Eldean WalterBritish Columbia is home to some of Canada’s best nursing schools, offering programs that prepare graduates for careers in diverse healthcare settings. Institutions such as the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, and British Columbia Institute of Technology provide rigorous academic training, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive clinical experiences. These programs often emphasize cultural competence, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Whether pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Practical Nursing diploma, students in BC benefit from high-quality education and access to varied healthcare environments across the province.
Top 20 Nursing Schools in British Columbia
1. University of British Columbia (UBC)
UBC’s School of Nursing is one of Canada’s most respected, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on research, evidence-based practice, and global health. Located on the Vancouver campus, students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced simulation labs, and clinical placements in leading healthcare facilities. The accelerated nursing program allows motivated learners to qualify as registered nurses in 16 months. UBC emphasizes leadership development, cultural competence, and innovative approaches to patient care, preparing graduates for diverse roles across healthcare systems worldwide.
2. University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO)
UBCO’s School of Nursing offers an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with options for direct entry, LPN access, and RN access. The program combines academic theory with hands-on practice in hospitals, community health, and long-term care facilities. Students have access to modern labs, simulation technology, and small class sizes that encourage mentorship. The Okanagan setting provides opportunities to work with rural and urban healthcare populations. Graduates are well prepared for the NCLEX-RN and professional nursing roles in British Columbia.
3. University of Victoria (UVic)
The University of Victoria offers a collaborative nursing program developed with UBC, emphasizing evidence-based care, critical thinking, and compassionate practice. Students experience a balance of classroom learning, simulation exercises, and clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings. The program fosters small-group learning, strong faculty support, and opportunities for community engagement. UVic’s location on Vancouver Island allows students to work in coastal and rural health environments, enhancing adaptability and cultural competence. Graduates enter the profession ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
4. British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
BCIT’s nursing programs are known for their practical, hands-on approach and early clinical exposure. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates classroom instruction, simulation lab work, and hospital-based training from the first year. BCIT offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as pediatrics, emergency care, and intensive care. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are in high demand due to their extensive clinical experience and readiness to contribute immediately in fast-paced healthcare environments across British Columbia.
5. Douglas College
Douglas College’s nursing programs focus on producing competent, confident, and compassionate healthcare professionals. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum integrates nursing theory, clinical skills, and professional ethics. Students participate in hospital, community, and long-term care placements, ensuring broad exposure to various patient populations. The college also offers post-graduate certificates for registered nurses seeking specialized training in areas such as gerontology, emergency care, and perinatal nursing. With experienced faculty and supportive learning environments, Douglas College prepares graduates for success in multiple healthcare settings.
6. Langara College
Langara College offers a Practical Nursing program and pathways to registered nursing roles through partnerships and transfer agreements. The program is built around evidence-based practice, patient safety, and culturally sensitive care. Students gain experience through simulation labs and clinical placements in acute care, community health, and long-term care facilities. Langara’s faculty emphasize small-group instruction, mentorship, and professional development. Its central Vancouver location allows for diverse clinical opportunities, helping graduates develop adaptability and skills suited to the dynamic healthcare needs of British Columbia.
7. Camosun College
Located in Victoria, Camosun College offers both Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Practical Nursing programs. The BSN program is offered in collaboration with the University of Victoria, ensuring academic rigor and clinical relevance. Students receive comprehensive training through classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, and clinical rotations in hospitals, community centers, and rural health sites. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and holistic patient care. Camosun’s strong connections with local healthcare providers enhance graduate employment prospects and professional readiness.
8. Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
Thompson Rivers University’s School of Nursing offers direct entry and LPN bridging options for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program blends theory, research, and hands-on practice, with clinical placements in hospitals, community agencies, and rural healthcare centers. TRU supports student participation in international clinical opportunities, encouraging a global perspective on healthcare. Faculty provide individualized mentorship, helping students build confidence and competence. Located in Kamloops, TRU’s program prepares graduates for nursing roles in both urban and rural communities.
9. University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
The University of the Fraser Valley offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing and LPN-to-BSN bridging programs designed to meet the healthcare needs of the Fraser Valley and beyond. Students engage in classroom learning, simulation lab practice, and clinical experiences in a range of healthcare environments. UFV emphasizes patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and interprofessional collaboration. The program’s smaller class sizes allow for personalized instruction and mentoring. Graduates are well equipped for professional nursing practice in acute care, community health, and long-term care.
10. North Island College (NIC)
North Island College delivers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in partnership with Vancouver Island University, offering students the opportunity to study in smaller communities while accessing a university-level education. The program combines academic instruction with practical training in hospitals, community clinics, and long-term care settings. NIC also offers a Practical Nursing diploma for those seeking a quicker entry into healthcare. The curriculum promotes professional ethics, clinical competence, and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of patient care.
11. Vancouver Island University (VIU)
Vancouver Island University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that prepares graduates for licensure as registered nurses. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong focus on community-based healthcare. The curriculum includes academic coursework, simulation lab training, and diverse clinical placements in hospitals, rural health centers, and community agencies. VIU emphasizes cultural awareness and adaptability, particularly for serving coastal and Indigenous populations. Graduates leave the program prepared for professional practice across a variety of healthcare settings.
12. College of New Caledonia (CNC) / University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
The College of New Caledonia partners with the University of Northern British Columbia to offer the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Students begin their studies at CNC and complete the degree with UNBC. The program provides classroom instruction, simulation lab experiences, and clinical placements across northern British Columbia. It emphasizes rural and Indigenous health, cultural safety, and adaptability. Graduates are well prepared to work in diverse healthcare environments, particularly in communities where nursing expertise is most needed.
