Letter of Proficiency
Caring for Select Populations in Primary Care Nursing
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
The School of Nursing’s non-credit micro-credential programming in primary care nursing builds on knowledge, skills, and abilities learned in undergraduate nursing education and aims to prepare learners to practice in primary health care clinics such as physicians’ offices and community primary care centers.
This two-course micro-credential program will prepare nurses to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed care to populations who may face increased health challenges or experience barriers to accessing medical services. Learners will develop essential competencies aligned with Canadian Family Practice Nurses Association frameworks to provide comprehensive, inclusive care that addresses the unique needs of underserved populations. This micro-credential is part of a series of stackable micro-credentials in Primary Care Nursing.
OFFERED BY:
Information Session
Please join us for an information session on Wednesday, April 2, from 12:00-1:00 pm PST. This is an opportunity to speak with the instructors and ask any questions related to the program.
Register
OUTCOMES
By the end of this program, learners will be able to address the unique needs of select populations in primary care settings by:
- Applying evidence-based guidelines for assessments and developing, implementing, and evaluating plans to optimize clients’ healthcare and psychosocial outcomes.
- Implementing evidence-based practices and guidelines to provide comprehensive care to selected populations. Populations may include one or more of the following:
- Clients accessing sexual and reproductive health care
- Gender diverse people
- People with mental health conditions
- People who use drugs
- People with lived experience in the criminal justice system
- Refugees, immigrants and other newcomers (students, work visa, temporary foreign workers)
- Indigenous people
- Describing strategies to improve client health including addressing complex health needs and impacts of social determinants of health.
- Collaborating with an interprofessional team to promote coordinated, client-centered care.
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses with a university degree and registered in good standing in one of the Canadian Provinces
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses currently practicing in a primary care setting and wanting to further develop their skills to practice to a fuller scope
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses wanting to seek employment in a primary care setting
- Students in good standing in year four of a nursing baccalaureate program in one of the Canadian Provinces interested in primary care nursing.
Standard Fee:
$400 (First offering special)
For details on refunds and enrollment deadlines, please see Policy & Resources.
Textbook:
More info is coming soon.
SONNC 0005 – Select Populations Care Fundamentals A blend of asynchronous coursework (approx. 22 hours) and online classes (8 hours). The synchronous portion of this course (8 hours) will consist of 4 online sessions lasting 2 hours each. These online and interactive classes will deepen your understanding of critical concepts through case presentations, conceptual questions, and group discussions.
- Course Duration: September 25 – November 6, 2025
- Synchronous Sessions:
- Thursday, September 25, 2025: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific
- Thursday, October 9, 2025: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific
- Thursday, October 23, 2025: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific
- Thursday, November 6, 2025: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific
SONNC 0006 – Select Populations Care Preceptorship The clinical preceptorship includes a blend of asynchronous modules (approx.10 hours) and intentional learning practice activities (30 hours).
- Course Duration: November 1 – December 20, 2025
- The expectation is to complete the preceptorship within these dates
Delivery Mode:
Blended
Structure:
This 70-hour micro-credential program comprises two courses. The first course, Caring for Select Populations Fundamentals, focuses on knowledge and skills acquisition. The second course, Caring for Select Populations Preceptorship, is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained.
- You must successfully complete Caring for Select Populations Fundamentals prior to startingaring for Select Populations Preceptorship.
- Successful completion of both courses will result in a Letter of Proficiency.
Technology Requirements:
To be successful, you will need:
- An email account.
- A computer, laptop or tablet that has the latest version of one of the following web browsers installed: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. UBCO’s Canvas learning management system will not work with Internet Explorer. To verify your device’s browser is compatible with UBCO’s Canvas learning management system, please visit the Canvas supported browser page.
- A reliable internet connection.
- The technology to watch videos, listen to audio and read or download PDF files.
- A webcam and a microphone.
- Zoom
If you have technology-related questions or support, please use the link in the course or email cpe.ubco@ubc.ca
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, learners are awarded a UBC Okanagan Letter of Proficiency (a non-credit credential).
The credential is provided in paper format. Learners will also receive a verifiable digital badge (which has descriptive metadata about the learning achievement) for sharing through digital channels.
To be eligible for this program, you must be either a Registered Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse who is in good standing in a Canadian Province or Territory or a 4th-year student registered and in good standing in a Bachelor of Science Nursing program in a Canadian School of Nursing.
In addition, this program involves a preceptorship component in a primary care setting. The preceptor may be a Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse Practitioner, or Licensed Medical Physician. To provide flexibility for learners with respect to timing, location and context, all learners are responsible for identifying a potential preceptor and working with UBC Okanagan to secure the placement. In cases where learners are unable to identify a potential preceptor, UBC Okanagan will work with a learner to arrange for a preceptorship but cannot guarantee a placement in all cases.
The application is focused on 1) ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements and 2) identifying where you are in the process of identifying your potential preceptor so that we are able to assist you as appropriate.
Gather Information Required For Application:
- For Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses:
The name of the relevant regulatory body (e.g., British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals and Midwives), your registration number, and the province or territory in which you are licensed to practice. - For Nursing Students:
A letter from your university confirming your good standing. View sample letter here. - Potential Preceptor Information:
If you have identified a potential preceptor, ensure that you have gathered their contact details (name, credentials, employer, location) and obtained their permission to share them. Note that if you have not, you will be asked to provide information about your location and employer so that we can assist you.
More information on Placements and Preceptorships (opens in new tab)