Overview
The BCIT Critical Care Nursing Specialty is an exciting and dynamic program that prepares registered nurses (RNs) with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to work in all levels of intensive care units (from community/rural to tertiary and quaternary), coronary care and cardiac surgery intensive care units, and post anesthetic care units.
About the program
This program has a reputation for delivering educational excellence that supports effective clinical judgment. The Critical Care nursing faculty is known for their commitment to student learning progress. Our faculty gives you individual support and a high quality of learning to help you succeed.
We prepare you to care for patients who are seriously ill and facing life-threatening problems due to trauma, illness or major surgery. Whether patients are injured or in failing health, part of this care is supporting patients’ families who are going through difficult and stressful times. It can be a demanding and challenging career, yet very rewarding. Our graduates have the passion and commitment to provide excellence in critical care nursing practice.
- Part-time, advanced certificate program that takes an average of 2.5 years to complete
- Distance and online learning gives you flexibility to learn at your own pace
- Two, full-time clinical experiences in an ICU/CCU unit
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Are existing registered nurses (RNs) who want critical care nursing certification, or to complete their specialty Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in critical care
- Are undergraduate nursing students currently completing an accredited BSN program seeking an elective (typically NSCC 7120 or NSCC 7150) to complete their BSN program
- Have six months or more (preferably one year) relevant work experience in an acute care setting
- Are able to make effective decisions while managing rapidly changing patient situations
- Are able to communicate well with their team, patients, and patients’ families
Does this sound like you? See Entrance Requirements to discover more about requirements and how to apply.
Your work experience matters
At BCIT, we value your work experience. If you’ve been working as a critical care nurse, take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process and fast track your advanced certification education.
Interested in enhancing your skills in critical care and emergency nursing? See BCIT’s Combined Critical Care and Emergency and Combined Emergency and Critical Care program options.
What grads can do
We prepare you to work in intensive care, cardiac care, and cardiac surgical units; all levels of intensive care units, from community/rural to tertiary and quaternary; coronary care and cardiac surgery intensive care units; and post anesthetic care units. See Graduating and Jobs to learn more about career opportunities.
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Entrance Requirements
Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.
Entrance requirements
The following are requirements for entry into Specialty Nursing certificate and degree courses. Enforcement or waiving of any or all entry requirements is at the discretion of the program head.
If you have any questions about your experience or qualifications, please contact the program head.
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary education: diploma in nursing
- Current practicing registration with one of the following:
- BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) or
- Canadian provincial equivalent or
- Registered Nurse (RN) license number (if practicing outside Canada)
- Work Experience: minimum six months work experience in an acute care setting
Submit a resume of work experience with your application.
Exceptions may be granted for undergraduate students taking entry-level theory courses or new graduates. A resume is required for placement in the program. If you have questions about whether your work experience qualifies, please contact the program head.
Interested nurses from international practice, residential, or other areas of care lacking recent (within two years) acute care experience may be required to complete a refresher course. BCIT recommends the following programs:
- Douglas College
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Thompson Rivers University
Please contact one of the institutions above, as well as the program head, to determine an appropriate preparatory course of study.
Clinical requirements
Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.
As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times prior to being placed in your clinical studies.
Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification
All students participating in clinical courses must have current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Level C or Level Health Care Provider (HCP). The original certificate must be presented upon application to the clinical courses.
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration
As well as providing this information at the time of admission, BCIT requires students to provide proof of BCCNM membership, Canadian provincial equivalent, or RN license number for each clinical course. Without proper registration, you will not be permitted to continue in the course.
Face Respirator Fit Testing
A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.
For the Respirator Fit Testing, fit testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s or 1870) is required and must be performed, in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit Testing must also include, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions in preparation for their fit testing by the provider they choose.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid work permit in Canada that will be valid for the duration of clinical training.
