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overview
Note: This program is no longer accepting applications. For additional information please contact Stephanie Wood, Program Assistant, 604-454-2230.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a new and exciting role for Registered Nurses (RN) in Canada. NPs are vital members of the health care team, increasing access to primary care, and improving the quality of care within many types of health care settings. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have achieved the competencies required for additional registration as a nurse practitioner with the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC). The competencies required of nurse practitioners are achieved through graduate nursing education and substantial nursing practice experience. NPs provide health care services from a holistic nursing perspective combined with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, including prescribing medications.
In British Columbia, there are three streams of NP practice:
- Nurse Practitioner Adult
- Nurse Practitioner Child
- Nurse Practitioner Family
The Program
BCIT offers a Graduate Certificate Nurse Practitioner (Adult) Post-Masters Program. Learners in this program are RNs, with a graduate degree in nursing, who wish to function in the advanced practice role of the NP, within the context of an adult population. Graduates of this program will be prepared to sit the CRNBC certification exams.
The program combines part-time, online study with practice-based clinical education. The collaborative efforts of the BCIT Nursing Specialties faculty, nursing curriculum consultants, employers, learners, practicing Nurse Practitioners, and clients have developed the curriculum for the Graduate Certificate Nurse Practitioner (Adult). [NP (A)]. The curriculum focuses on knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to practice effectively as an NP(A). There are four online, theory courses and three clinical courses. The program may be completed on a full or part-time basis* over a maximum of five years.
The curriculum also focuses on building partnerships. BCIT views both nursing and learning as relational endeavors in which communication and collaboration enhance the processes and outcomes of these endeavors. Partnership, therefore, is the context in which students learn and enact knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Faculty members are experienced clinical specialists, and NPs, academically prepared as educators, who maintain their competency by regular clinical practice. They demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to practice-based education by active involvement in professional organizations and interest groups.
* Part time and/or full time course offerings are contingent on the number of students enrolled- please contact the program head for more information.
costs & supplies
Books and supplies
$2500 - $3000 (general estimated cost, subject to change)
Note: Costs of books and other learning materials may vary substantially between students. There is a requirement that students have a handheld computer or Palm for use in the clinical courses. As well, there are associated software costs.
courses
Program delivery
Flexible Learning Options
Learners may take all theory courses on a part-time basis via structured online education. For some courses students will be required to attend both classroom and laboratory sessions at the Burnaby campus of BCIT.
Courses are offered on an alternating basis, during each of three terms. Methods of delivery include print-based material, audio and video conferencing, and classroom laboratory formats. Clinical courses are arranged on an individual basis at various appropriate clinical sites. The program may individually negotiate clinical placements outside of British Columbia.
BCIT designates three terms per year, each 12 weeks in length: winter, January to March; spring, April to June; fall, September to December. Registration should take place at least one month prior to the term start date. Approval by the Program Head is required before registering into any of the courses.
