Faculty of Health Sciences

Improve patient outcomes as a Licensed Practical Nurse

As populations grow and age, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provide much needed patient-centred care. As a key member of an interdisciplinary health care team, an LPN is responsible for:

• Providing routine care
• Observing patients' health
• Assisting medical practitioners and registered nurses
• Communicating instructions for home care and medications to patients

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) offers a 19-month Practical Nursing program that prepares students to work as an LPN in a variety of health care settings, which include:

• Hospitals
• Residential care facilities
• Community health organizations

Program Structure

As part of the Practical Nursing training, students complete hands-on clinical placements in:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Selected community agencies

These clinical experiences encompass:

• Supervised practice
• Preceptorships
• Observational experiences

Upon completion of the practical nursing diploma program at UFV, which is approved by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of B.C., graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration exam. This exam is the final step to becoming licensed as a practical nurse.

UFV also provides a bridging program that enables LPNs to receive credit towards upgrading their qualifications as Registered Nurses (RN) through an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Career Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses

As British Columbia's population continues to age, the demand for health care and social assistance is expected to see the largest increase in job openings over the next decade. WorkBC reports an average employment growth of:

• 2% per year for licensed practical nurses between 2018–2023
• 2.3% between 2023–2028

Job prospects for LPNs are particularly favourable as their roles expand to include:

• Mental health
• Community health
• Pharmacology studies

With a focus on increased responsibilities to provide better patient outcomes, LPNs can find employment in various settings, including:

• Doctor's offices
• Long-term care facilities
• Community hospices
• Large acute care centres

With additional training and experience, LPNs may specialize in:

• Emergency care
• Operating rooms
• Pediatrics
• Community health

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Prepare students to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in various healthcare settings.
• Duration: 19 months
• Program Type: Diploma
• Structure:
• Hands-on clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies.
• Supervised practice, preceptorships, and observational experiences.
• Coursework covering patient-centered care, routine care, observation, assisting medical practitioners and registered nurses, communicating home care and medication instructions.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration exam.
• Upon successful completion of the exam, graduates can become licensed LPNs.
• Career opportunities in hospitals, residential care facilities, and the community.

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Patient-centered care
• Routine care
• Observation
• Assisting medical practitioners and registered nurses
• Communicating home care and medication instructions
• Pharmacology studies
• Mental health studies
• Community health studies
• Structure:
• Semester system
• 19 months of full-time study
• Combination of theoretical and practical learning
• Clinical placements in various healthcare settings
• Modules:

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Exams
• Assignments
• Clinical performance evaluations
• Assessment Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of nursing principles and practices
• Clinical skills and competencies
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Simulations
• Clinical supervision
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified LPNs and healthcare professionals
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on hands-on learning and clinical experience
• Focus on interdisciplinary collaboration
• Integration of technology into the curriculum

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Licensed Practical Nurse in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and other healthcare settings.
• Further specialization in areas like emergency care, operating rooms, pediatrics, or community health with additional training and experience.

Other:

• Bridging Program: Available for LPNs to upgrade their qualifications to Registered Nurses (RN) through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
• Growing Demand: B.C.
's aging population leads to a growing demand for LPNs.

Conclusion

The Practical Nursing program at UFV provides a comprehensive and hands-on education for individuals seeking a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates to provide patient-centered care in various healthcare settings.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver