Academic Partnerships

For more than 55 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges – across BC and around the world. With five campuses and over 50,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT is one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes.

The BCIT School of Health Sciences offers a depth and breadth of health education unmatched by other post-secondary institutions. From Occupational Health & Safety, to Radiation Therapy, Environmental Health and Specialty Nursing, you will learn from industry practitioners and get real-world experience. With 32 programs the School of Health Sciences offers an education that can open the door to a highly-rewarding and challenging career that makes a difference.

BCIT Nursing & Specialty Nursing Programs:

• Specialty Nursing (For Registered Nurses)
  • Critical Care
  • Emergency
  • Forensic Nursing
  • Neonatal
  • Nephrology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Perinatal
  • Perioperative

Founded in 1970, Douglas College is the largest degree-granting college in British Columbia, Canada, educating close to 25,000 students per year. The College has two major campuses in Metro Vancouver (New Westminster and Coquitlam) as well as several smaller training centres in Surrey, Burnaby and Maple Ridge. With both main campuses directly on SkyTrain lines, Douglas is one of the most accessible post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver, drawing students from across the region.

Douglas offers the most bachelor’s degrees and post-degree programs of any college in B.C., and is noted for combining the academic foundations of a university with the career-ready skills of a college. Each year, close to 17,000 students (including 4,210 international students from over 92 countries) take for-credit courses at Douglas. Because of the college’s strong academic base, the majority of these for-credit courses transfer to different research universities in B.C. and across Canada, providing students with flexible pathways to reach their academic goals.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is committed to providing superior nursing education. Graduates are educated to become professional, ethical, culturally sensitive, and competent nurses. They are leaders, life-long learners who collaborate interprofessionally and care for individuals, families, groups and communities.

The curriculum conceptual framework is comprised of the concepts of relational practice, critical inquiry, leadership and ethics of care with a focus on health promotion and inter-professional collaboration. Integration and application of theoretical knowledge and skills to nursing practice is emphasized.

Creative and innovative teaching and learning strategies are used within classroom, lab, and nursing practice settings. Learning opportunities promote critical thinking, evidenced informed practice and leadership skills in various practice settings such as: medicine, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, community and mental health.

various practice settings such as: medicine, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, community and mental health.

Bonn-Tien Mark – Douglas College Bachelor of Science in Nursing grad

Courses offered:

• Emergency Mental Health: Framework for Practice (CMHC 711)
• Emergency Mental Health: Clinical and Diagnostic Concepts (CMHC 712)
• Emergency Mental Health Practicum (CMHC 713)

For a more detailed overview of the Certificate in Mental Health program offered by Douglas College please click here.

Humber College is focused on our students' future. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 33,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time and continuing education students across three campuses. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies.

Humber’s Continuing Professional Learning Post-Graduate Nursing certificates focus on providing RNs and RPNs with certifications in Cardiology, Nephrology, Emergency, ICU, Obstetrics, and the Operating Room to practise in acute settings. Courses are delivered through an interactive online format as well as in our state-of-the-art labs. Learners are taught by experts in their fields who bring both theoretical knowledge and personal experience into the classes. Lab sizes are kept small to ensure individual attention while learning and mastering new skills.

Courses offered:

Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness Nursing Program Certificates

Lactation Support Certificate
This certificate introduces the learner to assessment and management of common breastfeeding concerns in the mother's initial learning process. Students are encouraged to critically examine their breastfeeding knowledge base, attitudes and biases. Discussions will be based on current research findings. Emphasis is placed on examining how to establish a baby-friendly environment in the hospital and community.

Critical Care Nursing Introductory Certificate (ICU Level 2)
Level 2 ICU units provide service to meet the needs of patients who require detailed observation or intervention including support for a failed organ system(s), short-term non-invasive ventilation or post-operative care as defined by Critical Care Services Ontario (CCS).

Students will learn post-graduate nursing assessment; evidence-informed nursing interventions; and how to develop collaborative and consultative partnerships with Level 2 ICU clients, their support systems and other health-care practitioners. Learners will also develop high-level critical thinking, care planning, leadership and professional practice skills.

Critical Care Nursing Advanced Certificate (ICU Level 3)
The Intensive Care Unit - Level 3 Nursing certificate program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their practice in Critical Care nursing. Critical care Services Ontario Definition Level 3 units are capable of providing the highest level of service to meet the needs of patients who require advanced or prolonged respiratory support—including invasive ventilator support—or basic respiratory support together with the support of more than one organ system.

Emergency Nursing – RN
The Emergency Nursing - RN certificate is designed for RNs employed in and/or seeking to advance their practice in emergency nursing. Participants will learn nursing assessment; evidence-informed nursing interventions; and how to develop collaborative and consultative partnerships with clients, their support systems and other health-care practitioners. You will develop high-level critical thinking, care planning, leadership and professional practice skills.

This certificate is based on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) competencies for emergency nurses and completion of the certificate academically prepares students for the Emergency Nursing Certification Exam.

