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.

Program pathways

The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing gives you flexible options for completing your credential. You can complete the four‐year degree or exit with a diploma after two and a half years. You can begin your studies at either the Edmonton City Centre Campus or the Ponoka campus at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury*. If you already have a psychiatric nursing diploma, you are eligible to complete the post‐diploma degree.

*Note: If you apply to the Ponoka campus, you must complete the first two years of the program in Ponoka. Your third and fourth years take place at the Edmonton City Centre Campus. You cannot transfer to the Edmonton City Centre Campus before Year Three.

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.