Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Specialty Nursing is the only degree program in British Columbia designed to prepare Registered Nurses for employment in specialty nursing practice.
Delivery: online. See details.
These nursing specialties, and the contact numbers to call for more information, include:
| Critical Care | 604-451-7103 |
| Emergency | 604-451-7094 |
| High Acuity | 604-454-2230 |
| Neonatal | 604-432-8982 |
| Nephrology | 604-454-2230 |
| Pediatric | 604-454-2230 |
| Pediatric Critical Care | 604-454-2230 |
| Perinatal | 604-451-7102 |
| Perioperative | 604-432-8875 |
For all programs, call toll-free in Canada and US 1-800-663-6542.
Learners in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Specialty Nursing program are Registered Nurses who are either seeking employment or are employed in one of the nursing specialties listed above. The program combines part-time distance study with practice-based clinical education. BCIT grants credit for previous experience and education through a variety of transfer credit, course challenge, and prior learning assessment procedures.
The collaborative efforts of the BCIT Nursing Specialties faculty, nursing curriculum consultants, employers, learners, practising nurses, and clients have developed the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Specialty Nursing. The curriculum focuses on the technology of specialized nursing practice. Technology is broadly conceptualized as the knowledge, skills and attitudes that specialty nurses require in order to practice.
The curriculum also focuses on building partnerships. BCIT views both nursing and learning as relational endeavours in which communication and collaboration enhance the processes and outcomes of these endeavours. Partnership, therefore, is the context in which students learn and enact specialty knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Faculty members are experienced clinical specialists, academically prepared as educators, who maintain their competency by regular clinical practice. They demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to practice-based education by active involvement in professional organizations and interest groups.
Graduate characteristics
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Specialty Nursing program provides a broad range of perspectives, specialized knowledge, and skills. The intent is to build on learners’ previous experience and education to prepare them to competently care for individuals, groups and communities.
The following graduate characteristics facilitate competence in specialty nursing practice:
- Development of reflective, critical-thinking skills
- Participation in collaborative relationships
- Further development of verbal and written communication skills
- Development of systematic inquiry as a basis of practice
- Expansion of professionalism through caring for and about individuals,
groups and communities - Engagement in personal and professional growth
Flexible learning options
Learners may take all theory courses on a part-time basis via distance education modes. Selected courses may be offered on-site. Methods of delivery include print-based material, audio and video conferencing, computer-mediated communications, and classroom formats. BCIT designates three terms per year, each 12 weeks in length: winter, January to March; spring, April to June; fall, September to December. Registration should take place at least one month prior to the term start date.
BCIT offers clinical courses on a full-time or part-time basis at various appropriate clinical sites throughout BC The program may individually negotiate clinical placements outside of BC.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year with intake options available during the following periods:
- Winter (January) intake: open February 1* and close January 2*
- Spring (April) intake: open May 1* and close April 1*
- Fall (September) intake: open October 1* and close September 1*
Intakes may fill before the deadline. If you are currently registered in a course or planning to start, submit your application early to secure your spot in the program.
Entrance requirements
The following are requirements for entry into Specialty Nursing certificate and degree courses. Enforcement or waiving of any or all entry requirements is at the discretion of the program head.
If you have any questions about your experience or qualifications, please contact the program head.
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary education: diploma in nursing
- Current practicing registration with one of the following:
- BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) or
- Canadian provincial equivalent or
- Registered Nurse (RN) license number (if practicing outside Canada)
- Work Experience: minimum six months work experience in an acute care setting
Submit a resume of work experience with your application.
Exceptions may be granted for undergraduate students taking entry-level theory courses or new graduates. A resume is required for placement in the program. If you have questions about whether your work experience qualifies, please contact the program head.
Interested nurses from international practice, residential, or other areas of care lacking recent (within two years) acute care experience may be required to complete a refresher course. BCIT recommends the following programs:
- Douglas College
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Thompson Rivers University
Please contact one of the institutions above, as well as the program head, to determine an appropriate preparatory course of study.
Clinical requirements
Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.
As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times prior to being placed in your clinical studies.
Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification
All students participating in clinical courses must have current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Level C or Level Health Care Provider (HCP). The original certificate must be presented upon application to the clinical courses.
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration
As well as providing this information at the time of admission, BCIT requires students to provide proof of BCCNM membership, Canadian provincial equivalent, or RN license number for each clinical course. Without proper registration, you will not be permitted to continue in the course.
Face Respirator Fit Testing
A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.
For the Respirator Fit Testing, fit testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s or 1870) is required and must be performed, in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit Testing must also include, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions in preparation for their fit testing by the provider they choose.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid work permit in Canada that will be valid for the duration of clinical training.
Study permit: International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: While this program meets the study program - graduates with a bachelor’s degree criteria to apply for a PGWP, this program is not eligible for a PGWP due to other criteria not being met. There are no field of study requirements (CIP) for graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
Apply to program
International students must receive program head approval before applying.
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
The program faculty assesses learners with previous Specialty Nursing course work and relevant work experience on an individual basis.
- The program assesses learners with previous BCIT course work for potential credit into the degree program.
- The program may grant transfer of credit for non-BCIT Specialty courses.
- The program assesses experiential learning through prior learning assessment processes.
- The Registrar's office assesses transfer of credit for Liberal Studies courses.
BCIT requires original, sealed transcripts and course outlines to assess transfer of credit.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Face respirator fit testing – approx $25 per year; annual re-fitting required.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: (28.0 credits) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NSCC 7120 |
Critical Care Nursing Theory 1
This introductory course establishes the core principles of critical care nursing, providing a strong foundation for practice in this fast-paced and complex environment. It begins with an exploration of key factors influencing clinical decision-making, including the specialized role of critical care nurses, the complexities of critical illness, the depth of knowledge required to understand each patient’s condition, and the lived experiences of both patients and healthcare professionals within the field. Learners will be introduced to the Oxygen Supply and Demand Framework (OSDF), and a structured approach that supports systematic assessment and clinical reasoning. By emphasizing the balance between oxygen supply and demand, the OSDF helps organize assessment findings and strengthens clinical judgment—essential skills for managing critically ill patients. Building on this foundation, the course advances into arterial blood gas analysis and hemodynamic assessment, equipping learners with the skills needed to interpret and respond to increasingly complex patient needs.
|
4.0 | |
| NSCC 7150 |
Dysrhythmia Interpretation and Management
This course supports the development of fundamental knowledge required to systematically analyze and interpret basic cardiac dysrhythmias. Learners will explore myocardial electrophysiology in relation to cardiac monitoring and develop a systematic approach to dysrhythmia analysis and interpretation. Learners will also consider the predisposing factors of all conduction defects and the consequences of dysrhythmias to both systemic and myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Additionally, interventions for dysrhythmias are also discussed. Lastly, the significance of dysrhythmia analysis, interpretation, and management to critical care nursing practice will be explored. Though this course is conducted within the specific context of critical care nursing practice, it is also suitable for other nurses or qualified health professionals requiring this skill. If you are not a registered nurse or a student nurse in the final years of your BSN program, you must consult the Critical Care Nursing Program Head before registration. Health professionals who are not nurses may register for this course with the approval of the Critical Care Nursing Specialty Program Head. If you are registering in the NSCC, NSHA or NSER nursing program, follow the program course matrix. Program Head approval is required to take NSCC 7150 as a co-requisite with NSCC 7120, NSCC 7220, NSHA 7100, or NSER 7110. To be successful in the course, learners must achieve 75% or higher on each evaluative component in the course.
|
2.0 | |
| NSCC 7220 |
Critical Care Nursing Theory 2
Learners will deepen their understanding of equity-oriented, person- and family-centered care, with a focus on trauma- and violence-informed care, cultural safety, and relational practice. These approaches will be explored in the context of meeting the diverse needs of critically ill patients and their families. The course also examines strategies for managing pain, agitation, delirium, immobility, and sleep disturbances, emphasizing their impact on both immediate patient outcomes and long-term complications such as post-intensive care syndrome. Interprofessional collaboration will be highlighted as a key factor in effective patient care, alongside strategies to foster personal resilience and professional growth in high-intensity environments. Expanding on core assessment and management skills, the course provides an in-depth exploration of fluid, electrolyte, and renal physiology, equipping learners to anticipate, recognize, and address imbalances and kidney dysfunction. The gastrointestinal system will also be examined, with a focus on the assessment and management of critical conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Additionally, learners will explore strategies to meet the complex nutritional needs of critically ill patients while mitigating associated risks. At the end of the course learners will complete a short clinical experience. Concept-focused clinical learning experiences include beginning exploration of family centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration in critical care as well as clinical decision-making. Please note, learners must be Registered Nurses to take this course. Please note: You must achieve 75% or greater to register in the next Critical Care Nursing course, NSCC 7320.
