BACHELOR of PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
DEGREE
The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) is learner-centred, innovative and accessible. We prepare you to become a strong leader, promote excellence in professional nursing practice, and contribute to the optimal wellness of individuals, families, groups and communities.
The program combines liberal and professional education, offering depth and breadth of study with a global perspective. Many opportunities are available for students to gain advanced knowledge, skills and professional attributes in areas like mental health support, youth and adolescent psychiatry, legal and correctional systems, and addictions and substance abuse. Students can explore therapeutic modalities, nursing research and leadership development.
Flexible delivery
Delivered through a variety of technologies, including distance and online, the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program provides flexible learning options. You can choose to complete a four-year degree or exit after two-and-a-half years with a diploma. Start your studies at either City Centre Campus in Edmonton or the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka.
Post-diploma applicants
The post-diploma degree in psychiatric nursing is under review. Applications for admission to the program for students with a psychiatric nursing diploma are not being accepted at this time.
Program planning
Academic advisors for the program have prepared information to help you plan your program. You will be contacted by an advisor after you are accepted to the program.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program are able to do the following:
- Promote excellence in psychiatric nursing by practicing in accordance with (a) professional, ethical and legal standards, (b) health care and societal needs and (c) the demands of the health care delivery system.
- Integrate political and global perspectives in applying nursing and psychiatric nursing knowledge and skills to promote optimal wellness (considering physiological, psychological, developmental, socio-cultural and spiritual variables) for individuals, families, groups and communities as context.
- Synthesize empirical and theoretical knowledge from humanistic, scientific, general and psychiatric nursing perspectives in formulating professional practice decisions.
- Integrate therapeutic communication skills at an advanced level in conjunction with health education, counselling and implementation of specialized therapies/modalities for individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Employ critical reflection and integrate principles of social justice in the analysis of mental health and practice issues and the provision of safe, competent, ethical care with diverse populations.
- Challenge assumptions and serve as an advocate for change on societal and practice issues that impact the mental health of communities.
- Use and contribute to research that advances psychiatric/mental health nursing knowledge, evidence-informed practice and best practices.
- Use technology and other resources to support ongoing learning and professional psychiatric nursing practice.
- Provide leadership in autonomous and collaborative practice with inter-professional team members.