Overview
The BCIT Advanced Certificate in Perioperative Nursing prepares students to practice as novices in a variety of Perioperative settings. Students explore factors influencing Perioperative Nursing in today's changing health care environment.
- NSPO 7100: Theory 1
- NSPO 7250: Theory 2
- NSPO 7450: Theory 3 (at discretion of Program Head)
NSPO 7350: Clinical 1 and NSPO 7550: Clinical 2 are not available to independent, non-sponsored students; you must be sponsored by industry to take these courses. Industry sponsorship means that a health authority pays your tuition, and provides a site, instructor and preceptor support; clinical courses are instructor-supported preceptorships.
PLAR for 7350, 7550, and 7750 is available for perioperative registered nurses with at least two years of full-time experience in Canadian operating rooms (scrub and circulating roles) or equivalent.
To be absolutely clear: completion of the full Advanced Certificate is not available to independent students. Contact the Program Assistant or Program Head if you have questions.
Please note:
To all students enrolled in NSPO 7251 and NSPO 7451 – this is a BCIT/AORN integrated perioperative program which serves primarily BC industry-sponsored Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Upon successful completion of this program, all students will receive a Certificate of Completion for the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Periop 101: A Core Curriculum. RN students will also receive a BCIT Advanced Certificate for Perioperative Specialty. LPN students will also receive a BCIT Statement of Completion.
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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.
PLEASE NOTE – Independent students not sponsored by industry are eligible to take only the following courses:
• NSPO 7100: Theory 1
• NSPO 7250: Theory 2
• NSPO 7450: Theory 3 (at discretion of Program Head)
NSPO 7350: Clinical 1 and NSPO 7550: Clinical 2 are not available to independent, non-sponsored students; you must be sponsored by industry to take these courses. Industry sponsorship means that a health authority pays your tuition, and provides a site, instructor and preceptor support; clinical courses are instructor-supported preceptorships.
PLAR for 7350, 7550 and 7750 is available for perioperative registered nurses with at least two years of full-time experience in Canadian operating rooms (scrub and circulating roles) or equivalent.
Please be clear about this- completion of the full Advanced Certificate is not available to independent students. Contact the Program Assistant or Program Head if you have questions.
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
Core course books for the Advanced Certificate program: $454
Please check the BCIT Bookstore for most current prices.
(general estimated cost, subject to change).
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Courses
PLEASE NOTE – Independent students not sponsored by industry are eligible to take only the following courses:
• NSPO 7100: Theory 1
• NSPO 7250: Theory 2
• NSPO 7450: Theory 3 (at discretion of Program Head)
NSPO 7350: Clinical 1 and NSPO 7550: Clinical 2 are not available to independent, non-sponsored students; you must be sponsored by industry to take these courses. Industry sponsorship means that a health authority pays your tuition, and provides a site, instructor and preceptor support; clinical courses are instructor-supported preceptorships.
PLAR for 7350, 7550 and 7750 is available for perioperative registered nurses with at least two years of full-time experience in Canadian operating rooms (scrub and circulating roles) or equivalent.
Please be clear about this- completion of the full Advanced Certificate is not available to independent students. Contact the Program Assistant or Program Head if you have questions.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: (25.0 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
NSPO 7100 | Perioperative Theory 1: Developing Perioperative Partnerships | 3.0 | |
NSPO 7350 | Perioperative Clinical 1: Implementing the Scrub Nurse Role | 5.0 | |
and | |||
NSPO 7250 | Perioperative Theory 2: The Nurse in the Scrub Role | 3.0 | |
or | |||
NSPO 7251 | Perioperative Theory 2 (with AORN Periop 101): The Nurse in the Scrub Role | 3.0 | |
and | |||
NSPO 7450 | Perioperative Theory 3: The Nurse in the Circulating Role | 3.0 | |
or | |||
NSPO 7451 | Perioperative Theory 3 (with AORN Periop 101): The Nurse in the Circulating Role | 3.0 | |
and | |||
NSPO 7540 | LPN Perioperative Clinical 2: Implementing the Circulating Nurse Role | 6.0 | |
or | |||
NSPO 7550 | Perioperative Clinical 2: Implementing the Circulating Nurse Role | 6.0 | |
and | |||
NSPO 7740 | LPN Perioperative Clinical 3: Advancing Scrub and Circulating Nurse Roles | 5.0 | |
or | |||
NSPO 7750 | Perioperative Clinical 3: Integrated Perioperative Nursing Practice | 5.0 | |
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
PLEASE NOTE – Independent students not sponsored by industry are eligible to take only the following courses:
• NSPO 7100: Theory 1
• NSPO 7250: Theory 2
• NSPO 7450: Theory 3 (at discretion of Program Head)
NSPO 7350: Clinical 1 and NSPO 7550: Clinical 2 are not available to independent, non-sponsored students; you must be sponsored by industry to take these courses. Industry sponsorship means that a health authority pays your tuition, and provides a site, instructor and preceptor support; clinical courses are instructor-supported preceptorships.