International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Program declaration
Please contact the program assistant to declare this program.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
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Costs & Supplies
Face respirator fit testing – approx $25 per year; annual re-fitting required.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
Books & supplies
Codes for the e-texts can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore.- Go back Entrance Requirements
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Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: (27.0 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
NSCC 7120 | Critical Care Nursing Theory 1 | 4.0 | |
NSCC 7150 | Dysrhythmia Interpretation and Management | 2.0 | |
NSCC 7220 | Critical Care Nursing Theory 2 | 3.0 | |
NSCC 7320 | Critical Care Nursing Theory 3 | 5.0 | |
NSCC 7420 | Critical Care Nursing Clinical 1 | 5.0 | |
NSCC 7520 | Critical Care Nursing Theory 4 | 4.0 | |
NSCC 7620 | Critical Care Nursing Clinical 2 | 4.0 | |
Total Credits: | 27.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
BCIT’s Critical Care Nursing Specialty program prepares RNs to practice in intensive care units, cardiac care units and cardiac surgical units in all levels of intensive care units (from community/rural to tertiary and quaternary), coronary care and cardiac surgery intensive care units, and post anesthetic care units. The courses and program have been designed and created through collaboration among practising critical care nurses, nursing unit managers, hospital educators, learners in the program and BCIT critical care nursing faculty; and therefore reflect the perspectives of learners, practitioners and educators.
The Critical Care program can lead to two levels of qualification:
- Experienced Registered Nurses can earn a certificate in Critical Care Nursing after completing 27 credits.
- Diploma RN graduates can earn Bachelor of Science in Specialty Nursing (BSN SN) after completing an additional 33 credits (for a total of 60 credits).
Nurses interested in both critical care and emergency nursing can focus on the Combined Critical Care/Emergency Nursing Option.
To be successful in the Critical Care Nursing program, you need:
- Excellent critical thinking skills.
- The ability to make sound clinical judgments.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively with patients, family members and a health-care team.
- Flexibility in managing rapidly changing patient situations.
- Motivation and energy to learn and expand your practice.
Nurses interested in the Critical Care program should have a minimum of six months (preferably one year) of recent experience on an acute care unit. For interested nurses from international practice, residential or other areas of care, a refresher course in acute care may be required. BCIT recommends the following programs:
Please contact one of the institutions above, as well as the Critical Care program at BCIT, to determine an appropriate preparatory course of study.
For nurses with a shared interest in both Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, BCIT offers combined programs.
Combined Critical Care/Emergency Option – designed for nurses who work in a community hospital and spend the majority of their time is working in the intensive care unit with some responsibilities in the emergency department.
Combined Emergency/Critical Care Option – designed for nurses who work in a community or rural hospital and spend the majority of their time working in the emergency department with some responsibilities in the intensive care unit.
The Critical Care Nursing program is composed of four theory, one theory/clinical course and two clinical courses. Application of new knowledge is supported by use of practice-based narrative cases, interactive learning activities, high fidelity simulation and extensive clinical practice experiences. These experiences enable nurses to develop clinical decision-making processes necessary for the provision of effective nursing care for critically ill patients and families. The curriculum focuses on pathophysiology and comprehensive assessment of the patients’ needs through analyzing oxygen supply and demand imbalances.
Clinical courses are typically offered as instructor led experiences in 3-5 week full time blocks. Applicants for clinical are required to provide proof of current nursing registration in a Canadian Province or Territory and current basic cardiac life support (BCLS) within the previous 2 years. In selected situations, clinical experience with a preceptor can be arranged.
Graduates of the combined Critical Care/Emerg or Emerg/Critical Care programs are prepared to begin practice in a community or rural intensive care unit as well as the emergency department. Additional critical care courses are typically required if students chose to purse employment in tertiary or quaternary intensive care units. intensive and cardiac care and may have chosen to and have completed an introduction to one of the following: multiple organ dysfunction syrdrome, cadiogenic shock, cardiac surgical nursing, surgery and post anaesthetic care, or explore to critical care nursing in rural or community settings.
