Okanagan College will be offering a new orthopaedic certificate program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) starting in January 2022.
According to the release, this program will be the first of its kind in BC and was previously only available in Alberta.
The introduction of this program aims to increase access to the advanced set of skills and minimize travel requirements.
Orthopaedics focuses on injuries and disease of the musculoskeletal system which includes bones, joints, tendons, muscles and nerves.
“This specialized program allows more people to access education and training in their home communities, and ultimately meet the needs of British Columbians,” says Anne Kang, minister of advanced education.
Nurses will learn a range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, orthopaedic pathology and casting skills.
According to the release, orthopaedics is a rapidly growing field for LPNs.
Every health authority in the province is seeking LPNS to work in casting clinics, so job opportunities upon graduation are promising, says Aneta D’Angelo, director of clinician education with Interior Health.
The program will include online theory learning and a practicum that can take place at an approved location within each student’s local health authority or community.
“In order to create more access for students, the learning model needed to be decentralized throughout the province,” says Yvonne Moritz, Associate Vice President Educational Services and Interim Dean Science, Technology and Health.
To apply or learn more about the program, visit OC’s website.
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