Overview

If you are a Long Term or Residential Care nurse interested in Specialty Nursing courses it is important that you have recent experience in an acute care setting. Specialty Nursing requires that you have a minimum of between 6 and 12 months of recent acute care experience in the workplace. If you do not have the required experience Kwantlen College offers courses that provide reviews of acute care principles.

The initial course involves an individual self assessment, multiple choice exam and practice simulation, after which a specific curriculum is designed to update a nurse’s experience and skills. These courses may be required for admission in the Specialty Nursing programs depending upon current levels of knowledge and experience. For more information on Kwantlen’s offerings please visit:

Competency Assessment & Enhancement for Nursing Program (CAEN) PNCA 9000

Please note that if you are currently registered with the British Columbia Nurse’s Union (BCNU) you may be eligible for funding and bursaries. For more information, please visit the BCNU Bursaries and Funding page.

If you are uncertain if your work experience qualifies as recent acute care experience, please contact the pertinent Program Head for guidance.