Psychiatric Nursing Programs
The Department of Psychiatric Nursing offers the following programs:
- Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing 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 an increased breadth and depth of specialized knowledge and skill. Graduates will demonstrate additional knowledge in the following areas: family theory and assessment; knowledge of statistical methods in research; ability to critically analyze, interpret, evaluate, and integrate nursing research literature to guide psychiatric nursing practice; and ability to participate in psychiatric nursing research projects. Graduates of the BSPN degree program become prepared for future career and educational advancements in the psychiatric nursing profession. Graduates are prepared for eligibility for entry into graduate studies.
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. Graduates are eligible to write the Registration Examinations of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC. For more information about our programs, please contact the Department of Psychiatric Nursing at 604-777-6405.
Douglas College offers a part-time post-diploma baccalaureate program for Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) leading to a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN Degree Completion Program). The BSPN Degree Completion Program is a 33 credit program that prepares students as generalists in the field of psychiatric nursing. The program combines education in advanced psychiatric nursing concepts and professional areas with Associated Studies in Arts and Science. Graduates will be able to practice in various professional practice contexts from a broad perspective. In addition, the BSPN program prepares students for further education such as graduate studies. The study format for the BSPN program is on-line learning for required Psychiatric Nursing courses. Students are expected to have sufficient computer skills to manage online learning. Students are required to complete program requirements within six years of enrollment into the first post-diploma course.
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 Registrar’s Office on the Douglas College website), to the Registrar’s Office. Detailed course outlines of courses taken at a BC 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 BC institutions. The Registrar’s Office takes a minimum of six weeks to process transfer credit requests.
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 while 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.
Computer Proficiency
Reasonable computer proficiency is recommended for success, including the basic ability to:
- keyboard/type
- save and locate files on your computer
- use Microsoft Word and related software applications eg. PowerPoint
- browse the Internet using search engines
- send and receive email, including attachments
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
**Application deadlines 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 supporting documents, related to minimum academic requirements and preferential admission, 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 practicing licensure as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse or Registered Nurse with departmental approval.
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.
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 Session schedule or phone the Office for New Students at 604 777 6095 for exact dates and times.
Admission
Applicants must meet the minimum academic admission requirements. An interview may be required. Applicants are then selected based on preferential admission requirements (see Section B below) and seat availability.
A limited number of reserved seats for the Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing program are available for Aboriginal applicants who meet the minimum academic and final admission requirements. Aboriginal applicants for the Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing program are asked to contact the Student Coordinator at 604 777 6436 for further information
Diploma and Degree Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements for one of the categories in Section A. The applicant may be offered a conditional seat in the program depending on total number of preferential admission points (see Section B) 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 C.
NOTE: Where clarification concerning an admission requirement is needed, the Department reserves the right to interview applicants.
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 substitution
- *Foundations of Math 11 or Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" OR one of the following substitutions:
- Foundations of Math 12 or 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 Degree Program (BSPN) may be required to upgrade their math skills if admitted to the program with a math substitution that does not meet the Math prerequisite requirement for Psychology 2300 or Math 1160. Please check course curriculum guidelines to ensure you meet the math prerequisite requirement.
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"
- *Foundations of Math 11 or Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" OR one of the following substitutions:
- Foundations of Math 12 or 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 Degree Program (BSPN) may be required to upgrade their math skills if admitted to the program with a math substitution that does not meet the Math prerequisite requirement for Psychology 2300 or Math 1160. Please check course curriculum guideline to ensure you meet the Math prerequisite requirement.
OR
- Mature Student (19+) including:
- English 12 with a minimum grade of "B" or substitution
- *Foundations of Math 11 or Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" OR one of the following substitutions:
- Foundations of Math 12 or 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 Degree Program (BSPN) may be required to upgrade their math skills if admitted to the program with a math substitution that does not meet the Math prerequisite requirement for Psychology 2300 or Math 1160. Please check course to ensure you meet the Math prerequisite requirement.
*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")
- 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
- 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. An admissions interview may be required. 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 a 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 one point for each course, or equivalent, up to a maximum of four 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 one point for each course up to a maximum of three courses:
- Biology 12 - 1 point
- Foundations of Math 12 or Principles of 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 Form
Applicants who have volunteer and/or work experience in a human health-related field (Examples: victim assistance, St. John Ambulance, care homes, suicide hotline, Planned Parenthood) will receive the following scores:
- 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 Volunteer and/or Related Work Experience Form can be accessed via this link
*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: 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 applicant.
- Current record of recommended immunizations. All costs related to recommended immunizations and/or testing are the responsibility of the applicant.