Program matrix
| Core Courses: (15 credits) |
Credits |
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NSNP 9000 |
Applied Physiology and Human Responses in Health and Illness
The purpose of this course is to equip the learner with the theory and knowledge necessary to understand human responses to health and illness. In this course, particular emphasis is placed on exploring normal physiology, relational anatomy and on understanding the pathophysiology underlying illness and injury in the human body. The pathophysiology of common acute and chronic conditions found in the Canadian population is a focus. In addition, the influence of individual client characteristics such as age, gender, social history, ethnic background and psychological responses to illness will be examined. Because the emphasis is on clinical application of this knowledge, case studies are used extensively. Learners will examine the relationship between knowledge and practice with an emphasis on understanding normal and abnormal human adaptive processes. This course is offered in an online format. Prerequisites: NSCC 7300 or NSCC 7310 |
3.0 |
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NSNP 9005 |
Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
The purpose of this course is to provide the necessary knowledge, experience and skills to enable learners to carry out advanced holistic health assessments for adults. This course will assist learners to expand their existing assessment frameworks (physical and psychosocial), using a systematic approach and to identify risk factors for potential health promotion/prevention strategies. Understanding and interpreting diagnostic test results will be a focus. In addition, learners will study a variety of approaches to documentation and to communication in the context of consultation and referrals. Frameworks for clinical decision making related to diagnosing and treating common acute and chronic illnesses will be explored. Because the emphasis is on clinical application, a substantial portion of this course will involve clinical experiences related to assessing adults. This course will be offered in an online format with two on campus residency components. Prerequisites: NSNP 9000 |
6.0 |
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NSNP 9010 |
Applied Therapeutics and Diagnostics
The purpose of this course is to equip learners with the necessary theory and knowledge needed to select therapeutic interventions and to prescribe appropriate medications in the context of social holistic client assessment and diagnostic reasoning. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the physiology underlying selected interventions, with a focus on safe practice in relation too pharmaceuticals. And, there is a strong focus on selecting appropriate, evidence-based and cost effective interventions with consideration of current, research-based, Canadian, clinical practice guidelines; individual characteristics; access to services; and knowledge of pharmacodynamics. The influence of legislation and the pharmaceutical industry on prescribing practices is also explored. And, the importance of forming therapeutic partnerships in making treatment decisions with clients is emphasized. The course will be offered in an online format and will include a clinical component when possible. The latter will consist of an average of 3 hours a week. This course is designed to prepare the learner for a nurse practitioner role specifically prescribing medications, including the legal and professional responsibilities of prescribing medication. The focus is on clinical application and therapeutic issues for selected drug categories commonly used in advanced practice in the adult clinical setting. Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacotherapeutic concepts will be applied to the pharmacological treatment of clients with diseases or conditions found in the adult population. This course critically examines drug classes. Categories are compared and contrasted as to indications for use, efficacy, therapeutic and adverse effects, monitoring parameters, dosing principles, and drug interactions. Emphasis is placed on client education, individual drug requirements, health status, age, gender, socio-economic consideration, and cultural norms. Learners will apply knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics through case studies, assignments, and study questions contained in the weekly sessions. Prerequisites: NSNP 9000 |
3.0 |
| |
NSNP 9015 |
Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
The purpose of this course is to educate learners about the history, politics and legislation that underpins advanced nursing practice in general and NP practice in Canada in particular. In addition, learners will study issues related to practice as a member of a "new" health care role in this province. Specifically, the fit of NPs within the health system will be explored, as will issues related to scope of practice, funding, licensing, autonomy in practice, liability, trends of NP practice in North America, and the pivotal importance of forming supportive practice networks. Material related to leadership, change, research and education will be discussed. This course will be offered online. In order to provide a variety of perspectives, guest speakers will play a role in this course. |
3.0 |
| Clincal Courses: (28 credits) |
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NSNP 9100 |
Assessment and Management of Adults' Health and Illness-Clinical 1
The purpose of this six-credit course is to provide learners with opportunities to consolidate a systematic approach to the assessment of adults, and to diagnose patients presenting with common stable, single system health challenges in a variety of health care settings. In this course, learners will focus on assessment, analysis of symptoms, generating differential diagnoses, and selecting and interpreting appropriate diagnostic tests. In addition, learners will begin to consider treatment options. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing and accessing the appropriate resources to support diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. During this clinical course, learners will begin to recognize when to appropriately begin a referral process. Documentation and communication will also be a focus. This course is comprised of a combination of theory, lab, and clinical hours (minimum 150 hours), with an expert clinical preceptor in either a primary, acute, or long-term care setting, and is supported by a faculty liaison. This course will also include a mandatory on-campus residency of 5 or 6 days in duration. Prerequisites: NSNP 9000 and NSNP 9005 and NSNP 9010 and NSNP 9015 |
