Douglas College launches new pathway to psychiatric nursing for licensed practical nurses
Douglas College’s new Licensed Practical Nurse Access to Psychiatric Nursing program – the only program of its kind in B.C. – launches in January 2026. This five-semester program is an efficient pathway into a psychiatric nursing career.
Through the British Columbia Nurses’ Union’s one-time funding agreement, students can apply for up to $20,000 to help pay for tuition.
“The compassion and expertise of psychiatric nurses are vital to helping people achieve better mental health and quality of life in B.C.,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new program means that licensed practical nurses can get the specialized training they need without having to leave their community. By offering more education opportunities and financial supports, we are taking steps to make B.C. the best place in Canada to be a nurse.”
The program is open to licensed practical nurses who are currently registered with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, who have either a Practical Nursing Diploma or Practical Nursing Certificate with Health Authority upgrade. There is no minimum work experience requirement.
“Psychiatric nurses are an integral part of our health care system, and with increasing mental health needs in the province, we need them now more than ever,” said Pamela Cawley, Dean of Health Sciences. “As the primary school for psychiatric nursing education in Western Canada for more than 30 years, we’re proud to add this pathway to our list of Health Sciences programs.”
The program will be offered part time and online, enabling students to complete it without leaving their communities and allowing them to continue working while they upgrade their credential.
“Offering a program with such flexibility is important to promote access, but also to avoid removing working LPNs from their communities, which desperately need them,” said Michelle Hunt, LPN to BSPN Program Coordinator.
The program will include a one-week residency at Douglas College’s Coquitlam Campus during semester 4. Students will also complete a cumulative 360-hour preceptorship in their final semester, where efforts will be made to place them in their home community.
Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca
Contact
Elizabeth Douglas
Communications Officer