Diploma in Psychiatric Nurse

At Bow Valley College, tuition is Estimated total tuition: $13,022.

This program helps Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with recent Canadian work experience become registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs). Students learn advanced mental health care skills. They practice assessment, planning, and delivering evidence-based treatment for people with mental health challenges and psychiatric conditions. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centred approaches and clinical practice in various mental health settings.

The program lasts four terms and is for domestic students only. It builds on existing LPN knowledge through structured coursework and hands-on training. Students take courses in psychiatric nursing principles, therapeutic communication, pharmacology, and crisis intervention. Learning happens through classroom instruction, simulations, and supervised clinical placements.

You need an approved Canadian LPN diploma. You must have a current active license in good standing. You also need at least 1,800 hours of verified LPN work in Canada within the past two years. The program starts in September 2026, January 2027, and May 2027. Registration opens on March 9, 2026, for May 2026, and June 22, 2026, for September 2026.

Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary provides a student-centered, career-focused education designed for practical outcomes. Founded in 1965, the college emphasizes small classes, applied learning and strong support services, serving a diverse community with programs aligned to local and global labour needs. Its compact urban location gives students access to Calgary’s business and cultural scene while benefiting from a close-knit campus atmosphere.

Programs at Bow Valley prioritize employability through practicum placements, industry-relevant curricula and active partnerships with employers. Faculty and staff bring real-world experience to the classroom, and the college’s high graduate employment rate reflects its commitment to career-ready training. Support services, language instruction and workshops ensure students develop both technical skills and the intercultural competencies needed to succeed in multicultural workplaces.

International students will find resources to help with transition, including advising, orientation and opportunities to engage in volunteer and campus activities that build networks and professional experience. The college’s focus on affordability and transfer pathways also makes it attractive for those planning further study in Canada. If you want a practical, supportive environment with direct links to employment, Bow Valley College offers a purposeful route to skills, credentials and local industry connections.