Nursing in Canada
Canada offers 19 Nursing programmes across 13 universities and colleges, making it a diverse destination for aspiring nurses at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. Institutions such as the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario, Centennial College, and Langara College feature in this listing. Tuition information is not available for these programmes, so students should contact each institution for current fee schedules.
Canada's nursing sector is highly regulated, with provincial nursing associations setting registration requirements. Okanagan University College, Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, and other listed providers serve regional healthcare labour markets across Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. International graduates who meet provincial licensing criteria can apply for Post-Graduate Work Permits, making Canada an attractive long-term career destination for nursing professionals.
Access to Practical Nursing
This program equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in practical nursing. You will gain the competencies required by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) to care for individuals across different life stages and in various healthcare settings. The curriculum focuses on preparing graduates for entry-level practice with less complex and more predictable patient outcomes, ensuring they are ready to successfully complete the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN).
Arctic Nursing (BScN)
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Arctic Nursing) program, a collaboration between Dalhousie University and Nunavut Arctic College, is specifically designed to prepare nurses for the unique healthcare needs of Arctic communities. It emphasizes holistic, patient, family, and community-focused care, equipping graduates to be leaders in Northern healthcare. The program respects and integrates Inuit culture, preparing students for practice in diverse Northern settings where nurses often provide a wide range of services.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Langara College provides a comprehensive education designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for professional nursing practice in a complex healthcare environment. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current developments and trends in healthcare and nursing education. Graduates are eligible to write the national nursing licensure exam. Langara College is located in Vancouver, offering students access to diverse clinical practice areas and a multicultural learning environment, enriched by faculty and students from various cultural backgrounds.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Western University prepares you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and lead the future of healthcare. Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career in nursing. The program emphasizes health promotion, equity, and social justice, preparing graduates to address diverse healthcare needs. You'll gain practical experience in state-of-the-art clinical skills labs and simulation suites, as well as through real-world placements with leading healthcare partners in urban, community, and rural settings across southwestern Ontario. Graduates are well-prepared to write the RN licensing exam.
LPN Orthopaedic Certificate
This certificate program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who already hold an active practicing license. It provides advanced knowledge and skills necessary for a career in orthopaedics, working closely with nurse practitioners and medical practitioners. The curriculum deepens your understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology specifically related to orthopaedics in acute, trauma, and post-surgical environments. You will enhance your LPN skills in areas such as orthopaedic radiology, assessments, and the application and removal of casts, splints, and braces. Specialized procedures like wound care, traction equipment management, and orthopaedic-specific patient teaching are also covered. The program balances theory with practical experience. The practicum component allows you to apply your learning by performing casting and splinting techniques, fitting orthopaedic devices, and engaging in duties within a cast clinic, ambulatory care units, and emergency rooms. A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through Okanagan College.
Master of Nursing (MN)
The Master of Nursing (MN) program at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing provides advanced education for nurses seeking to enhance their expertise and leadership skills. This program is designed for individuals passionate about making a significant impact in the healthcare field through specialized knowledge and practical training. By enrolling in the MN program, you will benefit from top-notch education delivered by leading faculty, combined with valuable practical training opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for advanced roles and to contribute positively to the evolving landscape of healthcare. Bloomberg Nursing offers a supportive environment for students to develop their professional capabilities, ensuring they are equipped for exciting career prospects upon completion of the program.
Master of Nursing (MN) - Advanced Practice
The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing at Western University offers a Master of Nursing (MN) program designed for nurses seeking to advance their practice. This program focuses on developing expertise in advanced nursing roles, equipping graduates with the skills to critically analyze complex health issues, lead in healthcare settings, and integrate evidence-based practice. The curriculum emphasizes research, clinical application, and leadership, preparing students for diverse roles in advanced nursing practice.
Master of Psychiatric Nursing
The Master of Psychiatric Nursing (MPN) program at Brandon University is designed for registered nurses who wish to advance their expertise in psychiatric nursing. This program focuses on developing advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and teaching talents within the field. Graduates are prepared for career advancement in various roles within mental health care.
Nursing
The Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Brock University is a four-year degree designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills for professional nursing. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, including extensive clinical hours across various healthcare settings. You will also train in state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Labs, using patient simulators that replicate real-life clinical and emergency scenarios in a safe environment. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN exam). This program is offered through the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and prepares you to navigate the complexities of a continually evolving healthcare system. For those who already hold a four-year Bachelor's degree, a Concurrent Bachelor/Master of Nursing program is also available.
Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Acadia University, offered in collaboration with Cape Breton University (CBU), prepares students for a rewarding career in various healthcare settings. This program is designed to equip future nurses with strong clinical reasoning and judgment skills through a modern, concept-based curriculum. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of health promotion, illness prevention, and patient care, integrating biological, social sciences, humanities, and professional nursing theory with practical experience. This initiative allows the CBU nursing curriculum to be delivered on-site at Acadia University, contributing to the increase of qualified nursing graduates entering the healthcare workforce. The program emphasizes active, student-centered learning, encouraging independent information access and critical thinking to navigate the complexities of contemporary healthcare. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to meet the high demand for Registered Nurses in Nova Scotia, benefiting from modern learning environments and diverse clinical placements across hospitals, community health, and long-term care facilities.
