Courtesy UNBC

By Cheryl Jahn

UNBC Nursing

UNBC creates LPN Pathways

Feb 5, 2026 | 3:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Launching this September, a new accelerated learning pathway at the University of Northern British Columbia will enable actively practicing Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition to a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The new LPN Pathway will be part of the current two-year Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NBNP) in the UNBC School of Nursing.

“The new LPN to RN pathway at UNBC strengthens our commitment to expanding health training opportunities where people need them most,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills. “By offering a streamlined pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, we are helping build a stronger, more sustainable health care workforce for northern and rural communities.”

Comprising Year 3 and Year 4 of the UNBC Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, the LPN Pathway NBNP will be offered at UNBC’s campuses in Fort St. John and Prince George. The new pathway will use seats already allocated to the NBNP program, with an ongoing goal of filling half with LPN Pathway students. There are 16 NBNP seats currently in Ft. St. John and 24 in Prince George, which include priority seats for Indigenous students.

Delivered over five consecutive semesters, the LPN Pathway – NBNP will be a full-time program of combined theoretical and clinical coursework, including experiential learning such as simulation, laboratory and clinical placements in northern communities.

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As part of the program requirements, interested applicants must be registered as LPNs with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives, and have at least two years of experience in acute care settings in B.C.

Individuals interested in learning more about the new pathway are invited to attend an online info session, at this link, on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm.