KPU pilot program puts LPNs on fast track to become nurses

At the end of the fall semester, the first set of students in a Kwantlen Polytechnic University pilot program for licensed practical nurses (LPN) graduated at the Langley campus — putting them one step closer to becoming registered nurses.

KPU partnered with Fraser Health, the BC Nurses’ Union, and B.C.’s ministries of health and post-secondary education and future skills for the program which launched in 2024. It serves as a fast-track pathway for LPNs with work experience to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at KPU.

The graduating class of nearly 20 students worked as LPNs at New Westminster’s Royal Columbian Hospital. They were celebrated with a nursing pinning ceremony in late November.

KPU Faculty of Health Dean Sharmen Lee says the idea for the program first came up between Fraser Health and KPU. Lee participated in quarterly meetings with a director at Fraser Health to discuss how the university and health authority can collaborate to address hospital needs, such as nursing shortages.

“Fraser Health needs more nurses, and we’ve got a global shortage of nurses,” Lee says. “So we sat there and said, ‘Surely, between the two of us, we should be able to figure out a way of getting more nurses through the system faster, but still ensuring that they’ve got quality education.’”

Through KPU’s prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) process, an LPN can receive academic credits for their past work experience, lightening the course load and time needed to complete the BSN program. LPNs will also work on a reduced shift schedule to meet the pilot program requirements.

“We didn’t want to compromise the quality of the education by making sure they were fully meeting the requirements of KPU, but more importantly, they were being set up for success as a student transitioning to a graduate nurse,” Lee says.

Lee adds the BSN faculty at KPU played a vital role in shaping the program.

“All of our great plans and innovative ideas don’t go anywhere without the faculty.”

The first cohort can write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the exam, the graduates can obtain their nursing licence and return to work.

Lee says seeing the first set of graduates was emotional and meaningful because many of them wanted to be in the program for a long time, but couldn’t quit their jobs to enrol.

“Many of them had been out of school for a very long time, so transitioning back to being in a rigorous academic environment, I know, was challenging for some of them, but they came through it,” she says.

“I had pride for them, but I saw the pride they had with themselves as well — and it was just wonderful.”

The second cohort will graduate in August, with the third group starting this month. The fourth cohort is yet to be determined.

Lee says a more detailed picture of feedback will come from current and future surveys, adding that she hopes these followup evaluations will be successful so the program can continue.