Overview
Nephrology nurses work closely with patients who require ongoing care or life-sustaining treatment. Using dialysis, renal transplantation, and other treatment methods, nephrology nurses manage illnesses such as chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Their work directly impacts quality-of-life and end-of-life care for renal patients.
About the program
The only academic renal nursing program in Western Canada, BCIT’s Nephrology Nursing Advanced Specialty program equips you to work in any renal healthcare setting in Canada. As renal disease becomes more prevalent, the demand for our grads rises. They are ready to start working from day one.
- Part-time, advanced certificate program that takes an average of two years to complete
- Distance, online learning offers flexibility to keep working as you study
- Three clinical experiences in a health authority
Our curriculum is guided by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) nephrology nursing competencies and the standards of practice for the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists. Visit Program Details to find out more about studying nephrology nursing at BCIT.
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Are current practicing Registered Nurses (RNs) wanting an advanced nephrology nursing certification, or to complete their specialty Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in nephrology
- Are nephrology nurses seeking professional development, advancement, and continuing education opportunities
- Are undergraduate nursing students currently completing an accredited BSN program
- Are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) wanting to successfully complete the Nephrology Nursing Specialty compressed time frame program (CTF)
- Have six or more months of relevant work experience in an acute or critical care setting
Does this sound like you? See Program Entry to discover more about entry requirements and how to apply.
Your work experience matters
At BCIT, we value your work experience. If you’ve been working as a nephrology nurse, take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process and fast track your advanced certification education.
What grads can do
Our grads are in demand, and all of them find work soon after graduation. See Graduating and Jobs for more information.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
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.
The Nephrology Nursing program can lead to two levels of qualification:
- Experienced Registered Nurses can earn an advance certificate in Nephrology Nursing after completing 25 credits.
- Diploma RN graduates can earn Bachelor of Science in Specialty Nursing (BSN SN) after completing an additional 35 credits (for a total of 60 credits).
To be successful in the Nephrology 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 clients, family members and a health-care team.
- Flexibility in managing rapidly changing client situations.
- Motivation and energy to learn and expand your practice.
Nurses interested in the Nephrology Nursing program should have a minimum of twelve months 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 Nephrology Nursing program at BCIT, to determine an appropriate preparatory course of study.
Learn more on our Program Details and Courses pages.
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.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Experienced Nephrology nurses have a variety of opportunities to gain advanced placement in our program. We invite nurses with experience to challenge courses in the program by demonstrating knowledge in relation to the learning intentions of each of the courses being challenged. In addition, prior learning assessment processes provide an opportunity to gain credit for the first four courses. Please contact the program head if you wish to investigate these possibilities.
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Costs & Supplies
Face respirator fit testing – approx $25 per year; annual re-fitting required.
Total cost of materials for this program will be approximately $525.
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
The program requires four texts for a cost of approximately $335. The Renal Nursing text has an e-book option. Cost of all the texts including optional texts is $525.
Please check the BCIT Bookstore for most current prices.
(general estimated cost, subject to change).
- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: (25.0 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
NSNN 7200 | Nephrology Nursing Theory 1: Introduction | 3.0 | |
NSNN 7300 | Nephrology Nursing Clinical 1: Chronic Kidney Disease | 3.0 | |
NSNN 7400 | Nephrology Nursing Theory 2: Introduction to Dialysis Nursing | 3.0 | |
NSNN 7500 | Nephrology Nursing Clinical 2: Nursing Care of the Person on Dialysis | 5.0 | |
NSNN 7600 | Nephrology Nursing Theory 3: Living with Renal Disease and Complex Health Challenges | 3.0 | |
NSNN 7700 | Nephrology Clinical 3 | 5.0 | |
NSSC 7115 | Teaching and Learning in Specialty Nursing | 3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 25.0 |
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 Nephrology Nursing Specialty program prepares registered and practical nurses to practice in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, renal transplant, home hemodialysis, chronic kidney disease management, advance renal anatomy and pathophysiology, renal nursing assessment, and self-care management. The courses and workshops in our program have been designed and created in collaboration, partnership and consultation with British Columbia Provincial Renal Agency, Health Authorities throughout the province of British Columbia, Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologist, and other important internal and external stakeholders, as well as alumni, currently practising nephrology nurses, renal care administrators, nephrology nursing educators, and BCIT nephrology nursing faculty. Thus, our curriculum and course matrix is evidence informed and reflects the perspectives of learners, practitioners and educators.
Program length
The length of the program varies, as BCIT offers it 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 you own community and structure your learning schedule in a manner that is most convenient for you. Clinical courses range from a few days of clinical placement to 125 hours of clinical placement completed either full time over three to four weeks, or part time over 12 weeks. If you live outside BC, you may negotiate clinical placements.
Maximum program length for either the Advanced Certificate or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is seven years.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are offered through online learning.- Go back Courses
- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Our grads get work
Nephrology nurses provide unique continuity of care. They make a meaningful impact as they ensure the comfort of their patients in various stages of illness. They often work fixed schedules with minimal overnight shifts, depending on the renal care setting. There are many opportunities for work. For example:
- Hospitals, private, and ambulatory outpatient clinics
- Community and home health
- Renal transplant coordination and care
- Private sector roles in clinical consulting, education, and marketing and sales
Watch the BC Renal video
Learn more about the work they do by visiting the BC Renal website.
Career opportunities
Most positions start casually or part-time but can quickly move to full-time roles. Salaries start at approximately $32 per hour based on experience, and with job titles such as:
- Registered nephrology nurse
- Renal services nurse
- Registered nurse, renal dialysis
- Nephrology nurse clinician
- Renal care coordinators
- Transplant coordinators
- Transitional care coordinators
With work experience, nephrology nurses can advance into clinical coordinator, supervisor, and leadership roles.
Canadian Nurses Association
Graduates of the BCIT program are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing exam for Nephrology 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
Our program is recognized by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). Grads can receive a credit of 1,000 hours towards their initial certification examination.
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.
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].
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit to the Program Assistant to receive an Advanced Certificate.
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.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Tony Chacon
Program Head
Tony_Chacon@bcit.ca
604-451-7104
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7104
Gurpreet Bains MSN, BSN, BEd., BSc.
Faculty
Gurpreet_K_Bains@bcit.ca
604-451-7096
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7096
Stephanie Strong
Program Assistant
SStrong4@bcit.ca
604-432-8875
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 8875
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Contact Us
Stephanie Strong
Program Assistant
sstrong4@bcit.ca
604-432-8875
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 8875
Questions or comments?
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