Program length
The length of the program varies, as it is offered in a variety of formats:
BCIT offers theory and some clinical courses by part-time, independent study. We deliver theory courses over a 12-week term using guided-learning modules and on-line learning with tutor support. If you work full-time, you would generally register for one theory course per term, although this can vary depending on your additional commitments.
Through independent study, learn in your own community and structure your learning schedule in a manner that is most convenient for you. Complete full-time clinical courses at clinical sites throughout BC, over 3 to 4 weeks. If you live outside BC, clinical placements may be negotiated.
Most Specialty Nursing programs arrange special offerings of courses as "Compressed time frame programs". Offered in full-time study formats, they enable you to take several courses over a specified period of time. If you are interested in this option of study, contact the Program Head for more information and program start dates.
Nurses with relevant experience and/or previous courses can request assessment for appropriate placement within the program. Please contact the program for prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit.
Maximum program length for either the Advanced Certificate or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is seven years.
Additional program options
Note: Applicants who already possess High Acuity Specialty Nursing courses (NSHA 7100, NSCC 7150, NSHA 7201 and NSHA 7300) or Emergency Nursing Specialty courses (NSER 7110, NSCC 7150 and NSER 7210) are eligible to complete the Critical Care Nursing Specialty Certificate by completing: NSCC 7320, NSCC 7420, NSCC 7520 and NSCC 7620.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are delivered through distance and online learning.
Continue your education
BCIT School of Health Sciences offers two levels of credential in Specialty Nursing:
- Advanced Certificate of 27 credits for Critical Care Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Specialty Nursing (Critical Care). This is the only degree program in BC that prepares registered nurses for employment in Critical Care units/areas. The degree program is a total of 60 credits comprising:
- 27 credits granted for the Critical Care Nursing Advanced Certificate
- 21 specialty and core nursing credits
- 12 liberal studies credits.
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Graduating & Jobs
Our grads are ready
Whether you choose to complete the full advanced certificate or take courses as you and your employer need them, our critical care specialty will equip you to thrive in this important area of patient care.
Career opportunities
Registered nurses with the critical care specialty work in hospitals and have salaries starting at approximately $32 per hour.
Canadian Nurses Association
Graduates of the BCIT program are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing exam for Critical Care Nursing through the CNA Certification Program. CNA views certification as a method of validating nurses’ competence in an area of specialization within the field of nursing. BCIT Specialty Nursing graduates can receive a credit of up to 1,000 hours towards their initial certification examination.
Keep learning
Looking to get your BSN? Use your advanced certificate toward completing our Specialty Bachelors of Nursing program.
Beginning in 2018, BCIT Specialty Nursing Advanced Certificate Graduates can apply to receive transfer credits towards the online, two-year UVIC Master of Nursing program. Applicants can chose from the Advanced Practice Leadership of Nurse Educator options.
Join the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN). This non-profit organization works to maintain and enhance the quality of care provided to critically ill patients and their families.
Health Match BC
Health Match BC is a new service that helps recent specialty nursing graduates find work within BC. Funded by the provincial government, Health Match BC prioritizes the hiring of BC nursing graduates. For more information, download the Health Match BC [PDF].
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Professional associations
The Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN) is the professional organization for Critical Care nurses in BC. CACCN is a non-profit, specialty organization dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of care provided to critically ill patients and their families.
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has the mission of advancing the practice and profession of nursing to improve health outcomes and strengthen Canada’s publicly funded, not-for-profit health system. Toward this end, it promotes high standards of practice, education, research, and administration. The CNA is the national and global professional voice of Canadian nursing, representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed and registered practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and retired nurses across all provinces and territories.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Luda Krapchan, RN, MN, CNCC(C)
Program Head
604-451-7193
lkrapchan@bcit.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-663-6542 ext 7193
Jenna Coroliuc
Program Assistant
604-451-7103
jenna_coroliuc@bcit.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-663-6542 ext 7103
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Contact Us
Jenna Coroliuc
Program Assistant
Jenna_Coroliuc@bcit.ca
604-451-7103
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7103
Questions or comments?
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