LPN Mental Health Nursing

NOTE: Applications for the this program are on hold until further notice.

Date for admission to re-open to be determined.

The LPN Mental Health Nursing Certificate program is a self-paced, on-line, instructor-supported program that has been developed for Licensed Practical Nurses wishing to enhance their knowledge about care for clients with mental health concerns.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are required to have completed a recognized LPN program and active LPN registration to enroll. This is not a program to become an licensed LPN. 

The full program includes five courses, including a knowledge transfer course. 

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

Courses

Admission Requirements

Prior to registration in the LPN Mental Health Certificate Program, you must submit to Continuing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences:

  • a program application form;
  • a copy of your current resume, highlighting your education and experience as an LPN; 
  • proof of completion of a recognized LPN education program;
  • a copy of current active registration as an LPN;
  • a letter of intent that describes your personal goals and vision for your future practice, and how completion of this program aligns with your goals (maximum of one page);
  • two letters of reference (one must be a work-related reference; the other may be a personal reference); and
  • proof of completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent LPI test results (score of 4 on all sections).

NOTE: In order to enroll in and complete the final course, you must be working in a mental health environment where you have continuous, ongoing access to clients. All courses must be completed in order to receive a credential. 

Tuition

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

Program Duration

You have a maximum of 24 months to complete the program.

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 Douglas College Continuing Education program certificate in LPN Mental Health Nursing.

For more information regarding application to the program, please contact the RPN Refresher Program Assistant by email cehs@douglascollege.ca or by phone at (604) 777-6405.