Frequently Asked Questions

 
  1. Which TRU campus offers the MN-NP program?
  2. The program is only offered through TRU’s Kamloops campus.

  3. Is there an option to enter the program as a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN)?
  4. Unfortunately, no. Students must have active RN status throughout progress in the program.

  5. When do the required RN work hours need to be completed by?
  6. Applicants are required to have worked at least 3600 hours (the equivalent of two years full time) as a registered nurse within the past five years. Applicants are required to submit proof of this work history with their application. For work completed in BC, applicants can request or retrieve this proof from BCCNM. When they log into their BCCNM account, at the bottom there is a link “practice hours” where they can find all hours for last five years. RN work hours must be completed before entering the program.

  7. What if my undergraduate or graduate degree is not in nursing? Can I apply?
  8. Unfortunately, no. Your previous educational background must include a BScN or BN.

  9. Where can I take the statistics prerequisite?
  10. Students can take STAT 1201 or PSYC 2101 through Open Learning.

  11. Is there a post-graduate certificate option for those who already have a master’s degree in nursing?
  12. No.

  13. Can I get transfer credit for prior learning?
  14. There may be an option to receive credit for program prerequisite requirements. There may be an option to receive credit for graduate courses taken prior to entry into the program.

  15. What do I do if I have completed some of the required courses ahead of time?
  16. Students must submit ALL post-secondary transcripts with their application. Courses that appear in the BC Transfer Guide will automatically be transferred if they meet the minimum grade requirement. If the course does not appear in the BC Transfer Guide, students should submit detailed course syllabi with their application in order to have the course assessed. Graduate Admissions has further details about BC Transfer Guide.

  17. Who should serve as a professional/clinical referee?
  18. Your referees must be in a supervisory role in the clinical environment and be able to comment on items pertaining to your knowledge, skills and potential as a nurse practitioner. References from friends or people in non-clinical positions will not be helpful to your application.

  19. Can I submit multiple professional/clinical references?
  20. No. Only two are required.

  21. Will it be campus-based? Do I need to attend classes at TRU? When will I have to be on campus?
  22. The program will be blended delivery; this means some online/remote synchronous and asynchronous and campus classes. Campus attendance will typically be in a block of time up to two weeks duration in any term for lab requirements. More details on campus attendance will be provided as students enrol in the program. The online synchronous classes will typically be scheduled in the evenings.

  23. How many hours per week will I be in class or doing course work?
  24. Outside of scheduled class/practicum time, students can expect to spend at least five to seven hours a week] studying for each course.

  25. Do I need to take any elective courses?
  26. No, there are no elective courses as part of the program.

  27. Is there a certain number of two-year versus three-year students allowed? If so, what is the ratio?
  28. The program is funded for 15 seats. Students may consider a full-time or part-time option depending upon applicant pool and the capacity in the program.

  29. Will I need to take a leave of absence from work to do practicums?
  30. Students are expected to prioritize program requirements for their practicums.

  31. Can I do my clinical practicum in my home community?
  32. All clinical practicums are coordinated by TRU through the program’s practice placement coordinator. Efforts will be made to place students in geographically convenient locations for students, but this cannot be guaranteed. Students must be prepared to travel for all practicum placements as required. Practicum placements could be anywhere within British Columbia.

  33. What counts as full-time nursing practice?
  34. Two years full-time (or equivalent to full-time — i.e. 3,600 hours) registered nursing practice within the last five years.

  35. What counts as relevant registered nursing practice?
  36. Nursing practice where, as a registered nurse, you are involved in the direct care of patients/clients/families/communities in clinical environments — e.g. urgent care, primary care, hospital care, rural and remote care.