- Criminal Record Search (CRS) (within one year prior to the start of the program) – 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. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the applicant.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $350 tuition deposit and confirmation of acceptance form to reserve a seat in the program. This deposit will be applied toward fees owing upon registration.
NOTE: A Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) CPI certificate (within two years), a current Health Care Provider Level CPR certificate, a Standard First Aid Certificate (within three years) and respiratory mask fit-testing 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 and renewal of these certificates is the responsibility of the student. It is also the student’s responsibility to maintain the currency of their Health Care Provider Level CPR certificate and annual renewal of mask fit-testing after clinical experiences begin.
Program Costs
Details regarding the program costs per semester are available on the Douglas College Home Page under the section titled Financial Aid.
A general overview of the program costs are as follows:
Please refer to the Douglas College Financial Aid link for specific breakdown of program costs.
- Diploma Program:
- Six-semester program at approximately $2500-$3000 per semester
- Total cost (approximate): $18,000-$20,000
- Degree Program:
- Eight-semester program at approximately $2500-$3500 per semester
- Total cost (approximate): $21,000-$25,000
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 "C" or higher 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 16.5 Credits |
Semester Three
Total 17 Credits |
Semester Five
Total 15.5 Credits |
|
Semester Two
Total 15.5 Credits |
Semester Four
Total 14 credits |
Semester Six
Total 12 Credits |
**Students are required to have credit (“C” grade or higher) in BIOL 1103, BIOL 1203 and ENGL 1130 prior to entering Semester 3.
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 16.5 Credits |
Semester Five
Total 17 Credits |
Semester Seven
Total 15.5 Credits |
|
Semester Two
Total 15 Credits |
Semester Four
Total 15.5 Credits |
Semester Six
Total 17 Credits |
Semester Eight Total 15 Credits |
**Students must have credit (“C” grade or higher) for BIOL 1103, BIOL 1203, PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200 and ENGL 1130 (or approved English course substitution) and most other Semester 1 and 2 courses prior to entering Semester 3.
**Fall 2012 will be the last time PNUR 4575 is offered in Semester 4 of the BSPN Program. Starting Winter 2013 PNUR 4575 will be offered in Semester 3 of the BSPN Program, ongoing.
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, 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. As well, students are required to complete PNUR 4575 in a semester determined by the Department.
| 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 |
BSPN Degree Completion Program
NOTE: a current practicing RPN license is required for admission to the BSPN Degree Completion Program. Registration in PNUR Degree Completion courses is based on seat availability. RN’s with experience in psychiatric nursing will be assessed for admission on an individual basis.
Important Information about Math Requirement:
If a student is admitted into the BSPN Degree Completion Program and does not have high school credit for Foundations of Math 11 OR Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of “C” or the equivalent, Math upgrading may be required to meet the Math prerequisite for registration in PSYC 2300 or Math 1160 or their equivalent.
Computer Proficiency Requirements:
Reasonable computer proficiency is recommended for success, including the basic ability to:
- keyboard/type
- save and locate files on your computer
- use Microsoft Word and related software applications, eg. PowerPoint
- browse the Internet using search engines
- send and receive email, including attachments
BSPN Degree Completion Program requirements are listed for the following three categories:
- 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
| 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 for Psychiatric Nursing Practice | (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
***Important: It is recommended that PNUR 3700 be taken prior to all other PNUR courses.
| PNUR 3700 Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts | (3 credits) |
| 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 3171 or PNUR 3708 Family Health Promotion for Psychiatric Nursing Practice | (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
| 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: If you are a 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
| Fall 2012 | Winter 2013 |
|
PNUR 3700 Professional Psychiatric Nursing Concepts-3 PNUR 3171 Family Health Promotion for Psychiatric Nursing Practice -3 PNUR 4575 Psychiatric Nursing Research -3 PHIL 3125 Philosophy for Psychiatric Nurses-3 |
PNUR Electives: PNUR 4573 Psychiatric Nursing of Children and Adolescents - 3 PNUR 4574 Emergency Mental Health Nursing PNUR 4710 Adjunctive Therapies: Issues and Interventions in Psychiatric Nursing Practice PNUR 4724 Psychiatric Nursing within the Criminal Justice System -3 |
PNUR Electives: PNUR 4585 Psychiatric Nursing in Addictions and Mental Health - 3 PNUR 4572 Psychiatric Nursing Community Concepts - 3 PNUR 4503 Comprehensive Geriatric Theory and Assessment - 3 |
|
*Please note that above schedule of course offerings are subject to change based on class enrolment.