Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing

Program Overview

Are you a graduate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Psychiatric Nursing diploma program? Do you want to play a greater role in advancing the health and well-being of people and communities—while also opening the door to opportunities in leadership, management and education?

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) degree completion program will interest you. Building on your Psychiatric Nursing diploma, we’ll provide you with a strong foundation to grow your career provincially, nationally and internationally.

The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing is a degree completion program for graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Psychiatric Nursing diploma program. You’ll study on a part-time basis, taking one or two courses at a time through distance learning, with a clinical practicum.

You’ll deepen your understanding of standards and competencies related to clinical practice, leadership, management, education and research. Mental health promotion and primary health care are emphasized, with a strong focus on clinical practice education. You’ll broaden your knowledge and skills in:

addictions, sociology and psychology
economic, social and political influences in psychiatric nursing
informatics and statistics
integrating leadership and management theory and skills
research for evidence-based nursing practice

Designed for Working RPNs

The BPN degree completion program is designed to accommodate working RPNs. Depending on when you graduated, you’ll be able to complete your degree through part-time study in 2 to 2.5 years.

If you graduated before 2010, you’ll take 1 to 2 courses per term over eight terms, earning your BPN in 2.5 years.
If you graduated after 2010, you’ll take 1 to 2 courses per term over six terms, earning your BPN in two years.

This program is offered with the written authorization of the Minister of Advanced Education, effective July 1, 2013. This authorization was provided after the program proposal underwent a quality assurance review and was found to meet the standards established by the Minister. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and degree will be appropriate to their needs.

Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

International applicants will not be considered for admission to the program.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Growing demand for psychiatric nurses is opening doors to careers in clinical practice, leadership, management, education and research. You’ll continue to use your RPN designation, but your BPN will open the door to new opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, correctional institutions and programs, community health settings and youth centres.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you or visit www.healthcareersinsask.ca.

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): Beginning September 16, 2013 for BPN Degree Completion program for Saskatchewan Polytechnic Psychiatric Nursing diploma graduates 2010 and beyond; Beginning January 2014 for BPN Degree Completion program for Psychiatric Nursing graduates prior to 2010. Annual intakes.

Length: BPN Degree Completion for Saskatchewan Polytechnic Psychiatric Nursing graduates 2010 and beyond is 2 years; BPN Degree Completion for Psychiatric Nursing graduates prior to 2010 is 2.5 years

Locations

Online

Some online programs include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. Online programs may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Online

Admissions

Admission Requirements

BPN Degree Completion Program for graduates of 2010 and beyond:

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Psychiatric Nursing program diploma from 2010 and beyond
Active registration and good standing with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan or with the psychiatric nurses regulatory body from the province in which the applicant resides

BPN Degree Completion Program for graduates prior to 2010:

Psychiatric Nursing program diploma received prior to 2010
Active registration and good standing with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan or with the psychiatric nurses regulatory body from the province in which the applicant resides

BPN Degree Completion Program for graduates of the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS):

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Saskatchewan (NEPS)
Active registration and good standing with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan or with the psychiatric nurses regulatory body from the province in which the applicant resides

All BPN Applicants

Saskatchewan Polytechnic English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements will apply to students new to Saskatchewan Polytechnic. (Listed below).

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements will apply to students new to Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The language of instruction at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is English. All applicants to Saskatchewan Polytechnic must therefore demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the English language. The following will be accepted as satisfactory evidence:

Canadian and U.S. High Schools: Completion of grades 11 and 12 English, in sequence, as part of two full academic years, in a high school using a provincially- or state-accredited Canadian or U.S. curriculum OR a grade of 80% or better in a grade 12 provincially-examined English course, as part of one full term of study
English-Language Post-Secondary: Successful completion of at least 24 credit hours in an approved English-language post-secondary institution, including at least six credit hours in humanities or social science subjects and with a grade point average of 60.00% or equivalent
GCSE/IGCSE/GCE: GCSE/IGCSE/GCE Ordinary Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language with a minimum grade of 'B' or GCE A/AS/AICE Level English or English Language with a minimum grade of 'C'
Other Tests: One of the following tests also will be accepted. Test results must be received, by the Admissions Office, directly from the testing service.

In addition to the standard English language proficiency requirements, students who meet the BPN English language requirement via an exam must achieve one of the following exam standards:

CanTEST: A minimum score of 4.5 in each of Listening, Reading, and Writing and a 5.0 or higher in Speaking
CAEL: A minimum score of 70 with a minimum sub-score of 70 in Speaking and minimum sub-scores of 70 in all other components
IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0 with a 7.0 or higher in Speaking
MELAB: A minimum score of 85 with a minimum sub-score of 3+ in Speaking
TOEFL Internet-based (iBt): A minimum overall score of 90 with minimum sub-scores of 20 in Reading and Writing, 26 in Speaking, and 22 in Listening
TOEFL Paper-based: A minimum overall score of 580 with a minimum sub-score of 50 in each of Listening and Speaking, and a minimum score of 5.0 in each of Writing and Reading

Note:

All successful applicants must provide proof of Standard First Aid and CPR Health Care Provider 'C' AED or equivalent, and submit the results of a Criminal Record Check, prior to commencement of the program. (When you are accepted to the program, you will be further advised of the required timelines for submission of the related documents. Please await further notice.)
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
Effective July 1, 2019: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

You will need access to a computer for the entire program.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Pre-Term Bridging - $3,500
Year 1 - $4,500
Year 2 - $4,900

