A Psychiatric Nurse diploma program is a specialized training and educational pathway designed to enable eligible Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with considerable work experience to develop advanced competencies in mental health care and become a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN). The curriculum emphasizes acquiring in-depth knowledge, refined skills, and extensive experience essential for providing comprehensive psychiatric nursing services. RPNs are educated in the advanced principles of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based care for individuals experiencing a spectrum of mental health challenges, emotional disorders, and psychiatric conditions, utilizing a holistic patient-centered approach.
Bow Valley College has received endorsement from the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) and approval from Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education to develop and deliver the Psychiatric Nurse Diploma.
As part of the implementation of a new psychiatric nursing program, the college is progressing through CRPNA’s education program review and formal approval process. Bow Valley College is working closely with CRPNA and anticipates completing this process during the 2026–27 academic year.
Formal CRPNA approval is an important step in establishing graduate eligibility for registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in Alberta.
We are committed to keeping current and prospective students informed and will update this information when formal program approval is received.
This is an intensive, full-time program that develops the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for psychiatric nursing practice. It combines:
The program has a structured timetable, assessment deadlines, and course attendance and participation requirements. Competency-based education provides flexibility within these requirements but does not mean the program is fully self-paced. Required in-person activities take place at Bow Valley College’s downtown Calgary campus. You must successfully demonstrate the required course competencies to progress.
Plan for your education to be a priority alongside your personal and work obligations.
Clinical and preceptorship placements are required and take place in Calgary and surrounding areas, depending on the availability of appropriate clinical learning experiences.
You should be prepared to:
Every effort is made to arrange placements within the scheduled program timeframe. However, placement availability depends on healthcare partners and may, in some circumstances, affect the timing of your progression or program completion.
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Program availability and start dates are subject to change. Admission is based on first applied, first qualified.
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Not all delivery modes are available for all courses or programs, and not all courses are available each term. Students should follow up on their individual program areas or their MyBVC for information for courses delivery types and availability.
Delivery modes, descriptions, and availability of courses each term are subject to change.
Through the School of Health and Wellness, it’s possible.
In just two years, you could become a Licensed Practical Nurse, Pharmacy Technician, Health Care Aide, and more.
Together, we can make it happen.
