I heard it can be 10 times as much???

Its almost 3x as much, but the waiting lists are shorter. Theres a two year waiting list for Public , now

Not all public schools have a wait list. Okanagan College does not. You apply and either get in with the grades you have or you don't get in. I got in on my first application and did not wait.

My tution including fees $5,600 (give or take $200)

Private school in Kelowan (Sprott Shaw) $21,000

Also some facilities if given the chance will take new hires from public schools over private for profits. For anyone interested in becoming and LPN or PCA I would strongly recommend calling the Health Care facility that you hope to work in after graduating and ask them if they have a preference. This effects PCA's even more so as some Health Authorities steer clear of some schools, or at least they use to when I was in school in the early 90's.