The Nephrology Nursing – RN
The Nephrology Nursing - RN certificate program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) employed in and/or seeking to advance their practice in nephrology nursing. Students will learn nephrology nursing assessment and evidence-based nursing interventions, as well as how to develop collaborative and consultative partnerships with nephrology clients, their support systems and other health-care practitioners. Practice specialties include care of the clients with advanced kidney disease, renal transplantation, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis as well as end-of-life planning and pharmacology. Students will also develop high-level critical thinking, care planning, leadership and professional practice skills.

This certificate is based on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) competencies for nephrology nurses and completion of the certificate academically prepares students for the Nephrology Certification Exam

Obstetric Nursing – RN
This certificate is designed for RNs employed in and/or seeking to advance their practice in obstetric nursing following a holistic, comprehensive model of care. Content spans pregnancy through postpartum and newborn. It includes understanding historical perspectives and current themes, relevant assessments, evidence-informed nursing interventions, and development of collaborative partnerships with obstetrical clients, families, support persons, and other interprofessional team members.

There are opportunities for developing high level critical thinking, care planning, leadership and professional practice skills while exploring personal reflection and ethics. Special attention is paid to current trends in maternity care in diverse hospital and community settings in Canada. This certificate is based on the Canadian Association of Perinatal and Women’s Health Nurses (CAPWHN) Perinatal nursing standards in Canada and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) competencies for perinatal nurses. Completion of the certificate academically prepares the learner for the Perinatal Nursing Certification Exam.

Operating Room – RN
The Operating Room Nursing certificate program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their practice in perioperative nursing. This certificate is based on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) competencies for perioperative nurses, current research, and adheres to the current Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) Standards, Guidelines, and Position Statements for Perioperative Registered Nurses.

MacEwan University has a long-standing history of providing quality nursing education that is relevant to and reflective of current nursing practice in the province and across Canada. The Faculty of Nursing and the new Professional Health Education department at the School of Continuing Education offer opportunities for acquiring and maintaining credentialing requirements, professional development and lifelong learning that supports Nurses in their practice and commitment to care.

The Faculty of Nursing includes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree, Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) degree, Psychiatric Nursing Diploma, and specialty post-diploma programs such as:

Occupational Health Nursing (Post Diploma Certificate) – In this part-time, distance certificate, nurses design and implement health and safety programs that protect workers from hazards in the workplace. Nurses play an important role in preventing illness and injury and place workers in jobs suited to their physical, mental and psychosocial abilities. Hours: 480 hours.

Perioperative Nursing for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses (Post Diploma Certificate). Pursue a career in surgical nursing with this combination of online courses and onsite labs. Gain the hands-on skills required to work alongside surgeons and other health-care professionals in the challenging, fast-paced and team-oriented environment of the operating room. Hours: 564 hours (120 Theory- 64 Lab – 380 Clinical)

The Professional Health Education department at the School of Continuing Education includes the following programs:

Critical Care/Emergency Nursing (Certificate of Achievement) - The anatomic structure and physiologic function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurologic and gastrointestinal systems are reviewed. In emergency nursing anatomy and physiology are integrated into the health history and physical assessment findings of the adult and pediatric emergency clients. Medical math and calculations, professionalism and interdisciplinary teamwork in relation to ER clients is examined. Critical care nursing integrates theory and application of clinical judgement related to specific disorders common to the critical care along with rare but life-threatening situations. Pathophysiology, relevant assessment findings, prioritization of problems, appropriate interventions and management; and pharmacological and technological interventions are discussed. Hours: 165 theory hours.

All courses and programs listed are provided and recognized in partnership with Canadian Nurses Association.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis. Learning takes place at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.

Courses offered:

Perioperative Nursing

Critical Care Nursing

Occupational Health Nursing

The Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers offers performance based education programming in specialty practice areas and entry-level nursing. These competency based programs are comprised of knowledge, skills, simulation and clinical practicums  designed to meet the needs of learners across Nova Scotia and strengthen our health care system. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programming that enables providers to develop and maintain foundational and specialty competencies.

Courses offered:

Links to the courses that meet CNA certification criteria:

• Critical Care Nursing Program (CCNP)
• Emergency Nursing Program (ENP)
• Family Practice Nursing Education Program (FPNEP)
• Mental Health and Addictions Nursing Specialty Program (MHANSP)
• Perioperative Nursing Program (PONP) 

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity that serves a community of professional specialized nurses dedicated to advancing the practice and delivery of expert healthcare to individuals with wound, ostomy and continence issues. We believe that every person deserves specialized wound, ostomy and continence care. Through specialized education, effective advocacy and support of evidence based practice, we create a national network to enhance professional growth for 700+ members to improve patient outcomes. NSWOCC wholly owns and operates the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute provides accessible communities of learning through state of the art, innovative education programs for all nurses and allied healthcare professionals to promote specialized knowledge, skills and judgment in wound, ostomy and continence management.

Courses offered:

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program

Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program

Practice Enrichment Programs (Wound, Ostomy, or Continence)