August 6, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career where you can help people every day, provide essential healthcare support, and make a lasting difference in your community, practical nursing might be your calling. But before jumping into this rewarding profession, one of the most common questions prospective students ask is: How long is the Practical Nursing program? 
 

Let’s break it down. In this article, we’ll explore what a practical nursing program involves, how long it typically takes to complete, and why choosing the right college like CDI College can set you on the fast track to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Canada. 

What is a Practical Nursing Program? 

A Practical Nursing program is a post secondary educational pathway that prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). LPNs are regulated healthcare professionals who work alongside registered nurses and physicians to provide high-quality, hands-on care to patients across various healthcare settings. Practical nursing students learn a wide range of clinical and theoretical skills including: 
 

• Administering medication 
• Monitoring patient vitals 
• Supporting patient hygiene and mobility 
• Performing wound care 
• Communicating with healthcare teams 
• Educating patients and families 
• Promoting health and wellbeing in community and clinical environments 
   

It’s a role that demands empathy, attention to detail, and the ability to think critically in real-time situations. Whether in hospitals, long-term care homes, clinics, or schools, LPNs play a vital part in Canada's healthcare system. 
 

Bonus Read: How Much Does a Practical Nurse Make in Canada? 

How Long is Practical Nursing Program? 

Here’s the simple answer: CDI College’s Practical Nursing Diploma Program takes 75 weeks to complete. That’s just under a year and a half of focused training that prepares you to become job ready. Compared to traditional four-year university nursing degrees, this accelerated path gets you into the workforce much faster without compromising on the quality of your education. CDI College’s program length includes: 
 

• Comprehensive in class theory and lab training 
• 475 hours of clinical practicum, where you work directly with patients in healthcare settings 
• 180 hour preceptorship, where you shadow experienced professionals and apply what you’ve learned in real-world environments 
   

This blend of classroom instruction and practical experience ensures you graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on skills to thrive as an LPN. 
 

Read More: What Do Licensed Practical Nurses Do?   
 

Benefits of Joining a Practical Nursing Program 

A practical nursing diploma is more than just a fast route to employment. It’s a lifechanging career foundation. Here are just a few reasons why pursuing a practical nursing program is a smart and fulfilling decision: 
 

1. Fast Track Into the Workforce 

With a 75 week program, you can go from student to Licensed Practical Nurse in under two years. That means starting your career, earning a pay cheque, and making a difference in people’s lives sooner. 

2. Job Security and Demand 

Canada’s population is aging, and the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise. LPNs are in high demand across the country in hospitals, care homes, community centres, and more. 

3. Meaningful Work 

Practical nursing is not just a job it’s a calling. You’ll be at the heart of patient care, building trust and helping people through some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. 

4. Diverse Career Opportunities 

Once licensed, LPNs can work in a wide range of healthcare settings such as: 
 

• Acute care hospitals 
• Longterm care homes 
• Group homes 
• Public schools 
• Special care units 
• Community and home care services 
   

5. Bridge to RN Opportunities 

Many LPNs go on to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through bridging programs. A practical nursing diploma provides a strong foundation if you choose to continue your education in the future. 

CDI College Offers Practical Nursing Diploma Program 

If you're asking, "How long is Practical Nursing Program?" It's not just about the number of weeks it's also about what you get out of those 75 weeks. And that’s where CDI College stands out. 

Program Overview: 

CDI College’s Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to: 
 

• Pass the RExPN (Regulatory Exam Practical Nurse) 
• Qualify for registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) 
• Work confidently in a variety of clinical and community care environments 
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What You’ll Learn: 

The program covers everything from core nursing theory to professional communication, pharmacology, and health promotion. Course topics include: 
 

• Integrated Nursing Practices 
• Professional Practice 
• Pharmacology 
• Health Promotion 
• Variations in Health 
• Consolidated Practice Experience 
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Students also benefit from: 
 

• Hands on learning in state-of-the-art labs 
• Cohort based collaborative learning that mirrors real-world healthcare teamwork 
• Experienced instructors who have worked in the field 
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Real World Experience 

One of the defining strengths of CDI College’s Practical Nursing program is the real-world clinical experience. You'll complete: 
 

• 475 hours of practicum in healthcare facilities, working directly with patients under supervision 
• 180-hour preceptorship where you shadow seasoned professionals and apply what you've learned in an actual work setting 
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This ensures you graduate with real skills and a resume full of hands-on experience. 

Career Support 

After graduation, CDI College provides: 
 

• Six months of career services support to help you transition into the workforce 
• Access to employer connections, resume building resources, and interview coaching 
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Admission Requirements: 

To join the program, students must meet academic, administrative, and health related prerequisites, including: 
 

• Grade 12 or equivalent 
• Specific grade minimums in English, Math, and Science 
• Criminal record check 
• Physician’s report and proof of immunizations 
• Interview and suitability review by the Practical Nursing Program Coordinator 

For students whose previous education is from outside Canada, credential verification may be required through ICES or a similar service. 

Final Thoughts 

So, how long is the Practical Nursing Program? At CDI College, it’s a focused, 75 week journey that equips you with the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in British Columbia. You’ll gain more than a diploma, you’ll build a foundation for a secure, rewarding, and respected career in healthcare. With expert instructors, cutting-edge labs, extensive hands-on training, and dedicated career support, CDI College provides the environment you need to succeed. 
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If you're ready to launch your nursing career and want to do it efficiently, effectively, and with real-world training built in, CDI College’s Practical Nursing program is the perfect place to start. Your path to becoming an LPN starts with a single step and now you know just how long that journey will take. Apply today and take the first step toward a career that truly matters.