Three Routes Start
College diploma

Practical nursing (RPN)

Practical Nursing Diploma, Licensed Practical Nurse (BCCNM)

24 of 30 verified for BC; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Trades go through SkilledTradesBC (4 levels, Youth Train in Trades lets you start Level 1 in high school). Numbers from WorkBC and Job Bank BC, BCIT, VCC and UBC.
Years to credential2
First real paycheque~2 year
Time in a classroom60%
Total cost$19,600
Typical debt after$11,000
Demand in BCHigh

The first ten years

schoolschoolearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$618k1 year at $0 while in school, then $60,320 rising to $71,900 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$20ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$599kthe number on the card
Low to high$503k to $693kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the British Columbia median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isHands-on patient care in hospitals and long-term care. Clinical placements start in first year.
What actually stops peopleCompetitive admission; strong Grade 12 biology and English needed.
The downsideTwelve-hour shifts, nights and weekends. The RPN-to-RN bridge takes another two to three years if you want the higher ceiling.
If you're the parentTwo years to a licensed health-care job with guaranteed demand. Lower ceiling than an RN degree, but half the time and cost.
Local opportunities in British Columbia

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Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

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How to enter

What you need
  • Courses: Biology, English (U)
  • Average around 75+
Deadlines in BC
  • Apply directly to the college from October; competitive programs fill by February
  • StudentAid BC in spring

Next steps in British Columbia

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In British ColumbiaVCC: 16 months of instruction, ~$19,600 tuition and fees. LPN is on BC's High Opportunity list.
www.workbc.ca · www.vcc.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for BC Sources: WorkBC NOC 32101 (Job Bank BC wages 2025); BC High Opportunity Occupations list; VCC Practical Nursing fees

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