About Certified Practice for Opioid Use Disorder
(CP-OUD)

The authorized education and training pathway for RNs and RPNs has three core components: online course, workbook, and in-person preceptorship of 40 hours.  

The pathway must be completed within three months of the training start date. Under exceptional circumstances (e.g., rural or remote preceptorships requiring travel), learners may request a one-time, three-month extension before the completion deadline.

education and training requirements

1. Learners must obtain approval to participate

   • Health authority employed nurses obtain approval from their regional health authority lead

   • Non-health authority employed nurses apply directly through the BCCSU

2. Learners complete the POATSP RN/RPN Online Course (14–16+ hours)

   • Course link

3. Learners complete the CP-OUD Workbook (5–6 hours) and bring to the preceptorship

4. Arrange and Complete a Preceptorship

   • Learners will contact the preceptor(s) directly to schedule 40 hours of in-person training

     • Optional: If available in the learner's region, the first two days (16 hours) of preceptorship time may be with a BCCSU-approved CP-OUD nurse preceptor, with an MD/NP preceptor for the last 3 days (24 hours) of preceptorship time and final sign-off. Interested learners can contact bccsu_education@bccsu.ubc.ca to inquire about availability and scheduling.

   • Preceptors should review BCCNM Decision Support Tools (DSTs) and scope of practice with the learner:

     • DST for Buprenorphine

     • DST for Methadone and Slow-release Oral Morphine 

   • Preceptors should review BCCNM certified practice standards with the learner:

     • Acting with Autonomous Scope of Practice: RN  RPN 

     • BCCNM Certified Practice Standard for Prescribing: RN   RPN 

   • Preceptors should support the learner to meet the NNPBC certified practice competencies  

   • If additional hours are required after 40 hours are completed, preceptor should contact bccsu_education@bccsu.ubc.ca to obtain approval 

Post-Preceptorship Steps

• Learner completes the Preceptorship Completion Form (link found in the workbook) 

• Preceptor receives an email with link to the evaluation. Preceptor completes and signs the Preceptor Review Form

• Once competency is confirmed, BCCSU will issue a Proof of Completion letter which is required for the learner's CP-OUD registration application with the BCCNM