6.0 |
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NSNP 9200 |
Assessment and Management of Adults' Health and Illness-Clinical 2
The purpose of this course is to provide learners with opportunities to integrate learning from the first clinical course into the provision of care for clients with common acute and/or chronic conditions. In this course, learners will focus on assessment, analysis of symptoms, generating differential diagnoses, selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, and identifying treatment options in conjunction with their preceptors, in the context of common acute and/or chronic illness presentations. Emphasis will be placed on continuing to access the appropriate resources to support diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. During this clinical, learners will also continue to build on their knowledge of recognizing when to appropriately begin a referral process with a focus on how to accomplish effective referrals. Documentation, communication, and building partnerships with clients and other team members will also be highlighted. This course is comprised of a combination of lab and a minimum of 125 clinical hours with a clinical expert in a primary, acute, or long-term care setting and is supported by a faculty liaison. This course will also include a mandatory on-campus residency of 5 or 6 days in duration. Prerequisites: NSNP 9000 and NSNP 9005 and NSNP 9010 and NSNP 9015 and NSNP 9100 |
6.0 |
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NSNP 9300 |
Assessment and Management of Adults' Health and Illness-Clinical 3
The purpose of this clinical course is to provide learners with a significant block of clinical time during which to integrate learning from the theory and clinical courses into their practice when providing care for adult clients within an identified clinical focus area. In addition, a major focus is to provide learners with opportunities to assess, diagnose, and manage adult patients presenting with common health challenges within the identified clinical specialty. Learners will focus on consolidating skills in assessment, analysis of symptoms, generating differential diagnoses, selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, and identifying treatment options in the context of an adult population. In conjunction with their preceptors, learners will support and promote patients' capacities during all stages of diagnosis and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on accessing the appropriate resources related to support diagnostic and therapeutic decision making within the clinical focus area. During this preceptorship, learners will initiate referrals using appropriate documentation and communication. This course is comprised of a minimum of 400 clinical hours spent with a clinical expert in a primary, acute care or long term care setting, with the support of a faculty liaison. Prerequisites: NSNP 9000 and NSNP 9005 and NSNP 9010 and NSNP 9015 and NSNP 9100 and NSNP 9200 |
16.0 |
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| Total Credits: |
43.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Program length
BCIT policy allows students five years to complete the Graduate Certificate NP(A). This program requires intensive study and the application of theoretical knowledge to clinical practice is a key component of student success. The NP faculty recommends students take a minimum of one course per term until completion avoiding long gaps between courses whenever possible. This will enable the student to consolidate and apply their new knowledge in a timely manner.
Grading
Learners must obtain a minimum grade of 75% in order to proceed to the next course.
Program location
Theory courses are offered on line. Clinical courses are offered in, whenever possible, in a learner's home community. Students will be expected to come to the Burnaby campus at several points throughout the program. There is a two day orientation at the beginning of the program. In addition there are residency on-campus components in both the Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning course and the clinical courses.
graduating & jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduate Characteristics
The Graduate Certificate NP(A) program provides a broad range of perspectives, specialized knowledge, and skills. The intent is to build on learners' previous experience and education to prepare them to competently care for individuals, families, groups and populations.
The following graduate characteristics facilitate competence in advanced nursing practice:
- Development of reflective, analytic, critical-thinking skills
- Commitment to, and participation in, collaborative relationships
- Further development of verbal and written communication skills
- A strong commitment to evidence-based practice
- Expansion of professionalism through caring for and about individuals, families, groups and populations
- Ongoing engagement in personal and professional growth
Graduation from this program, and successful completion of the CRNBC Certification Exam, will prepare Registered Nurses to work as Nurse Practitioners within an adult population. NP(A)s will work in any setting from primary care to acute or long term care. This may mean working as a health care provider within a general practice, in a rural Health Center, and/or in a hospital setting.
Graduation from this program, and successful completion of the CRNBC Certification Exams, will prepare RNs to work as NPs within an adult population
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF, 561 KB] and submit to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Professional associations
Graduates from this program will be eligible to write the credentialing exam for Nurse Practitioner (Adult) offered through the CRNBC.
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
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