If you want to acquire strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience in nursing, nothing beats Canadian universities and colleges. Canadian universities are also an excellent choice as it opens doors to numerous career opportunities, providing students with the ideal environment to kick-start their careers.
Are you looking to pursue nursing courses in Canada? This guide provides a detailed explanation of everything you need to know about nursing courses in Canada from different courses, and top colleges, to the admission requirements for international students.
Why Study Nursing In Canada?
- Canada is considered one of the epicenters for offering high-quality healthcare services in the world attracting students across the world to pursue careers in various fields of healthcare, including nursing.
- Canada’s nursing education programs are of high standards and recognized internationally.
- There is a high demand for nurses in Canada according to a recent study by The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS)
- Higher demand leads to competitive salaries. The average annual salary of nurses in Canada is around CAD 80,000
Top Canada Nursing Universities For International Students
Here is a list of top Canadian nursing schools for international students:
- PictureUniversity NameCoursesUniversity Details
- McGill UniversityBachelor of Science Nursing
Bachelor of Science Nursing (Integrated)
Master of Science in Nursing
PhD in NursingPublic
Tuition fees: CAD 2,500- 5,000 per year
Duration: 2-5 years
Intakes: Jan, Aug, Oct
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Acceptance Rate: 47% - University of TorontoBachelor of Science in Nursing
Master of Nursing Post Master’s Nurse Practitioner Diploma Doctor of NursingPublic
Tuition fees: CAD 12,000- 50,000
Duration: 2- 5 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan, May
Job Placement Rate: 82%
Acceptance rate: 40% - University of AlbertaBachelor of Science in Nursing- Collaborative/ Bilingual/ Honors/ After Degree
Master of Nursing PhD NursingPublic
Tuition fees: CAD 50,000- 124,358
Duration: 2- 4 years
Intakes: Jul, Nov, Mar, May
Job Placement Rate: 70%
Acceptance Rate: 55% - University of British ColumbiaBachelor of Science in NursingPublic
Tuition fees: CAD 6,000
Duration: 20 months- 2 years
Intakes: Jan, Sep, May
Job Placement Rate: 85%
Acceptance Rate: 50% - McMaster UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
Graduate NP DiplomaPublic
Tuition fees: CAD 5,000- 40,000
CAD Duration: 1- 6 years
Intakes: Aug, Jan, May
Job Placement Rate: 89%
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Top Canadian Nursing Courses For Foreign Students
Canadian nursing courses are regarded for their high academic standards, rigorous curriculum, and focus on clinical experiences. Some of the top courses in nursing that are among the best in Canada are:
- Bachelor Of Science In Nursing: The BSN program is a 3 to 4-year course involving theoretical knowledge and practical experiences. The theoretical education includes core nursing topics, health sciences, and humanities and social sciences. The clinical experience allows students to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and long-term facilities.
- Masters Of Science In Nursing: For a registered nurse who is looking to advance his/her career in nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing is the ideal program for career advancement. An MSN program is a 2-year course that delves deep into nursing. It allows students to specialize in specific areas of nursing such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and other advanced roles.
- Diploma Of Nursing: The Diploma of Nursing is a 1.5 to 2-year course offered in colleges rather than universities to prepare students to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. The curriculum includes basic nursing skills, health sciences and humanities, and clinical experience.
- Ph.D. in Nursing: A Ph.D course in nursing is for registered nurses who want to pursue advanced careers in academics, research institutions, and policy-making bodies. It is a 5-year program focusing on research areas in nursing theory and philosophy, nursing education, healthcare policy and systems, and more.
Nursing Courses In Canada After 12th
If you have completed your 12th, these are the common nursing courses pursued after the 12th:
- Bachelor Of Science In Nursing: A four-year program focusing on nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and more.
- Practical Nursing Diploma: A 1.5 to 2-year program focusing on patient care, medication administration, and health promotion.
- Bachelor Of Nursing (Post Diploma): A 2 to 3-year program focusing on advanced courses in nursing theory, leadership, and research.
How To Apply For Nursing Schools In Canada?
Applying for a nursing school in Canada is a multi-step process. Here are the key steps you must take:
- Research the universities and colleges offering nursing courses that are tailored to your requirements.
- Visit the official website of the college and check if your educational qualifications meet the institution’s requirements.
- Complete the online application form and submit all the documents
- Once done, the concerned authorities will review your application. If selected, you’ll get an official acceptance letter from the university.
- Confirm your acceptance before the deadline mentioned in the letter. Pay the required deposit fee.
- Next, apply for a study permit from Canada’s immigration website.
Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility criteria for admissions to nursing courses in Canada include:
- High school/ Senior secondary completion certificate in science or equivalent
- Bachelor’s/ Undergraduate degree in relevant field (for master’s)
- Master’s or equivalent (for PhD)
- Language proficiency requirements:
- IELTS- 6.5 or above
- TOEFL- min 90 or above
Documents Required
- All academic transcripts
- Language proficiency proofs
- Resume/ CV
- Passport and Visa
- Photographs
- Completed application form and fees
- Identification Documents
- SOP
- LOR
- Criminal Background Check
- Medical Certificate
Top Specializations In Nursing For International Students
Canadian universities and colleges offer a variety of specializations in nursing for distinct career paths. Here are the popular specializations in the field of nursing:
Specializations | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|
Nurse Practitioner | CAD 93,000 |
Clinical Nurse Specialist | CAD 101,000 |
Pediatric Nursing | CAD 87,000 |
Registered Nurse | CAD 104,280 |
Community Health Nurse | CAD 101,000 |
Midwifery | CAD 91,557 |
FAQs
Yes, a lot of Canadian universities offer scholarships
Edmonton, Scarborough, London, Toronto, Ottawa, etc. are some of the top-paying cities for nursing graduates in Canada.
Yes, the Canadian government allows you to work part-time; 20 hours per week in Canada if you are a full-time student.