Practical Nursing, Diploma at Camosun College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-04-13

Program overview

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Program overview

The Practical Nursing Program at Camosun College offers a comprehensive education that equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to become effective practical nurses. Starting in September, this program emphasizes foundational nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical judgment tailored to the practical nursing role. Students will learn to provide care across various phases, including prevention, acute treatment, management, long-term, and palliative care. Graduates will be prepared to work collaboratively within health care teams, ensuring safe and ethical nursing care for clients at all life stages.

Program structure

The Practical Nursing Diploma program is designed to be completed in a 20-month timeframe, providing a full-time study option. The program structure includes:

Four theory terms with 5-6 courses each term.
Class time and nursing practice hours scheduled for a maximum of 25 hours per week.
Expectations of 3 to 4 hours of preparation, review, and studying per day.
Clinical placements primarily located within Greater Victoria, which may include evenings and weekends.

This program also includes supervised practice, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for various health care environments, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the practical nursing profession.

Featured Experiences

The Practical Nursing Program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Supervised practice opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings.
Collaboration with health care professionals to provide direct nursing care.
Exposure to a variety of health care environments, including acute care hospitals and community care settings.
Access to faculty-led info sessions to address student queries and provide guidance.

These experiences are designed to ensure that students not only learn the necessary skills but also gain confidence in their ability to provide quality nursing care.

Career Options

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Diploma program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Community Health Nurse: Work with individuals and families in community settings to promote health and wellness.
Home Care Nurse: Deliver nursing care to patients in their homes, focusing on rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
Acute Care Nurse: Assist in the care of patients in hospitals, providing support during critical health situations.
Palliative Care Nurse: Offer compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life.

These roles highlight the versatility and demand for practical nurses in various health care settings, ensuring a rewarding career path for graduates.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Camosun College official website

Last updated on 2026-04-13

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Practical Nursing Diploma program, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

One of the following:

C+ in English 12
C in Camosun Alternative

One of the following:

C in Math 11
C in Camosun Alternative

And all of the following:

C+ in PNUR 101 or equivalent
Grade 12 graduation or equivalent

Note: A C or higher in Anatomy and Physiology 12 is a prerequisite for PNUR 101. Camosun College courses BIOL 150 and BIOL 151, or BIOL 152 and BIOL 153, or BIOL 143 and BIOL 144 may be used as alternatives to PNUR 101.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International Students: For international students, it is essential to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be achieved through:

Three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction.
If the above is not met, scores from one of the following tests are required:
- IELTS with minimum scores:
  - Speaking: 7.0
  - Listening: 7.5
  - Reading: 6.5
  - Writing: 7.0
  - Overall Band Score: 7.0
- CELBAN with minimum scores:
  - Speaking: 8.0
  - Listening: 10.0
  - Reading: 8.0
  - Writing: 7.0

NOTE: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students unable to complete an IELTS or CELBAN assessment may demonstrate English-language proficiency by achieving the following scores on the TOEFL Home Edition:

Speaking: 23
Listening: 27
Reading: 19
Writing: 27
Overall Band Score: 96

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To be admitted to the Practical Nursing Diploma program at Camosun College, you must meet one of the following English proficiency requirements:

IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 overall (no sub-score less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT score of 78 overall (no sub-score less than 19)
PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online score of 54 overall (no sub-score less than 50)
Cambridge Assessment of English: C1 Advanced score of 174 overall (no sub-score less than 169)
CAEL CE score of 60 overall (no sub-score less than 60)

Note: Your test results must be from the past two years. Some programs may require higher scores than these minimum requirements. Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2026-04-13

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
May 2026	Closed	Not Available	2026-02-01	Not Available
September 2026	Closed	Not Available	2026-05-15	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	2026-10-01	Not Available