Overview
Perinatal RNs work in partnership with childbearing women and their families, providing education and support to empower their patients with skills to care for their families. In a dynamic work environment, perinatal nursing requires technical expertise, sensitivity, and excellent communication skills to effectively support the women they care for.
About the program
The BCIT Perinatal Specialty Nursing program is the benchmark for perinatal nursing practice in BC. Our comprehensive program combines in-depth theory with hands-on clinical courses that are designed to give you the expertise you need to practice in perinatal nursing.
- Part-time, advanced certificate program that takes an average of 2 years to complete
- Distance and online learning gives you flexibility to work while you study
- 2 clinical experiences that may be completed in your community
See Program Details to learn more about studying perinatal nursing at BCIT.
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Are practicing, registered nurses (RNs) wanting an advanced perinatal nursing certification, or to complete their specialty Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in perinatal nursing
- Are undergraduate nursing students currently completing an accredited BSN program (may take NSPN 7100 and/or NSPN 7150 only)
- Enjoy working directly with childbearing women, newborns, and their families
- Thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
Learn about entrance requirements and how to register.
Your work experience matters
At BCIT, we value your work experience. If you’ve been working as a perinatal nurse, take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process and fast track your advanced certificate education.
What grads can do
Our grads are in high demand. Visit Graduating and Jobs to learn more about career opportunities in perinatal nursing.
- 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.
Application processing
There is no formal application process for this program. An application is not required to take program courses by distance education. Enrollment is on a course-by-course basis, one term at a time.
Entrance requirements
The following are requirements for entry into Perinatal Nursing Specialty (Standard Option) 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: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (73%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (73%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- ENGL 1177 - Academic Writing (73%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (73%) from a recognized institution
What if I don’t meet these English requirements? - 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)
Note: Current nursing undergraduates or students enrolled in a refresher course may take theory courses without requiring the above registration.
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.
The following are requirements for entry into clinical courses.
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).
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration
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. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.
For the Respirator Fit Testing, fit testing with an appropriate N95 respirator 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.
Recommended for success
Work experience
Minimum six months work experience in an acute care setting is highly recommended.
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
Computer proficiency
Students are required to understand how to use their own computer prior to the beginning of class. This includes use of an internet browser, your file management system (i.e. downloading, finding, opening and saving files), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Zoom, and how to move between applications.
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.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
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Costs & Supplies
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
Please check the BCIT Bookstore for most current prices.
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Courses
Course registration
There is no formal application process for this program. An application is not required to take program courses by distance education. Enrollment is on a course-by-course basis, one term at a time.
There is no waitlist system for Part-time Studies at BCIT. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. Learn more about Part-time Studies registration.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: (21.0 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
NSPN 7100 | Perinatal Nursing Theory 1 - Healthy Childbearing Experiences & The Newborn | 3.0 | |
NSPN 7150 | The Breastfeeding Experience** | 3.0 | |
NSPN 7200 | Perinatal Theory 2 Childbearing Women | 3.0 | |
NSPN 7250 | Fetal Health Surveillance*** | 1.0 | |
NSPN 7300 | Perinatal Clinical 1* | 5.0 | |
NSPN 7450 | Neonatal Resuscitation*** | 1.0 | |
NSPN 7500 | Perinatal Clinical 2 | 5.0 | |
*Clinical applications must be completed and sent to us before the following deadline dates: February 1 for the spring term, June 1 for the fall term, and October 1 for the winter term. **NSPN 7150 - The Breastfeeding Experience replaces NSPN 7155 - The Breastfeeding Experience Theory and NSPN 7156 - The Breastfeeding Experience Clinical. If you have completed NSPN 7155 in the past seven years, you are eligible to challenge NSPN 7150. ***You may submit a Fetal Health Surveillance (FHS) Course Completion Certificate (not an online manual certificate) and/or a current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) provider card issued by the Canadian Pediatric Society completed within the last two years for transfer credit towards NSPN 7250 - Fetal Health Surveillance and/or NSPN 7450 - Neonatal Resuscitation. |
|||
Complete 3.0 credits from the following list of electives, or alternate courses that have been approved by the Program Head. | Credits | ||
NSPN 7710 | Pelvic Exam Course | 1.5 | |
NSPN 7720 | Contraceptive Management in Reproductive Health for BCCNM Certification | 2.0 | |
NSPN 7735 | Sexually Transmitted Infections Management Modified | 2.0 | |
NSPN 7736 | Sexually Transmitted Infections Management Clinical Course | 1.0 | |
NSPN 7741 | Introduction to Sexual Health Rehabilitation | 3.0 | |
NSPN 7750 | Sexual Health Rehabilitation - Prostate Cancer | 3.0 | |
NSPN 7755 | Sexual Health Rehabilitation - Prostate Cancer and Sexual Health Mentorship | 3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 24.0 |
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 Perinatal Nursing Specialty program offers Post-diploma registered nurses an Advanced Certificate in Perinatal nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Specialty Nursing (BSN).
Nurses may bridge out obtaining an Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Nursing or continue and complete the BSN.
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 online instructor 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 4 weeks. If you live outside BC, clinical placements may be negotiated.
Nurses with relevant experience and/or previous courses can request assessment for appropriate placement within the program.
Maximum program length for either the Advanced Specialty Certificate or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is seven years.
Additional program options
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are offered through online learning.- Go back Courses
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Graduating & Jobs
Our grads are ready
Perinatal nurses enjoy working with childbearing women, newborns, and families within a fast-paced and, at times, unpredictable practice setting. At BCIT, we prepare you to handle any perinatal situation with a quality of care patients can count on.
Career opportunities
Perinatal nurses work primarily in acute care birthing units. Other work opportunities include:
- Breastfeeding clinics
- Ambulatory care settings
- Community health units
- Sexual health clinics.
There are many career paths to choose from, including:
- Perinatal nurse
- Public health nurse
- Acute care nurse in labour and birth
- Lactation consultant
- Remote certified first call nurse
- Sexual health nurse
Canadian Nurses Association
Graduates of the BCIT program are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing exam for Perinatal 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.
BCIT Specialty Nursing Advanced Certificate Graduates can apply to receive transfer credits towards the online, 2-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, go to Health Match BC.
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 credential. Please contact the program assistant for this form.
Allow approximately eight to twelve 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.
Certification from BCIT's Perinatal program prepares you to write the Specialty Nursing Exam for Perinatal Nurses through the CNA Certificate Program.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Farah Jetha, BSN, MSN
Program Head
Fjetha1@bcit.ca
604-456-1139
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 1139
Nicole Pasquino, RN (C), BSN, BHSc, MHS
Faculty, Reproductive Health Courses
Npasquino@bcit.ca
604-451-7006
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7006
Elaine Innes
Program Assistant
elaine_innes@bcit.ca
604-451-7102
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7102
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Contact Us
Elaine Innes
Program Assistant
elaine_innes@bcit.ca
604-451-7102
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7102
Questions or comments?
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