Whitney Sharp
Our population is aging. That is one of the predominant factors increasing the need for qualified health-care professionals. While post-secondary pursuits can be costly, they also have proven to be a sound investment. A recent report from the Ministry of Advanced Education shows that a post-secondary education pays off; but a post-secondary education in healthcare, really pays off. Those with an undergraduate degree in healthcare can earn an extra million dollars in their lifetime, compared to their high school diploma counterparts.
The Faculty of Health at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) offers students a choice of certificate, diploma, and degree programs to prepare them for careers in a variety of healthcare settings.
With the need for registered nurses on the rise, the province of BC is predicting less than two percent unemployment for the profession by the year 2020. KPU offers multiple options for students to complete nursing credentials. Those with an international nursing education can prepare to write the Canadian Registered Nurses exam and get their Canadian license through the graduate nurse internationally educated re-entry certificate.
KPU’s bachelor of science in nursing program, recognized by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia, trains students for work in acute, intermediate, and long-term care hospitals, clinics, and community health agencies. Students who already have an undergraduate degree can complete the bachelor of science in nursing at KPU in seven semesters through the post-baccalaureate degree in nursing option.
The university also offers a bachelor of psychiatric nursing degree. Based on concepts of caring, teaching, learning, health, growth, change, and facilitative leadership, the program prepares students to careers in mental health settings including: hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and other health facilities.
The health-care assistant program at KPU is a two-semester long certificate program recognized by the BC Care Aid and Community Health Worker Registry. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to work in continuing care settings, ladder into other KPU programs, or pursue further health-care studies and other post-secondary programs.
The health unit coordinator certificate program trains students to be part of a healthcare team and work as a unit clerk or coordinator. Courses in the program include medical terminology, diagnostic orders, and pharmacology fundamentals. The program also includes a four-week practicum.
KPU is also the first public, post-secondary school in the province to offer studies in traditional Chinese medicine. Program courses will include herbology, acupuncture, and rehabilitation exercises. Students who complete the new diploma program will also be able to seek membership with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia.
Learn more about healthcare programs and the Faculty of Health at Kwantlen Polytechnic University online at kpu.ca/health
