Has anyone taken the LPN program at Okanagan College (Kelowna campus)?
Any complaints or compliments?

Thanks in advance!

I took mine there from Sept /07-Aug /08.

Great program, instructors, practicums etc. Definately your best choice of schools for the city of Kelowna.!!

No complaints....well except one. We were not given any preference on where we would like to do our preceptorship. I ended up doing mine in LTC while I would have MUCH preferred acute care.

Oh well, it seems like a moot point now as I am gainfully employed as a nurse, mostly in acute care, but also do LTC as well for a change of scerery.

Good luck.

Sweet thanks!
Though you mentioned that its the best choice of schools for the city of Kelowna. I was more wondering over all, because I'd be moving there from Vancouver. Is it worth it?
(VCC has a 2 year wait list here)

We actually had a few girls in my class from Vancouver as there were wait lists at the schools in Vancouver.

I like OC's way of doing it. Apply, either get in based on grades, or don't get in, apply again. Then at least you know where you stand. You don't have a letter stating "you're accepted, in 2012..."

I got in on my first try which was awesome. I can't speak for other cities, I've heard good things about College of the Rockies in Cranbrook.

I am a huge advocate for public schools though. Kelowna also has a program at Sprott Shaw and a new one at Vancouver Career College. I know the SS program is at least $21,500. Not sure what the Vancouver Career College tuition is, but I imagine it's quite high as well. With all my tuition, fees, I paid around $4,500, with another $600-$800 for books. Which you could do less expensive if you bought used.

So between the 3 programs here, sure, everyone gets the same license at the end, but I'd much rather pay 1/4 of the cost to get that license. Plus, graduate from a school with a VERY GOOD reputation in this city. LPN hiring has slowed down A LOT since I graduated 18 months ago. Okanagan College graduates 2 intakes per year, Sprott Shaw graduates ??? at least 3 and I'm not sure about Vancouver Career College. There just arn't that many jobs in Kelowna for 150++ LPNs every year. And I've heard it's even worse in Vancouver to find a job.

Anyways, not to get you down. OC Kelowna is a great choice for the LPN program. Let me know if you'd like more info

LPN hiring SLOWED DOWN? Oh.. I was under the impression that it was booming...
...great...

Yes, it has slowed down A LOT!! There are a few threads about it on here. It has 100% slowed down to nil in the OKanagan. Has always been slow in the lower mainland from what I hear. I'm not sure about the Island.

I think there may still be some hiring up North, but not sure about that. I don't know anyone personally who lives up there.

Although the wages and benefits are generally less, you would have a better chance at getting a job at a private residential facility. Good to get some experience under your belt, and that will make all the difference when the the health authorities unfreeze and call you up. Best of luck!