Overview
This highly niched program prepares you to work in the fast-paced, dynamic pediatric emergency care environment. No two shifts are the same, with pediatric patients who change constantly and have many different reasons for needing emergency care.
About the program
Pediatric Emergency nurses take on leadership, support, and decision-making roles to provide the best patient care possible. The only one of its kind in British Columbia, BCIT’s Advanced Certificate in Emergency Nursing with a Pediatric Emergency option educates registered nurses (RNs) from all over the world in pediatric emergency nursing. Our hands-on learning, clinical experiences, and expert faculty give you the skills employers seek.
- 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 clinical experiences in an emergency room setting (approximately 125 hours each)
Our program is comprehensive in theory and practical experience. Visit Program Details for more information.
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Are RNs looking for emergency certification or are completing their specialty BSN in emergency
- Are undergraduate nursing students currently completing an accredited BSN program (may take our first two required courses)
- Have six or more months of relevant work experience in an acute care setting
Nurses practicing in BC may be eligible for sponsorship through local health authorities, governing bodies, and other professional associations. Talk to your employer about career and educational opportunities.
See Entrance Requirements to learn more about entry requirements and details on applying.
Your work experience matters
At BCIT, we value your work experience. If you’ve been working as an emergency nurse, take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process and fast track your advanced certification education.
Interested in enhancing your skills in emergency and critical care nursing? See BCIT’s Combined Critical Care and Emergency and Combined Emergency and Critical Care program options.
What grads can do
Our grads are in demand. See Graduating and Jobs to learn more about career opportunities in emergency nursing.
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.
Study permit: 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.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
If you are an experienced emergency nurse with more than three years of full time nursing experience in the emergency department, then PLAR may be for you. PLAR is a process intended to provide students with an opportunity to receive credit for both credit-based and non-credit-based prior learning that has been acquired in a variety of ways, including work experience.
For additional information on PLAR and to order a PLAR manual, which explains the options in detail and guides you through the process, contact the Program Head.
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
Core course books for the Advanced Certificate program: $449
Please check the BCIT Bookstore for most current prices.
(general estimated cost, subject to change).
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: (42.0 credits) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NSCC 7150 | Dysrhythmia Interpretation and Management | 2.0 | |
| NSER 7110 | Emergency Nursing Theory 1 | 4.0 | |
| NSER 7210 | Emergency Nursing Theory 2 | 4.0 | |
| NSER 7300 | Emergency Nursing Clinical 1 | 5.0 | |
| NSER 7410 | Emergency Nursing Theory 3 | 4.0 | |
| NSER 7500 | Emergency Nursing Clinical 2 | 5.0 | |
| NSER 7610 | Pediatric Emergency Nursing Theory 1 | 4.0 | |
| NSER 7620 | Pediatric Emergency Nursing Theory 2 | 4.0 | |
| NSER 7630 | Pediatric Emergency Clinical | 5.0 | |
| NSER 7640 | Pediatric Emergency Nursing Theory 3 | 4.0 | |
| NSER 7650 | Pediatric Advanced Life Support | 1.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 42.0 | ||
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.
Program Details
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 telephone tutor support. They often include teleconferences, which provide opportunities for students and tutors to discuss issues relevant to the course. 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 4 to 6 weeks. If you live outside BC, clinical placements may be negotiated.
Nurses with three or more years of experience can apply for PLAR, Prior Learning Assessment recognition credits towards their Advanced Certificate.
Program length for the Advanced Certificate can range from 2 to 7 years depending on your individual pace. Preparedness for employment can take from 10 weeks to 1 year.
Additional program options
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are delivered through online learning.
Graduating & Jobs
Our grads are ready
Our grads can work anywhere in the world. Apply your learning to your current workplace or use your new expertise to transition into an emergency nursing career.
Career opportunities
Emergency registered nursing salaries start at $32 per hour. You can work in many areas, including:
- Hospital emergency departments and trauma centers
- Rural health centers
- Military trauma units
- Cruise ship nursing
- International travel nursing
- Private sector nursing working in industries and corporations such as oil, mining and gas.
- Flight nursing
Canadian Nurses Association
Graduates of the BCIT program are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing exam for Emergency 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 Bachelor of Science, Specialty Nursing degree.
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 National Emergency Nursing Affiliation (NENA), an organization that provides standards for emergency nursing care. Visit the NENA forum where emergency nurses can share ideas, promote emergency nursing education, and foster community relations.
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 reports present 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 2011-2013 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2010-2012 Graduates and for Degree 2009-2011 Graduates. The reports are organized into two-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.
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.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Professional associations
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.
Emergency Nurses Association of BC (ENABC)
ENABC is the professional organization for emergency nursing in BC. ENABC's main goal is to provide standards for emergency nursing care, offer a forum in which emergency nurses can exchange ideas, promote the specialized education of emergency nurses, and support community relations. ENABC has an affiliation with the National Emergency Nurses Association (NENA).
National Emergency Nurses Association (NENA)
NENA represents emergency nurses across Canada. The association works closely with the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) to improve quality of care in Canada's emergency settings. If you register with ENABC you are a member of NENA.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Soraida Ramazzini, RN, BSN
Program Head
sramazzini@bcit.ca
604-451-6979
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 6979
Maya Heskia
Program Assistant
maya_heskia@bcit.ca
604-451-7094
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7094
Contact Us
Jackie Sousa
Program Assistant
Jackie_sousa@bcit.ca
604-451-7094
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7094
Questions or comments?
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