Course Overview
This introductory course is unique in Canada. It introduces health care professionals to the complex biopsychosocial role that sexual health has in patient care and best practice standards for this practice. The course uncovers the interplay between physiological, psychological and social contexts of sexuality and sexual function through an exploration of the health care professional's personal values and beliefs around sexuality. The course explores sexual issues stemming from medical, surgical and psychiatric illnesses, with a focus on chronic illness and disability including: An in-depth exploration of issues faced by our patient populations, exposure to modes of therapies and treatments for sexual health concerns, instruction on methods for sexual interviewing and history-taking and discussion of educational and counselling theories and methods. This course was developed in conjunction with industry partners, including the BC Centre for Sexual Medicine and Sexual Health Rehabilitation Service (Vancouver Coastal Health), Men's Health Initiative of British Columbia, the University of British Columbia's departments of psychiatry, gynecology and urologic sciences, and the Rick Hansen Institute (funding partner).
Prerequisite(s)
- This in an introductory course open to all healthcare professionals including undergraduate learners in their final year of study or completing research in this area. Registrants include Registered Nurses & Allied health professionals and must have (or be enrolled in) a diploma or degree in a health profession or discipline, which may include (Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical interns or residents, Physicians, Kinesiologists, Massage therapists, Midwives, Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Social Workers).
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$982.79
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
As a healthcare practitioner, you are expected to follow professional standards of practice throughout all SN programs and courses. In this course, you will have opportunities to use the processes of critical thinking, systematic inquiry, communication, collaboration, leadership, professionalism, and clinical decision-making. Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Provide culturally responsive and value-neutral sexual rehabilitation care.
- Demonstrate the use of a biopsychosocial approach in sexual health care.
- Describe the components of the Sexual Rehabilitation Framework.
- Apply the Sexual Rehabilitation Framework to assess for and provide sexual health care.
- Identify the emotional/social sexual implications for clients experiencing a range of disabilities, chronic illnesses and age-related changes.
- Identify treatment options and resources available for sexual adaptation following disability, chronic illness and aging.
- Discuss with clients how sexual response and reproductive health may change with disability, chronic illness and aging in relation to physical limitations.
- Exemplify ethical standards and professionalism in therapeutic communication with sexual health care clients.
- Educate health care professionals on how to integrate sexual health assessment and care into their practice and refer clients to specialized services when required.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2023
Related Programs
Introduction to Sexual Health Rehabilitation (NSPN 7741) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Health Sciences
- Perinatal Nursing Specialty (Standard Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Sexual Health Rehabilitation
Microcredential Part-time
- Specialty Nursing (Perinatal - Standard Option)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of NSPN 7741 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 49529
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 27 Loading
- CRN 49529
- $982.79 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 27 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Chris Zarowski
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Please request registration approval and provide details of your work and educational background in a health profession or discipline. This course is eligible for students to receive funding through the StrongerBC future skills grant at www.bcit.ca/financial-aid/strongerbc-future-skills-grant/. Students will register for the course themselves and then apply for the StrongerBC future skills grant to cover payment (if eligible).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.