The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) is a 3-year undergraduate degree program jointly offered by Alexander College (AC) and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in British Columbia, Canada. This specialized nursing program is designed to prepare students for professional practice in mental health and psychiatric nursing, combining strong theoretical foundations with extensive hands-on clinical training.
The program follows a blended learning model, integrating online instruction, in-person classes, high-quality simulation labs, and real-world clinical placements. Students begin their studies at Alexander College and seamlessly transfer to KPU to complete the degree, ensuring academic flexibility and a clear pathway to licensure.
Program Highlights
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Jointly delivered by Alexander College & KPU
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Blended delivery format (online + on-campus learning)
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Extensive clinical practice and simulation labs
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Direct pathway to becoming a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
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Strong employment demand across Canada
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High earning potential in the healthcare sector
Program Duration & Campuses
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Total Duration: 3 Years
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Year 1: Alexander College
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Years 2 & 3: Kwantlen Polytechnic University
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Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN)
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Campuses:
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Alexander College: Burnaby / Vancouver
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KPU: Langley
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Plus online learning components
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Intake Periods
Alexander College Intakes:
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Fall – September
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Winter – January
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Spring – May
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Summer Intensive – July
KPU Intakes:
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Fall – September
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Summer – May
Course Structure
Prerequisite Courses at Alexander College
Required Courses:
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ALEX ENGL 100
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ALEX BIOL 110
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ALEX BIOL 120
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ALEX PSYC 101
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ALEX PSYC 102
Electives:
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Any 5 additional courses (academic advising recommended)
Core Courses at KPU
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Biological & Psychological Foundations: Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology
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Clinical Nursing Skills: Psychiatric care, addiction treatment, crisis intervention
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Nursing Practice: Clinical placements and simulation-based learning
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Nursing Ethics & Law: Canadian healthcare legislation and professional standards
Licensing & Registration
Graduates of the BPN program must:
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Successfully pass the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Canadian Examination (RPNCE)
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Register with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
Upon completion, graduates are eligible to practice as Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) across Canada, subject to provincial licensing requirements
Tuition Fees
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Alexander College: CAD $19,200 per year
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Kwantlen Polytechnic University: CAD $24,244 per year
Admission Requirements
English Language Proficiency
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IELTS: Overall 6.0 (or equivalent), OR
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IELTS 5.0 with EAP + Conditional Admission
Additional Requirements (Before Entry to KPU)
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CPR Certification (BLS or HCP level)
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Standard First Aid Certificate
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Criminal Record Check
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Immunization Records
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Minimum C+ grade in all transfer courses
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Admission is competitive and based on academic merit
Career Opportunities
After completing the BPN program and obtaining RPN licensure, graduates can work in diverse settings, including:
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Hospitals & Mental Health Facilities
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Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centres
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Community & Home Care Nursing
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Forensic Psychiatry & Correctional Facilities
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Education, Training & Mental Health Research
Salary & Job Outlook in Canada
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Median Annual Salary: Approx. CAD $90,000
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Median Hourly Wage: Around CAD $45
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Employment Growth: Estimated 30,190 new RPN positions expected between 2024–2034
Why Choose This Program?
The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing at Alexander College and KPU offers a clear academic pathway, strong clinical exposure, professional licensing eligibility, and excellent career prospects. With Canada’s growing demand for mental health professionals, this program is an ideal choice for students seeking a rewarding, respected, and future-proof healthcare career.
Start at Alexander College. Transfer Anywhere. Build a meaningful nursing career in Canada.
- Academic Requirement: 12th/WAEC Passed
- ELP Requirement: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent); or IELTS 5.0 with EAP + Conditional Admission, PTE: 60
- Special Requirement: Additional Requirements (before admission to KPU): 1) CPR Certification (BLS or HCP level), 2) Standard First Aid Certificate 3) Criminal Record Check 4) Immunization Record. Transfer Courses: Minimum grade of C+ in each; admission is competitive and based on academic merit.
Overseas International Students (Before Arrival)
If you’ve received an Official Letter of Acceptance but your initial Canadian study permit is refused, you can get a full refund of your prepayment—minus a $150 application fee and $100 administrative fee. To qualify, you must notify the College by the term’s add/drop deadline (see “Procedure” below). If you withdraw after that deadline, refunds follow the Course Drop/Withdrawal rules.
Refund Procedure for Permit Refusal
To request your refund, submit all of the following before the add/drop deadline:
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Refusal of Study Permit Form
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IRCC Refusal Letter (dated after your Letter of Acceptance)
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Bank Information Request Form (for wire transfers)
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Letter of Authorization (if someone else’s account will receive the funds)
Course Drop & Withdrawal
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Winter & Fall Terms
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Before First Day of Term:
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100% refund until the end of Regular Registration.
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75% refund during Late Registration (from two weeks before term start up to the day before classes).
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After Classes Start:
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50% refund in Week 1 (until Friday 4 pm).
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30% refund in Week 2 (until Friday 4 pm).
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No refund after Week 2 ends.
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Spring & Summer Terms
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Before First Day of Term:
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100% refund until end of Regular Registration.
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75% refund during Late Registration (two weeks before term start until day before classes).
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After Classes Start:
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50% refund until Wednesday 4 pm of Week 1.
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30% refund from Wednesday 4 pm until end of Week 1.
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No refund after Week 1 ends.
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All withdrawals require the “Request to Drop a Course” form by the published deadlines.
Medical or Compassionate Withdrawals
If you must withdraw for serious medical or compassionate reasons, you can appeal the refund policy. Submit a Refund Appeal form and supporting documents to the Bookstore. Appeals are not guaranteed; the College’s decision is final.
Required to Discontinue (Expulsion)
If you’re expelled, you will receive 50% of any remaining credit balance—unless the balance comes from your initial LOA deposit, which is non-refundable.
Unclaimed Funds
You have 24 months from discontinuation to claim any refund. After that, unclaimed funds become the property of Alexander College.
- Application Fee: $200
- LOA Deposit: $5,550
- Annual Tuition Fee: $19,200
- Total Tuition Fee: $67,688
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Credentials: Bachelor
- Intake: AC Intake Terms: Fall term (September), Spring term (May), Winter term (January), KPU Intake Terms: Fall term (September), Summer term (May)
- CV/Resume (Dates of education and experience must be mentioned in MM-YYYY format), Example: Job from MM-YYYY --- to MM-YYYY
- Valid passport copy
- Academic documents (Bachelor transcripts and certificate + Senior secondary certificate/WAEC/12th)
- Medium of instructions letter
Contact Information
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Address
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