With the projected demand for nurses, psych nurses, health care assistants, and other healthcare professionals on the rise, the need for trained and qualified individuals is high, according to WorkBC. In fact, the health sector is one of the largest in the province in terms of workers, and one of the fastest growing, with an average rate of 3.2% annually for the past decade. Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Faculty of Health is home to a range of programs preparing the next generation of caregivers and healthcare professionals for exciting careers and in-demand careers.
Get the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a range of careers in the health foundations program. Students who complete the program can enter into nursing programs in the Faculty of Health, other undergraduate programs at KPU, or additional post-secondary studies at other institutions. Courses in the certificate program include: introduction to health research, introduction to health science, and an introduction to psychology.
Interested in nursing? In addition to the bachelor of science in nursing, KPU provides students who already hold an undergraduate degree the option to complete the program in seven semesters, with courses in nursing applications, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and more.
Or, train to work in addiction facilities, acute care, intermediate or long term hospital settings, clinics, and community health centres with a bachelor of psychiatric nursing. Explore issues and trends in mental health, health care ethics, and more. KPU also provides a degree completion option for registered nurses looking to complete psych nursing credentials.
For learners who hold international nursing credentials, the university offers a certificate program to prepare for practice in Canada, as required by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC). A certificate program for Canadian nurses who need to meet specific requirements for registration with CRNBC is also available.
Recently, KPU launched a diploma in traditional Chinese medicine-acupuncture, the first program of this nature to be offered at a public, post-secondary institution in BC. Combining ancient Chinese philosophy with Western biomedical science, the program requires learners to actively engage in the community and includes 460 hours of practice. Topics in the program include: acupuncture technique, acupuncture safety, East Asian health and philosophy, and acupuncture musculoskeletal management.
The Faculty of Health also offers a health care assistant program, training front-line caregivers to work in a variety of settings including complex care, assisted living, and home support; and a health unit coordinator program which prepares students for a supportive clerical role in health care environments.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University proudly puts education in action offering a range of degree, diploma, certificate, and citation programs to ensure you graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact on your community. Turn what you love into your life at KPU: where thought meets action. Learn more about the Faculty of Health at a free upcoming information session. For details or to register visit kpu.ca/health