13. Northern Lights College (NLC) / University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Northern Lights College works with UNBC to offer the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program, allowing students to complete their first two years at NLC and finish their degree at UNBC. This program focuses on meeting the nursing needs of rural and northern regions. Students engage in academic studies, simulation-based training, and clinical placements in community hospitals and health agencies. Emphasis is placed on developing resilience, cultural competency, and the ability to practice in resource-limited settings. Graduates are prepared for varied nursing roles.
14. Northwest Community College (NWCC) / University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Northwest Community College, in partnership with UNBC, offers a pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Students study in Terrace and surrounding communities, receiving training that combines theory, simulation, and real-world clinical practice. The program highlights healthcare delivery in rural and Indigenous contexts, giving students valuable experience in settings where nurses play a pivotal role in community wellness. Graduates are equipped with the skills to work effectively in both urban and rural environments.
15. Trinity Western University (TWU)
Trinity Western University offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with an emphasis on compassionate care, leadership, and Christian values. Students participate in hospital rotations, community placements, and simulation-based learning to develop both clinical skills and ethical decision-making abilities. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN and for practice in various healthcare environments. TWU’s smaller class sizes and supportive faculty foster a close-knit learning community, producing nursing professionals who are confident, skilled, and service-oriented.
16. Okanagan College / University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO)
Okanagan College previously partnered with UBCO to deliver the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, allowing students to study close to home before transitioning to the UBCO campus. While UBCO now delivers the nursing program directly, Okanagan College continues to provide related health and science courses that can support nursing preparation. Students in past cohorts benefitted from smaller class sizes, hands-on lab experience, and access to local clinical placements in hospitals, community agencies, and long-term care facilities within the Okanagan region.
17. Vancouver Community College (VCC)
Vancouver Community College offers a Practical Nursing diploma program designed to prepare students for licensure as licensed practical nurses. The program combines classroom teaching, simulation lab activities, and supervised clinical practice in hospitals, community clinics, and residential care facilities. VCC’s central location provides access to a wide range of healthcare settings for training. The curriculum emphasizes patient safety, communication, and culturally appropriate care. Many graduates use this credential as a stepping stone toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
18. Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers a range of nursing programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing, and bridging options for licensed practical nurses. The programs feature simulation labs, small-group instruction, and diverse clinical placements in hospitals, mental health facilities, and community health centers. KPU places a strong emphasis on cultural competence, patient-centered care, and interprofessional teamwork. Graduates are equipped to work in acute care, mental health, community, and specialized nursing roles across British Columbia.
19. Capilano University
Capilano University does not currently offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, but it provides health-related courses that may serve as prerequisites for nursing studies. While the university is better known for programs in arts, business, and education, some students begin their academic journey at Capilano before transferring to other institutions to complete their nursing degree. Capilano’s small campus environment allows for personalized attention from instructors and a supportive atmosphere that can help students prepare for further studies in healthcare.
20. Sprott Shaw College
Sprott Shaw College offers a Practical Nursing program that prepares graduates for licensure as licensed practical nurses in British Columbia. The program focuses on patient-centered care, clinical competence, and readiness for entry-level positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings. Training includes classroom lectures, simulation exercises, and supervised clinical placements. Sprott Shaw’s flexible scheduling and multiple campus locations make it accessible to students across the province. Many graduates choose to continue their education toward becoming registered nurses.
Requirements For These Top Nursing Schools in British Columbia
- High school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in English, biology, and chemistry
- Minimum GPA requirement, often 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
- Proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening
- Up-to-date immunizations including hepatitis B, MMR, and Tdap
- Current CPR Level C or Basic Life Support certification
- Personal statement or letter of intent outlining career goals and motivation for nursing
- References from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals
- Successful interview or admission assessment if required by the institution
Cost of These Top Nursing Schools in British Columbia
- University of British Columbia – approximately 8,500 to 10,000 CAD per year for domestic students; higher for international students
- University of Victoria – around 6,500 to 8,000 CAD per year for domestic students; higher for international students
- British Columbia Institute of Technology – about 8,000 to 9,000 CAD per year for domestic students
- Thompson Rivers University – around 6,500 to 7,500 CAD per year for domestic students
- Douglas College – approximately 6,000 to 7,000 CAD per year for domestic students
- Langara College – about 5,500 to 6,500 CAD per year for domestic students
- Vancouver Island University – around 6,500 to 7,500 CAD per year for domestic students
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University – about 6,000 to 7,000 CAD per year for domestic students
Application Process For These Top Nursing Schools in British Columbia
- Review admission requirements and ensure all prerequisites are met
- Gather transcripts, test scores, and proof of prerequisites
- Prepare and submit an online application through the school or BC’s centralized application system
- Provide required supporting documents such as personal statements, resumes, and references
- Pay the non-refundable application fee
- Complete any additional steps such as interviews, entrance exams, or portfolio submissions
- Await an admission decision and follow the school’s instructions for accepting an offer and registering for courses
Conclusion
Nursing schools in British Columbia offer a wide range of opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals, from practical nursing diplomas to bachelor’s degrees. Admission is competitive and requires meeting academic prerequisites, demonstrating commitment to the profession, and completing necessary health and safety clearances. Costs vary between institutions, but students can expect a strong return on investment through rewarding careers and opportunities for advancement. By understanding the requirements, costs, and application process, prospective students can better prepare to join these respected programs and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.