|
3.0 | |
| NSCC 7320 |
Critical Care Nursing Theory 3
Learners build knowledge related to supporting oxygen supply and demand balance for critically ill patients by exploring theory of mechanical ventilation, advanced oxygen supply and demand assessment, and management of metabolic and oxygen demand. The remainder of the course focuses on pathophysiology, assessment and management of a variety of 'single-system' critical illnesses presented within narrative cases of patients and families in a variety of critical care settings. Narrative cases focus on acute kidney injury, acute respiratory failure and care of chronically, critically ill patients/family, and hemodynamic instability (including shock states) arising from hypovolemic shock, acute decompensated heart failure, and SIRS/sepsis. The narrative cases also provide context for learners to build understanding of patients' and families' experiences of critical illness, develop clinical decision-making processes that support effective patient and family care, and to build understanding of interprofessional collaborative practice within critical care environments. Please note, learners must be Registered Nurses to take this course. Please note: You must achieve 75% or greater to register in the next Critical Care Nursing course, NSCC 7420.
|
5.0 | |
| NSCC 7420 |
Critical Care Nursing Clinical 1
This clinical course occurs in an intensive care unit of mixed cardiac care/intensive care unit. Clinical practice experiences build toward independence in providing independent nursing care for stable*, critically ill patients and families experiencing a variety of critical illnesses [e.g. acute coronary syndrome, acute respiratory insufficiency and failure, acute kidney injury, hemodynamic instability (including shock states), acute decompensated heart failure, hypovolemic shock and sepsis]. Specific attention will be given to the unique challenges of caring for chronically critically ill patients, for families of critically ill patients and collaborative practice within the interdisciplinary team. Relevant patients will include those experiencing noninvasive or mechanical ventilation, cardiac and invasive hemodynamic monitoring, common laboratory and diagnostic processes, and active intervention intended to optimize oxygen supply and demand balance. Primary patient issues will be predominantly in one system, with other physiological systems minimally or potentially impacted. Learners also complete a one day Lab related to Cardiac Arrest Management: in team-based high fidelity simulations, learners have an opportunity to apply relevant theory (e.g. ACLS algorithms) and to practice skills required for recognition and intervention for life threatening dysrhythmias. While NSCC 7420 is generally a clinical teacher led course, in unique situations it is possible to complete this course as a preceptorship. [*The stable patient is defined as one with 'potential to change or experiencing gradually evolving changes in condition.*] Please note, learners must be Registered Nurses to take this course. Please note: You must achieve a successful grade to register in the next Critical Care Nursing course, NSCC 7520.
|
5.0 | |
| NSER 7410 |
Emergency Nursing Theory 3
An introduction to the care of critically ill patients, this course focuses on the knowledge, values, and beliefs central to the practice of nursing patients who experience life-threatening injuries. Throughout this course, students explore key concepts related to resuscitation including primary assessment and interventions and mechanism of injury. In addition, there is a strong focus on the needs of special populations. Pathophysiology, urgency determination, clinical reasoning, and patient assessment continue to be a focus for learning.
|
4.0 | |
| NSER 7500 |
Emergency Nursing Clinical 2
Building on knowledge and skills acquired in previous theory and clinical courses, nurses continue to develop understanding and apply reflective practice to their role as emergency nurses. Broad perspectives of communities, environment, and health care resources are incorporated into nurses' understanding of health assessment and emergency nursing care. With a focus on a diversity of complex health care challenges and issues arising in emergency practice, nurses use systematic frameworks and reflective problem solving to gain knowledge, make and evaluate clinical judgements, and examine and challenge practice. Developing confidence in the provision of competent emergency nursing care for complex patients is central to this course. Communication skills and relationship building strategies are emphasized as nurses assume an active role in creating partnerships with patients and families and participating in multi-member/interdisciplinary teams. This clinical experience will integrate knowledge and skills gained from workshops/laboratories such as cardiac arrest management and trauma care with clinical practice. Specifically, this course focuses student learning on caring for patients experiencing unstable, complex health challenges.
|
5.0 | |
| Core/Management Component: (21.0 credits) | Credits | ||
| Required courses: (18.0 credits) | |||
| BUSA 7250 |
Management Skills and Applications
The course provides an overview of the basic skills of a manager and applies these skills through a series of projects and case studies. It examines the evolution of management and the organizational culture and environment. It also teaches the decision-making skills and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading and controlling, including planning and facilitating change, teamwork, applying motivational techniques and effective communication.
|
3.0 | |
| NSSC 7115 |
Teaching and Learning in Specialty Nursing
Introduces diverse perspectives on teaching and learning related to specialty nursing and explores the impact that connected teacher-learner relationships have on effective learning. Teaching and learning are viewed as mutual and parallel processes, being influenced by beliefs, intentions, and capacities of both teachers and learners. Teaching and learning abilities are further developed according to mutually agreed upon learning outcomes and intentions.
