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Psychiatric Nursing
For Psychiatric Nursing grad Chad Madden, it's about connecting, not curing. Read more...
If you want to make a real difference in a specialized and challenging field of mental health, apply to the Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas College.
As a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, your unique skills will qualify you for employment in many areas of health care, from psychiatric units in hospitals to community mental health and addiction care settings.
Program highlights
- Learn from experience – Douglas College has been BC’s primary provider of Psychiatric Nursing education for over 30 years
- Educational options – choose from a Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma or online degree-completion program for RPNs and RNs
- Committed, professional instructors – our instructors are passionate about the field they teach in
- Small classes and quality, state-of-the-art education
- Excellent employment opportunities
Diploma, bachelor’s degree and degree completion options
Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing: this 3-year program is designed to provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills to provide safe, comprehensive holistic care in a variety of mental health care settings.
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing: this 4-year program builds on the knowledge gained in the diploma program. It will prepare you for future career and educational advancements in various leadership positions in the Psychiatric Nursing profession.
RPN/RN Degree Completion: this part-time program offers flexible, online course delivery options for practicing Registered Psychiatric Nurses or Registered Nurses who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing.
For more information, see Educational Options.
Inclusive environment for Aboriginal learners
The Douglas College Psychiatric Nursing program is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment, and is proud to have partnered with Simon Fraser University for the 2009 Health Career Institute for Aboriginal Learners. Students who have taken the pre-health course at SFU may be eligible for reserved seats in the program. Contact Anna Helewka, Program Coordinator for information: 604 777-6435 or helewkaa@douglascollege.ca.
Location of classes
All Psychiatric Nursing classes take place in the Health Sciences Centre at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Clinical practice work will take place in a variety of health care settings around Metro Vancouver.
Program start dates
There are two intakes per year for the degree and diploma programs: Fall (September) and Winter (January). Degree completion students can start studying in Fall (September), Winter (January) or Summer (May).
Applying for the Psychiatric Nursing Program
Degree and Diploma programs: the application deadline for the Fall (September) intake is February 1. The application deadline for the Winter (January) intake is June 1. Apply early to be considered for early admission. For specific admission requirements, see the College Calendar.
Degree completion: application deadlines are August 1 for the Fall (September) intake, December 1 for the Winter (January) intake and April 1 for the Summer (May) intake. For specific admission requirements, see the College Calendar.For more information
Read the Psychiatric Nursing FAQs
Attend a Psychiatric Nursing information session
Contact the Psychiatric Nursing Program