Courses

Expand All +

Prior to 2010 Bridging Sem A

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 209

Physical Assessment

You will establish a foundation for the development of wholistic physical health assessment skills. You will learn interviewing techniques and head-to-toe physical assessment of adults and specialty populations. You will have an opportunity to practice comprehensive physical health assessments.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Equivalent Course(s): NURS 227
Potential Learning Method(s): Print Distance Group

PSYN 210

Health and Mental Health Literacy

You will be introduced to concepts of teaching and learning. You will examine a literacy model and develop strategies to support mental health literacy across selected populations.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 26.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Print Distance Group

Prior to 2010 Bridging Sem B

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 306

Transition to Professional Practice

You will integrate theory and practice with an emphasis on evidenced- informed practice and leadership in preparation for assuming the role of the registered psychiatric nurse. You will explore topics such as e- mentoring, e- portfolios, interprofessional teams, self-care considerations, continuing competence and professional development.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online

SOCI 200

Culture and Diversity in Health Sciences

You will explore the cultural diversity of Canadian society. You will discuss immigration trends, cultural values and the implications to the provision of health services. Cultural safety in healthcare and the role of the health care professional will be discussed in context.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 49.0
Equivalent Course(s): NRSG 235, SOCI 261
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Prior to 2010 Year 1 Sem 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

ENGL 100

Critical Reading and Writing

You will develop basic skills in critical analysis, effective reading and composition by analyzing and evaluating materials from various disciplines. You will also refine your understanding and practice of the structures of composition by writing a report on a topic of your choice using APA-style format.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): ENGL 100CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

PSYN 208

Informatics for Health Care Professionals

You will learn about the health care professional’s need for current technological knowledge and skills. You will learn to use relevant information and knowledge to support evidence-based health care. Using a hands-on, problem solving approach, you will learn to use information and communication technologies to support information synthesis within the current health care setting.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online

Prior to 2010 Year 1 Sem 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYC 101

Introduction to Psychology

You will learn the theories and concepts that form the foundation of psychology as a science. You will explore the study of human behaviour by examining concepts including: social psychology, perception, sensation, learning, memory, human development, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, cognition, personality, intelligence, psychological disorders, and the relationship between health and stress.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): PSYC 101CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

SOCI 100

Introduction to Sociology

You will examine how to practice sociology, and learn about the importance of culture and socialization. You will discuss social inequality in Canada, the power of mass media and the dualism of sex and gender. You will examine race, ethnicity, social control, and deviance. Your studies will also include a discussion of collective behaviour, social movements, and social change.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 160
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

STAT 202

Introductory Statistics

You will learn statistical methods of analysis and inference including descriptive measures, frequency distributions, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing for population means and proportions, analysis of variance, as well as correlation and regression techniques.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 49.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

Prior to 2010 Year 1 Sem 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 300

Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

You will have an opportunity to broaden your understanding of professional inquiry through the acquisition of knowledge and practice of research concepts. You will be able to critically evaluate existing research as a foundation for evidence-based practice to advance the nursing profession.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): STAT 202
Potential Learning Method(s): Online

Prior to 2010 Year 2 Sem 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 303

Economic, Social & Political Influences in Psychiatric Nursing

You will explore the professional role of the registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) in relation to economic, social and political influences in RPN practice. You will apply legal, moral and ethical principles to analyze the current issues that have implications in the delivery of psychiatric nursing practice.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online

PSYN 307

Addictions

You will learn about selected addiction assessment tools, types of addictions, psychiatric nursing interventions, and concepts in health promotion, prevention, and harm reduction. You will examine theories and models including medical, disease, and biopsychosocial, and the various treatment options available.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning

Prior to 2010 Year 2 Sem 5

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 304

Integrating Leadership & Management in Psychiatric Nursing

You will examine leadership and management theory and skills in psychiatric nursing practice in the Canadian context. You will explore, analyze, synthesize and demonstrate the application of leadership and management in psychiatric nursing practice from personal, professional and organizational perspectives.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online

PSYN 308

Open Elective 1

An open elective may include any three-credit university course or SIAST approved course.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

Prior to 2010 Year 2 Sem 6

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 300

Consolidated Practice Education

You will demonstrate synthesis and application of theoretical concepts in a preceptored practice education setting of your choice. You will apply the psychiatric nursing skills of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, leadership, primary health care, and mental health promotion in advanced practice education settings such as education, research, leadership and management.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 280.0
Prerequisites(s): PSYN 208, PSYN 308, PSYN 300, PSYN 303, PSYN 304, STAT 202, (SOCI 100 or PSYC 101)
Equivalent Course(s): CLIN 300CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual

Beyond 2010 Year 1 Sem 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

ENGL 100

Critical Reading and Writing

PSYN 208

Informatics for Health Care Professionals

Beyond 2010 Year 1 Sem 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYC 101

Introduction to Psychology

SOCI 100

Introduction to Sociology

STAT 202

Introductory Statistics

Beyond 2010 Year 1 Sem 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 300

Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

Beyond 2010 Year 2 Sem 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 303

Economic, Social & Political Influences in Psychiatric Nursing

PSYN 308

Open Elective 1

An open elective may include any three-credit university course or SIAST approved course.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

Beyond 2010 Year 2 Sem 5

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PSYN 304

Integrating Leadership & Management in Psychiatric Nursing

PSYN 309

Open Elective 2

An open elective may include any three-credit university course or SIAST approved course.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 260
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

Beyond 2010 Year 2 Sem 6

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 300

Consolidated Practice Education

Note: Students take one of either PSYC 101 or SOCI 100.

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

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