Nursing (Bachelor of Science)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Douglas College prepares graduates to provide excellent professional nursing care for individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum is grounded in theory and professional standards, emphasizing relational practice, critical inquiry, leadership, ethics of care, health promotion, and inter-professional collaboration. This is a rigorous, full-time program designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills for safe, compassionate, evidence-based, and ethical nursing practice. Learning combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practicums and hands-on experience in simulation labs. Graduates of the BSN program will be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives. Recent surveys indicate that 97% of nursing degree graduates are employed in the field shortly after graduation. The program is offered at the Coquitlam Campus and admits students in both the Fall and Winter terms. A limited number of seats are designated for Indigenous applicants who meet academic and admission criteria. Indigenous students have access to dedicated support services.
Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Trinity Western University (TWU) prepares students for a successful career in nursing through a combination of high-quality instruction, hands-on practical experience, and modern facilities. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, integrating intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. TWU Nursing is recognized for its faith-integrated education and is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while diverse clinical placements in hospitals, community settings, and simulation labs provide broad exposure. Graduates consistently perform well on the national certification exam (NCLEX). The curriculum also includes Liberal Arts Foundations courses that foster critical and ethical thinking, alongside core nursing courses focused on health promotion, maintenance, and restoration.
Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Trinity Western University is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers and take on leadership roles in the nursing profession. This program equips you with graduate-level preparation to address critical healthcare needs locally, nationally, and globally. It offers flexibility with options for a fully online format or a blended learning approach, allowing you to continue working while studying. The program fosters a community of nurse scholars and supports your professional development through close faculty mentorship and personalized course selection to align with your career aspirations.
Nursing (PhD)
The PhD in Nursing program at Trinity Western University is designed for nurses who aspire to leadership roles in academia and healthcare organizations. It aims to address the growing national and international shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty. This program equips students to deepen nursing knowledge, contribute to new nursing knowledge, and lead in academic and healthcare settings. Rooted in TWU's Christian ethos, the program encourages a values-based approach to higher education, leadership, and research. The flexible, online delivery, combined with annual summer residencies, internships, and graduate seminars, is tailored for working professionals.
Nursing (Soins infirmiers)
The Nursing program at Cégep de Saint-Jérôme trains you to become a licensed practical nurse. This program focuses on providing direct patient care, health promotion, and illness prevention. You will learn essential skills in assessment, intervention, and care management across various healthcare settings. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, preparing you for the realities of nursing practice.
PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certificate
The PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certificate program is designed for nurses seeking specialized knowledge and skills in the field of perianesthesia care. This program focuses on providing comprehensive education for nurses working in various perianesthesia settings, including ambulatory surgery, pre-admission testing, postanesthesia care units (Phase I and II), extended observation, and pain management. The curriculum aims to equip participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in perianesthesia nursing. It covers essential topics relevant to patient care before, during, and after anesthesia, preparing graduates for advanced roles and potentially for certification exams such as CPAN® and CAPA®.
Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing program at Centennial College equips you with the essential knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to thrive in today's complex healthcare environment. The curriculum is aligned with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Practice Standards and Guidelines, National Entry-to-Practice Competencies, and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development's Practical Nursing Program Standard. It also incorporates competencies reflecting the evolving role of practical nurses under the Nursing Act and Regulated Health Professions Act, preparing you to provide safe, competent, and ethical care to a diverse patient population using modern resources and technologies. This program aims to prepare you for autonomous practice in various healthcare settings.
Practical Nursing (Flexible)
The Practical Nursing - Flexible program at Centennial College equips you with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary for today's complex healthcare environment. The curriculum is aligned with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Practice Standards and Guidelines, National Entry to Practice Competencies for Registered Practical Nurses, and the Ontario Practical Nursing Program Standard. This program prepares you to provide safe, competent, and ethical care to a diverse patient population, utilizing resources and technology effectively. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario.
Soins infirmiers
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nursing programme cost in Canada?
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Tuition fees vary by programme — check each listing directly. Canadian nursing tuition for international students typically ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 40,000 per year depending on the institution and province.
Which Canadian institutions offer Nursing programmes?
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Thirteen institutions are listed, including the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario, Centennial College, Langara College, Okanagan University College, and Cégep de Saint-Jérôme.
Can international students study Nursing in Canada?
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Yes. International students can enrol in Canadian nursing programmes, but must meet provincial nursing college registration requirements to practise after graduation. English (or French, in Quebec) language proficiency is essential.
What qualifications are needed to study Nursing in Canada?
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Diploma and bachelor's programmes generally require a high school diploma with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry. Graduate nursing programmes require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent.
How do I apply to a Nursing programme in Canada?
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Apply through provincial application services such as OUAC (Ontario), or directly to the institution. Research provincial licensing requirements early, as some provinces require additional credential assessments for international applicants.