Built on a unique partnership between practice and academia, the Rural Nursing Certificate Program (RNCP) was developed by the Provincial Chief Nursing Officer Council (CNOs), BC's Health Authorities, and UNBC. It provides Registered Nurses (RNs) with the opportunity to pursue concentrated coursework in rural nursing through specialty education.

The curriculum is practice-driven, evidence informed and reality-based, and is designed to be completed on a part-time basis through distance education, workshops, and clinical placements. The program consists of seven courses (30 credit hours) aimed at preparing nurses for confident, competent, and safe rural practice. Coursework includes: Health Assessment and RN First Call; Chronic Disease Management, Palliative Care and Wound Care; Nursing Practice with Older Persons; Perinatal Care; Foundations in Emergency and Trauma Nursing; Mental Health and Addictions, and; Living and Working in a Rural Community.

RNs with a Registered Nurse Diploma may be eligible to take five courses (15 credit hours) in addition to the Rural Nursing Certificate in order to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).

Admission occurs annually in September and January. For official course scheduling details, please visit the university's course information found here.

Admission Requirements for the Program

Certified Practice

Contact

Post-RN and Graduate Nursing Programs Advisor
Email: rncpadvising@unbc.ca