Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse in BC

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are health care professionals. Most work as frontline nurses caring for a wide range of clients at all stages of life. LPNs provide nursing services ranging from health promotion, to acute care, to long-term and palliative care.
LPNs work in collaboration with other members of the health care team. Their education and practice - while rooted in the same body of knowledge as other nurses - focuses on foundational competencies within the LPN scope of practice and standards.

For more information about the LPN scope of practice and standards please visit the College of Licensed Practical Nurses(CLPNBC)

How many LPNs are there in B.C.?

There are over 11 600 LPN practicing in B.C. (CIHI 2015)

Steps to becoming an LPN in B.C.:

To become registered to practise as an LPN in B.C., you must do the following:

  • Successfully complete Practical Nurse Education training
  • Successfully complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination
  • Apply for registration with CLPNBC and pay the required fees

Licenced Practical Nurse Education Programs in B.C.:

There are two types of LPN education programs:

  • Generic - these programs prepares students to become licensed practical nurses.
  • Access - these program prepares health care assistants to become licensed practical nurses.

For a list of recognized LPN programs in BC, please visit the CLPNBC list here

Resources for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses Association of British Columbia(LPNABC)

LPNABC advocates for the advancement and recognition of LPNs in BC and for improvements in the education and professional status of LPN in B.C.

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