|
3.0 | |
| NSSC 8000 |
Systematic Inquiry
In this online course, learners explore how research informs evidence-based nursing practice. Foundational research concepts and processes in quantitative and qualitative paradigms are examined. Learners critique primary research reports of interest, both individually and in groups, and address research utilization in practice.
|
3.0 | |
| NSSC 8300 |
Creative Leadership
This on-line course offers students the opportunity to develop their leadership knowledge and skills within the context of specialty nursing. Leadership is explored from multiple perspectives with an emphasis on contemporary theories and frameworks. Topics that are examined include followership, contextual influences, power, navigating change and transitions, and teambuilding. Students engage in a work related leadership project to apply leadership knowledge and skills to their practice.
|
3.0 | |
| NSSC 8500 |
Professional Growth
Professional growth is explored from personal, professional, and historical perspectives. Students choose a focus for growth which is fostered by ongoing critical reflection and journaling. Relational practice is explored through the lenses of mentoring and harmful workplace relationships. Contemporary trends in ethical practice are examined, including the contextual influences on practice; the development of moral identity; and the enhancement of moral integrity. An anticipated trajectory for professional development is envisioned and described.
|
3.0 | |
| NSSC 8600 |
Community Nursing: Facilitating Health
This course explores contemporary community health nursing, examining multiple perspectives on community, health, and relational practice. Community health nursing is examined through the lenses of primary health care, health promotion, and ethics. Clinical practice is focused on facilitating participatory dialogue with a selected group to explore perspectives on relational practice in health care.
|
3.0 | |
Electives: (3.0 credits) |
|||
| NSSC 8800 |
Community Nursing: Facilitating Health Action
Based on the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice, this course provides opportunities for exploring contemporary perspectives on health promotion, protection of health, a community health nursing process, and participatory decision making. Clinical experience occurs through engaging in participatory dialogue with a selected group; exploring salient health issues; and facilitating collective health action.
|
3.0 | |
| Note: Alternative Nursing electives need to be approved by the Program Head. | |||
| Liberal Studies Component: (12.0 credits) | Credits | ||
| Required courses: (6.0 credits) | |||
| COMM 7100 |
Intercultural Communication Competency and Diversity Awareness for Professionals
This course is an introduction to the dynamic forces which enhance effective communication between persons from various cultural backgrounds, primarily in a professional setting. By helping students to develop a truly international perspective, COMM 7100 encourages intercultural communication competency, otherwise known as ICC. Due to rapid globalization, ICC is not an option, but a necessity.
|
3.0 | |
| LIBS 7021 |
Health Ethics
This course introduces students to contemporary issues in health ethics by examining and applying ethical theories to moral dilemmas at the clinical, professional, and organizational levels. To this end, developing competence in moral reasoning is an important goal, one that will be emphasized through the analysis of case studies that test personal, professional, and societal values.
|
3.0 | |
Electives: (6.0 credits) 6.0 credits of General Education [PDF] electives at a 100-level minimum in at least two different academic disciplines. |
|||
| Total Credits: | 62.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Additional program options
- Specialty Nursing (Critical Care - Standard Option)
- Specialty Nursing (Emergency - Combined Emergency / Critical Care Option)
- Specialty Nursing (Emergency - Standard Option)
- Specialty Nursing (High Acuity)
- Specialty Nursing (Neonatal)
- Specialty Nursing (Nephrology)
- Specialty Nursing (Pediatric - Critical Care Option)
- Specialty Nursing (Pediatric Nursing - Standard Option)
- Specialty Nursing (Perinatal - Perioperative Option)
- Specialty Nursing (Perinatal - Standard Option)
- Specialty Nursing (Perioperative)
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are offered through online learning.Program structure
| Credits | ||
| Nursing Component | 44.0 - 55.0 | |
| A. Advanced Certificate | 21.0 - 36.0 | |
| B. Core Courses | 18.0 - 24.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Component | 12.0 | |
| Total | 60.0 - 69.0 | |
Graduating & Jobs
Health Match BC
Health Match BC is a new service that helps recent Specialty Nursing graduates find work within BC. Funded by the provincial government Health Match BC prioritizes hiring of BC nursing graduates. For more information, download the Health Match BC [PDF].
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Contact Us
Jenna Coroliuc
Program Assistant
jenna_coroliuc@bcit.ca
604-451-7103
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7103
Questions or comments?
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.