The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) is learner-centred, innovative, and accessible, and offers a contextually relevant curriculum. The balance between liberal and professional education offers depth and breadth of studies, a global perspective, and an opportunity to enhance knowledge, skills and other professional attributes in such areas as community mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry, the criminal justice system, addictions and substance abuse, application of therapeutic modalities, nursing research, and leadership. Delivered through a variety of distance and on-line learning technologies, the 45-credit BPN program facilitates ease of access by new graduates of diploma programs in psychiatric nursing and practicing RPNs from both urban and rural settings. A Passion for Psychiatric Nursing The program admissions team seeks well-qualified candidates with a passion for psychiatric/mental health nursing, a wish to build on the diploma foundation and a commitment to success. MacEwan University aims to prepare Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) who demonstrate leadership, promote excellence in professional nursing practice and contribute to optimal wellness of individuals, families, groups and communities. Admission to the program is competitive. The academic profile required for a successful application varies between intake dates and years. Limited space is available and not all applicants who are eligible may be admitted. As a competitive program, academic performance is the primary criterion for admission. The date of application is the secondary criteria for those who meet the competitive requirements.

The Federal Government of Canada has made mental health a priority and taken an active role in supporting mental health. In June 2012 the Mental Health Commission of Canada followed up by launching a mental health strategy for Canada that focuses on “improving mental health and well-being... and creating together, a mental health system that can truly meet the needs of people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses, and their families.” There is now increasing emphasis on RPNs having advanced preparation for employment within complex health care environments. Completion of the BPN facilitates opportunities for increased scope of practice and professional psychiatric/mental health nursing practice in a broader range of settings, including such areas as community mental health, counselling, family/group therapy, and forensics.