The LPN Pathway – NBNP is a five consecutive semester degree program offered at the Fort St. John and Prince George, BC campuses. The LPN Pathway – NBNP is explicitly designed for graduates of Practical Nursing (PN) diploma programs recognized by BCCNM or elsewhere in Canada to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree. Graduates of the LPN Pathway - NBNP will be prepared to address the health care needs of rural and northern populations. As practitioners and leaders in northern B.C., graduates will contribute to improved health and health service delivery for people in the region.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Length of program: 5 consecutive semesters (Year 3 and 4 of BScN)
Campuses: Fort St. John, BC, & Prince George, BC
Experiential learning: Clinical, laboratory and simulation practice
Applications open:
Application deadline: For the Fall 2026 intake only, applications for entry into the LPN Pathway - NBNP wil continue to be accepted until March 09, 2026.
Information Session: TBA
What to Expect
The LPN Pathway – NBNP recognizes the significant education that has already been obtained by LPNs, as well as their practice experience, and will allow LPNs to be eligible for licensure with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) as Registered Nurses (RNs) upon their graduation from the program.
The LPN Pathway – NBNP requires students to take at least 51 credit hours of Nursing courses and 18 credit hours of specific required elective coursework. Students are expected to commit to a full-time program of combined theoretical and clinical coursework delivered over five consecutive semesters.
Program Requirements
300 Level
| NRSG 302-3 | Pathophysiological Concepts |
| NRSG 303-3 | Pharmacology |
| NRSG 304-3 | Ethics and Law for Nursing Practice |
| NRSG 305-3 | Concepts for Evidence-Informed Nursing |
400 Level#
| NRSG 400-3 | Nursing Leadership for Quality Care |
| NRSG 410-7 | Professional Practice: Mental Health |
| NRSG 411-7 | Professional Practice: Community Health Nursing |
| NRSG 412-7 | Professional Practice: Perinatal Health and Care of the Childbearing Family |
| NRSG 415-7 | Medical and Surgical Nursing Practice 2 |
At least one of the following areas of clinical focus:
| NURS 420- 8 | Community Health Nursing |
| NURS 461- 8 | Rural Health and Nursing |
| NURS 422- 8 | Indigenous Health and Nursing |
| NURS 432- 8 | Mental Health and Addictions Nursing |
| NURS 426 - 8 | Acute Care Nursing |
| NURS 435 - 8 | Pediatric Nursing |
| NURS 497 - 8 | Specialty Focus in Nursing |
| NURS 454-8 | Perinatal Care |
| NURS 455-8 | Foundations in Emergency and Trauma Nursing |
Eighteen credit hours chosen to fulfill the requirements below, and to ensure completion of a minimum of 128 credit hours. A course may not be used to satisfy the requirements in more than one category.
Students are strongly advised to complete the following required elective coursework prior to year 4:
- Three credit hours in Indigenous Studies (FNST) at any level
- Three credit hours in English (ENGL) at any level
- Three credit hours in microbiology (HHSC or BIOL) at any level;
- Three credit hours in Statistics (STAT) at any level, (or ECON 205-3)
- Three credit hours in Psychology (PSYC)) at any level;
- Three Credit hours in Social Science (i.e., ANTH, COMM, ECON, INTS, POLS, PSYC), at any level
NBNP Pre-admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission to the LPN Pathway - NBNP is a competitive, criteria-weighted process. This process consists of a compiled minimum admission qualification score based on a combination of admission GPA and supplemental application materials.
The fulfillment of admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the LPN Pathway - NBNP. The UNBC School of Nursing reserves the right to select and admit those applicants who demonstrate academic potential, strong motivation to study nursing, and the qualities, judgement, and clinical aptitude necessary to be a registered registered nurse.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- meet UNBC admission requirements;
- be a graduate of a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program recognized by BCCNM or a PN diploma program recognized by the PN regulatory body in another Canadian jurisdiction since 1994; and
- have completed 6 credit hours of university level Human Anatomy and Physiology (lab components highly recommended) with a minimum grade of B- within 10 years prior to the semester of admission.
Non-academic Requirements
Applicants must also submit the following documentation:
- Proof of current registration and license as a full scope Licensed Practical Nurse with BCCNM;
- A letter of recommendation from a current or most recent former employer demonstrating the applicant has at least two years of Acute Care experience in British Columbia as an LPN within the last five years. The referee submits the letter of recommendation directly to UNBC via the BScN Confidential Recommendation form;
- A current resume detailing education, work and volunteer experience, and any credentials, accomplishments, or experiences relevant to nursing;
- A personal statement outlining the reason(s) the LPN Pathway – NBNP is the applicant’s program of choice and demonstrating why the applicant is a suitable candidate for the program; and
- One additional work-related or academic reference letter submitted directly to UNBC via the BScN Confidential Reference form.
Seat Allocation
LPN Pathway – NBNP applicants are prioritized for 50% of NBNP seats at each of the two campuses where the NBNP is offered.
If the allocated NBNP seats listed below are not filled, UNBC will offer the remaining seats to other qualified NBNP applicants:
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- 25% of LPN Pathway – NBNP seats at each of the two campuses are allocated to self-identified Indigenous applicants
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- 50% of LPN Pathway – NBNP seats at the Peace-Liard Campus are allocated to applicants who have completed their PN diploma program, or a minimum of 15 university transfer credit hours (within 10 years prior to the semester of admission), at Northern Lights College.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit may be awarded for coursework completed at other recognized institutions. Applicants who are admitted to the LPN Pathway – NBNP will be awarded a block transfer of 53 credit hours. The total transfer credit awarded on the basis of acceptable courses completed at other institutions may not exceed 77 credit hours. All transfer credit used to meet elective requirements must normally be completed within 10 years prior to the semester of admission.
Post Admission Requirements
Successful applicants to the LPN Pathway – NBNP will be required to submit the following: a Criminal Record Check (CRC), Basic Life Support certification (BLS), and proof of immunizations required by the program.
Apply to the LPN Pathway – NBNP
To begin the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program application process, please download the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program checklist below and follow the instructions.
Application and all admission documents must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. If you have application questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 250-960-6300 or email nursing-admissions@unbc.ca.
Additional information
It is highly recommended that applicants review the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives – Registration Requirements and the Profile of a Newly Graduated Registered Nurse on the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives website to find out further information about entry-level registered nurse competencies, preparation and practice assumptions.
