Psychiatric Nursing Refresher Certificate Program

Recognized by the regulatory bodies for Psychiatric Nurses in British Columbia (BCCMN), Alberta (CRPNA), Saskatchewan (RPNAS) and Manitoba (CRPNM)

The Psychiatric Nursing Refresher Certificate Program is a self-paced, on-line, instructor-supported program for Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) who have been non-practicing for up to five years and wish to update their knowledge and skills to reach competencies required of a beginning graduate in preparation for registration. Requisite skills and abilities to become a RPN can be found online at on the BCCNM website.

The full certificate Program includes five theory courses, an on-line clinical skills component, and a full-time clinical preceptorship experience in an acute care psychiatric setting.  

Individuals wishing to refresh their theoretical foundations may also register in any or all of the individual theory courses for professional development.  

Program learning outcomes

Program graduates will be equipped to:

  • demonstrate responsibility and accountability for their own psychiatric nursing practice;
  • apply communication theory and skills effectively to initiate, maintain and terminate therapeutic relationships;
  • promote a therapeutic environment;
  • demonstrate self-awareness in relationships with individuals and their significant others to facilitate therapeutic relationships;
  • in collaboration with the client, use problem-solving and specialized knowledge and skills to accurately assess, plan, implement, evaluate and adapt a plan of care in collaboration with the client in a mental health setting;
  • apply principles of teaching and learning to assist individuals to meet health-related needs;
  • demonstrate beginning leadership skills within the health team;
  • utilize agency and community resources to promote health;
  • demonstrate clear, accurate oral and written communication regarding a client's health status and response to therapeutic interventions; and
  • critique the quality of their own practice with ethical and legal parameters.

Courses

Admission Requirements

To register for the certificate, you must submit:

  • proof of completion of a recognized RPN education program;
  • proof of completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent LPI test results (score of 4 on all sections).

For more information regarding the program, please email cehs@douglascollege.ca

Tuition

Each course has its own tuition fee. Tuition is noted on the individual course pages linked above. 

Program duration

You have up to 31 months to complete the program. However, this is a maximum timeline, based on the maximum timelines available to complete each of the courses in the program. As courses are self-paced and begin once per month, dedicated students may complete the entire program in less than the maximum time permitted.

Credential

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be granted a 做厙51 Continuing Education Program Certificate: Psychiatric Nursing Refresher, which is issued by the Graduation Office in the Office of the Registrar.