Rural Nursing Certificate Program

Nurse elevating patient's leg during a physical exam.

Built on a unique partnership between practice and academia, the Rural Nursing Certificate Program (RNCP) was developed by the Provincial Chief Nursing Officer Council (CNOs), BC's Health Authorities, and UNBC. It provides Registered Nurses (RNs) with the opportunity to pursue concentrated coursework in rural nursing through specialty education.

The curriculum is practice-driven, evidence informed and reality-based, and is designed to be completed on a part-time basis through distance education, workshops, and clinical placements. The program consists of seven courses (30 credit hours) aimed at preparing nurses for confident, competent, and safe rural practice. Coursework includes: Health Assessment and RN First Call; Chronic Disease Management, Palliative Care and Wound Care; Nursing Practice with Older Persons; Perinatal Care; Foundations in Emergency and Trauma Nursing; Mental Health and Addictions, and; Living and Working in a Rural Community.

RNs with a Registered Nurse Diploma may be eligible to take five courses (15 credit hours) in addition to the Rural Nursing Certificate in order to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).

Admission occurs annually in September and January. For official course scheduling details, please visit the university's course information found here.

RNCP Course schedule

Admission Requirements for the Program

Please complete and upload with your application:

Additional Questions for RNCP Application

Apply Online Now

Certified Practice

RNs seeking certification through the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) can take individual courses at UNBC in Remote Nursing and RN First Call.

Remote Nursing

RN First Call

For more information on Certified Practice Registration please visit the BCCNM website 

Built on a unique partnership between practice and academia, the Rural Nursing Certificate Program (RNCP) was developed by the Provincial Chief Nursing Officer Council (CNOs), BC's Health Authorities, and UNBC. It provides Registered Nurses (RNs) with the opportunity to pursue concentrated coursework in rural nursing through specialty education.

The curriculum is practice-driven, evidence informed and reality-based, and is designed to be completed on a part-time basis through distance education, workshops, and clinical placements. The program consists of seven courses (30 credit hours) aimed at preparing nurses for confident, competent, and safe rural practice. Coursework includes: Health Assessment and RN First Call; Chronic Disease Management, Palliative Care and Wound Care; Nursing Practice with Older Persons; Perinatal Care; Foundations in Emergency and Trauma Nursing; Mental Health and Addictions, and; Living and Working in a Rural Community.

RNs with a Registered Nurse Diploma may be eligible to take five courses (15 credit hours) in addition to the Rural Nursing Certificate in order to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).

Admission occurs annually in September and January. For official course scheduling details, please visit the university's course information found here.

2023-2024 Course schedule

Admission Requirements for the Program

Please complete and upload with your application:

Additional Questions for RNCP Application

Apply Online Now

Certified Practice

Remote Nursing

RN First Call

Contact

Post-RN and Graduate Nursing Programs Advisor
Email:rncpadvising@unbc.ca