Study Nursing in Canada – Eligibility, Fees & Process

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The healthcare field is constantly expanding. It is an organized sector that employs skilled workers. Nurses form a major chunk of the healthcare industry. From delivering care to the patient to carrying out hospitals administration jobs, nurses are constantly in demand. They work in high-stress environments and deliver the best care for ailing and sick patients. To become a trained nurse, an individual needs to have finished a nursing diploma program or degree program. The nursing courses in Canada are highly advanced and evolving, in line with the latest research and development. The best nursing colleges in Canada focus on quality education with practical skill training and contribute highly skilled nurses to the healthcare industry. The nursing courses in Canada are globally accepted and sought after. The hands-on training and practical exposure make nursing graduates well skilled for healthcare roles across the globe. International students get a good return on investment in Canada when studying nursing because of the huge demand and high-paying jobs. Here’s everything you need to know about nursing courses in Canada.

Nursing Courses in Canada

Canada offers a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in Nursing. The regular Bachelor’s degree in Canada takes 4 years to complete. Canada also offers a 2 year accelerated bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s programs offered in Canada are Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. N.). The B.Sc. program prepares you for becoming a registered nurse (Rn). The bachelor’s program focuses on the prevention of illnesses and their treatments. The nursing course focuses on anatomy, Physiology, Nursing foundation, Community health, Psychology and nutrition. The aim of the course is to equip students to deliver evidence-based, effective and safe ethical care. Canada also offers a research-based Master’s degree in nursing. A few master’s degrees offered by Canada in Nursing are Masters of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and a graduate diploma in Nursing Some specializations offered to students in Nursing courses in Canada include:

1. Critical care nursing

2. Practical nursing

3. Midwifery

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4. Global health

5. General nursing

6. Community mental health Canada also offers diploma and certificate programs in nursing practice.

Why pursue Nursing in Canada?

Nursing is a rewarding career that is always in demand. Nurses form the backbone of the health sector. Canada is a great option for pursuing nursing because:

  • The nursing sector in Canada is constantly growing. It is expected to grow by 4 per cent by the year 2035.
  • Nurses are well paid in Canada. The jobs are rewarding and ensure a good quality of life. The average salary of a registered nurse in Canada is about $70,000.
  • There are several nursing specializations offered in Canada. These include- Cardiovascular nursing, oncology nursing, Neuroscience nursing, emergency nursing, orthopaedic nursing, nephrology nursing, paediatric nursing and much more.
  • The nursing colleges in Canada also offer an internship. This experience and exposure in the healthcare sector equips them with the latest happenings in the industry and makes them well sought after in the job market.
  • There is also healthcare coverage offered for employees once you complete three months in the country.

Nursing is highly rewarding in Canada, and it’s a great return on investment. Plus, due to high demand, most students get placed immediately. The nursing practice in Canada is of the highest quality and international standards. Anyone pursuing nursing or practising here understands and learns universally accepted health care practices.

Program requirements for Nursing courses

To pursue a Nursing program in Canada, there are a few basic requirements that you need to fulfil. These are general admission requirements, and specific entry requirements differ between each University.

1. Completed education in Grade 12 with a minimum of 60 per cent marks

2. Successful completion of Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics).

3. A minimum of band 6.5 in IELTS and a score of 80 in TOEFL

For a Master of Nursing degree program in Canada, you need-

  1. A minimum of 70-75 per cent grade
  2. A TOEFL score of 88 and above
  3. IELTS score of 6.5 and more
  4. PTE score above 59

For a Doctorate/Ph.D. course in Canada in Nursing, a candidate needs-

1. A master’s degree in nursing or equivalent

2. Research paper, project, and publication details.

3. SOP and LOR

Documents Required

To successfully enrol for a Nursing degree in Canada, the students require-

  • Statement of purpose
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Transcripts and scores in IELTS/TOEFL
  • CAS Per test documents

Documents required for admission to Master’s degree in Ontario and other universities are-

  • Resume
  • Licence to practice in Canada
  • Clear criminal record certificate
  • English language test
  • Research details
  • Bachelor’s mark sheet
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letter of recommendation

Colleges in that offer nursing courses in Canada

Several top colleges and renowned universities in Canada offer nursing degrees. About 67 nursing universities in Canada offer high-end nursing degrees with practical exposure. These include-

  • University of Toronto
  • College of Nursing Ontario
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Alberta
  • McMaster University
  • McGill University
  • Queen’s University
  • University of Calgary
  • Centennial College
  • University of British Columbia
  • NorQuest College
  • St. Lawrence College
  • Fanshawe College
  • Camosun College
  • Humber College

How to Apply for Nursing Courses in Canada?

For filing registration in the nursing colleges in Canada, the applicants must be aware of the program structure, eligibility, and the documents required. The next thing is to consider is the tuition fees, application fee, and education loans available for foreign students. The basic eligibility for students includes an English language test, a grade 12 degree with maths, biology/life sciences, and chemistry subjects, and a Statement of Purpose. To apply, one needs to fill out the application form, attach all the required documents and submit it within the deadline. There may also be interviews or entrance tests in a few universities. If you get accepted, you will need to complete all the procedures for finalizing admission and understand the living expense.

Job Prospects

Nursing is a highly demanding career in Canada. There is a high demand for practical nurses in Canada at several levels, these include administrator level, executive level, manager level as well as healthcare delivery level. After completing your nursing degree, you will need to get a license from the Canadian Nurse Association (CNA). The licensing requirements differ from state to state. The basic procedure is to appear for the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination. This examination is conducted thrice a year. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing(NCSBN) holds the NCLEX exam to check the competency of nursing graduates. Once you get the license, you are eligible to apply for different nursing jobs in Canada. The salary can range from $40,000 per year to $105,000 per year. Some high paying job prospects are-

  • Certified nurse-midwife
  • Certified nurse practitioner
  • Psychiatric nurse practitioner
  • Pain management nurse
  • Certified registered nurse Anesthetist
  • Occupational health nursing

Apart from these, multiple healthcare establishments appoint nurses in dynamic multisectoral roles.

Conclusion

Canada is a hot destination for a rewarding career. The courses offered are on par with the industry standards and provide in-depth knowledge of nursing to the students. The comprehensive course also offered industry-specific internships to ensure practical exposure and learning. Study in Canada and be rewarded with a fulfilling career and industrial expertise. Study a wide range of Nursing subjects in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the academic structure of a Nursing degree in Canada?

The bachelor’s nursing degree in Canada is comprehensive and research-based. The major subjects covered are Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Nursing foundation (basic and advanced), Psychology, Pharmacy, Nursing for kids, Nursing research, Population health, pharmacology, Community Health, and Health education.

The Bachelor’s degree is spread over a span of four years and covers different specializations and electives in detail.

2. What is the cost of studying a practical nursing program in Canada?

A bachelor’s degree in nursing in Canada can cost anywhere from $52,000 to $150,000. This differed from university to university and their program offerings. There are also scholarships available and students can avail themselves of those if they fulfil the requirement.

3. What are the top universities and colleges in Canada for Nursing?

Some of the top universities for nursing courses in Canada are-College of Nursing Ontario, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, McMaster University, and McGill University.


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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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