registration in PNUR Degree Completion courses is based on seat availability. RNs with the Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing are also eligible for admission to the program.
Important Information about Math Requirement:
If a student is admitted into the BSPN Degree Completion Program and does not have high school credit for BC Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C” or the equivalent, Math upgrading may be required to meet the Math pre-requisite for registration in PSYC 2300 or Math 1160.
Revised BSPN Degree Completion Program requirements are listed for the following three categories and are currently undergoing further development:
- Douglas College Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates from 2009 and Beyond
- Douglas College Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates Prior to 2009 and Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates from Other Programs
- Douglas College Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Program Graduates
1. Douglas College Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates from 2009 and Beyond (revised and currently undergoing further development)
| PSYC 1100 or PSYC 1130 (if not used as credit for diploma program) | (3 credits) |
| *MATH 1160 or PSYC 2300 | (3 credits) |
| ENGLISH Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| PSYC 1200 | (3 credits) |
| Open Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| Open Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| BIOL 2401 (or other 3 credit UT Science course) | (3 credits) |
| PSYC 2341 | (3 credits) |
| PNUR 3171 Family Health Promotion | (3 credits) |
| PNUR 4575 Psychiatric Nursing Research | (3 credits) |
PNUR Elective (one 3 credit PNUR course)
|
(3 credits) |
| Total Credits | 33 credits |
2. Douglas College Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates Prior to 2009 and Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates from Other Programs (revised and currently undergoing further development)
| Open Elective in Psychology (UT) | (3 credits) |
| ENGLISH Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| Open Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| PHIL 3125 Philosophy for Psychiatric Nurses | (3 credits) |
| BIOL 2401 (or other 3 credit UT Science course) | (3 credits) |
| MATH 1160 or PSYC 2300 | (3 credits) |
| PNUR 3700 Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts | (3 credits) |
| PNUR 3171 or PNUR 3708 Family Health Promotion | (3 credits) |
| PNUR 4575 Psychiatric Nursing Research | (3 credits) |
| PNUR Elective (two 3 credit PNUR courses) | (6 credits) |
|
|
| Total Credits | 33 credits |
3. Douglas College Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Program Graduates (revised and currently undergoing further development)
| PHIL 3125 Philosophy for Psychiatric Nurses | (3 credits) |
| MATH 1160 or PSYC 2300 | (3 credits) |
| ENGLISH Elective (UT) | (3 credits) |
| PNUR 4575 Psychiatric Nursing Research | (3 credits) |
| Open Elective (UT) (Non-PNUR course) | (3 credits) |
| Total Credits | 15 credits |
NB: Registered Nurse (RN) with either a diploma or baccalaureate degree admitted to BSPN Degree Completion program between September 2006 and September 2008, please contact the Department of Psychiatric Nursing for information on course requirements for graduation.
** Proposed BSPN Degree Completion Program Schedule of Course Offerings
| Winter 2010/Ongoing | Summer 2010/Ongoing | Fall 2010/Ongoing |
|
PNUR 3700 Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts PNUR 3171 Family Health Promotion PHIL 3125 Philosophy for Psychiatric Nurses PNUR Electives - TBA |
PNUR 3700 Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts PNUR Electives - TBA |
PNUR 3700 Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts PNUR 4575 Psychiatric Nursing Research PHIL 3125 Philosophy for Psychiatric Nurses PNUR Electives - TBA |
*Please note that above schedule of course offerings is subject to change and registration in courses is based on seat availability
Other Information
Diploma and Degree Programs in Psychiatric Nursing: Credential
Graduates are eligible to write the Registration Examinations of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC.
Transfer Credit
Please note that transfer credit from other educational institutions is not automatically granted. Students must request transfer credit by submitting an official transcript from the educational institution where the course was taken, along with a Transfer Credit Request Form (see Douglas College website), to the Registrar’s Office. Detailed course outlines of courses taken at a B.C. institution may also need to be submitted before credit can be evaluated. Submission of detailed course outlines will be required for credit evaluation of courses taken outside of B.C. institutions. The Registrar’s Office will take a minimum of six weeks to process transfer credit requests.