PLAR for 7350, 7550 and 7750 is available for perioperative registered nurses with at least two years of full-time experience in Canadian operating rooms (scrub and circulating roles) or equivalent.
Please be clear about this- completion of the full Advanced Certificate is not available to independent students. Contact the Program Assistant or Program Head if you have questions.
The BCIT Advanced Certificate in Perioperative Nursing prepares students to practice as novices in a variety of Perioperative settings. Students explore factors influencing Perioperative Nursing in today’s changing health care environment:
- Increasing numbers of same-day surgeries
- Increased levels of acuity and complexity of patients
- Development of minimally invasive surgical techniques and procedures
- Rapid introduction and evolution of new technologies, equipment and techniques
- Reduced health-care resources
- Opportunities for Perioperative nurses to take expanded roles
- Population and work-force changes
Students also integrate a broad range of knowledge and skills:
- Preparing, managing and monitoring the work environment to minimize risks and provide comfort for diverse patient populations
- Working efficiently, effectively and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary perioperative team
- Assessing the needs and personalizing the care of individuals throughout the phases of their perioperative experiences
- Managing complex technology and competently performing diverse perioperative care activities
- Relating competently in a diverse range of interpersonal interactions with individuals and groups
- Managing change in a fast-paced, highly technical work setting
To be successful in perioperative nursing, students need:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Self-direction, energy, and initiative
- Ability to work in a close-knit team
- Flexibility in managing rapidly-changing patient situations
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Tolerance for a climate of constant change, fast-paced activities, and diverse responsibilities
- Physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended lengths of time
For more information on, including professional bodies that regulate perioperative nurses and nursing, please visit the following links:
- Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) is the US professional organization of perioperative registered nurses supporting registered nurses in achieving optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures.
- Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has the mission of advancing the quality of nursing in the interest of the public. Toward this end, it promotes high standards of practice, education, research and administration. The CNA is a federation of 11 provincial and territorial nursing associations representing more than 115,000 registered nurses.
- Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health.
- Ministry of Health Services (MHS) is responsible for renewing the healthcare system, developing innovative solutions and putting a priority on meeting patients’ needs.
- Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) is an organization of Registered Nurses dedicated to promoting and advancing excellence in perioperative patient care as well as the professional and personal enhancement of operating room nurses.
- British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM) is the professional organization of all registered nurses and licensed graduate nurses in the province. Everyone wishing to practice as a Registered Nurse in British Columbia must be a member of the Association. Founded in 1912, BCCNM’s mandate is to serve and protect the public.
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 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 assistant for more information and program start dates.
Nurses with relevant experience and/or previous courses can request assessment for appropriate placement within the program.
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
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Graduating & Jobs
Our grads are ready
We prepare perioperative RNs to be part of an integrated, interprofessional team who work together to support patients during elective and emergency surgeries. Our program is designed to meet the needs of students who are sponsored by health authorities. We are known for preparing students to succeed in perioperative nursing.
Career opportunities
Apply your skills to your existing career or transition to the field of perioperative nursing. Most careers begin with entry-level positions in hospitals. Salaries start at $32 per hour. Opportunities include:
- Work with patients ranging from infants to the elderly
- Provide care for patients undergoing a variety of surgeries
- Work in rural and tertiary care facilities, in acute or ambulatory care settings
Canadian Nurses Association
Graduates of the BCIT program are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing exam for Perioperative 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.
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.
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.
Graduates of the BCIT program, with one year of experience, are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing Exam for Perioperative Nurses through the CNA Certificate program.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Cindy Chiang, MSN, RN
Program Head
tchiang21@bcit.ca
604-451-6706
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 6706
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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