Okanagan College

Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate

Kelowna, Canada Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

Okanagan College, located in British Columbia with a campus in Kelowna, is a public college focused on hands‑on learning and student success. Since 1963 the college has offered practical programs across arts, sciences, business, health and technology, combining modern facilities with applied instruction to prepare graduates for local and global careers.

The college provides a wide selection of credential pathways, including diplomas, certificates and transfer options to universities, supported by experienced faculty and strong industry partnerships. Programs emphasise experiential learning, co‑op placements and applied projects that connect students directly with employers. International learners benefit from supportive services, small class sizes and targeted orientation to life and work in Canada.

Kelowna's lifestyle and regional economy offer plentiful internship and employment possibilities in technology, tourism, health services and the creative sector. Okanagan College is well suited to students seeking an affordable, practice‑oriented education with clear pathways to further study or immediate workforce entry. The college balances community engagement, industry ties and a welcoming campus culture for international students.

About the Program

The Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate is a non-degree program for students who want to work as nursing unit assistants. This one-year program at Okanagan College in Canada provides students with coursework and practicum experience to function as a key member of the healthcare team. The program focuses on clerical duties and medical terminology.

The curriculum includes subjects like Medical Terminology, Communication Skills for Nursing Unit Assistants, and Patient Chart Records. Students also learn about Admissions, Transfers, and Discharges, Pharmacology, and Processing Medication Orders. The program includes a practicum to give students hands-on experience in nursing unit assistance.

Graduates of this program can work as Nursing Unit Assistants, Health Unit Clerks, or Medical Records Clerks in healthcare settings. They can also work as Administrative Assistants or Office Coordinators in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Other potential job titles include Nursing Assistant or Healthcare Assistant.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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