Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing

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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

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

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. Learn more about the 2018 External Review.

Refer to our frequently asked questions for additional information.

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.

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

• English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements will apply to students new to Saskatchewan Polytechnic (see Program-Specific ELP Requirements section)

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.
• 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

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

2024-25 academic year

Program suspended

This program is not eligible for the Canada-Saskatchewan student loan program.

Courses

Get credit for what you know

Transfer credit

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

Student awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS), conditional approval, Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board.

Additional information