What Are The Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Canada?

Why Should International Students Study at a Nursing School in Canada?

Enrolling in one of the best nursing programs in Canada can provide international students with the training and qualifications to join one of the most in-demand careers in the country. There is currently a high demand for trained and qualified nurses and personal support workers (PSWs) in Canada. It is estimated that the health care system will be short 33,000 nurses by the year 2028 in the province of Ontario alone and by over 117,000 in the entire country by 2030.

In response, multiple provinces including British Columbia, Ontario and Québec have announced grants, scholarships and other financial aid programs that will help pay specific fees and tuition for students enrolling in Canadian nursing programs.

There are also specific efforts being made to support international candidates looking to enroll in nursing school or expand their training to find work in Canada.

What Are The Different Types of Nurses in Canada?

There are four types of nurses in Canada:

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

3. Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

4. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nursing is a highly regulated profession in Canada, with each province and territory having specific guidelines and education requirements for each type of nurse role. These requirements typically include completing a 2-4 year program, passing a licensing exam and registering with the regulatory organization in your province (ex: the College of Nurses of Ontario or L’Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec).

The majority of people who complete a nursing program at a Canadian university, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, will be qualified to take the licensing exam in their province of choice and become RNs, LPNs, and RPNs. Always be sure that you are following all regulations to start your nursing career, and contact the appropriate organization with any questions.

What Are The Best Nursing Programs for International Students in Canada?

University of Alberta: Faculty of Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The University of Alberta has been educating students in Edmonton and its partner campuses since 1908. It is one of the top-ranked universities in Canada and the world, with over 9,000 international students currently enrolled in all its programs.

For its Faculty of Nursing, the University of Alberta is currently ranked first in Canada and fifth in the entire world by the 2023 QS World University Rankings. The BScN in Nursing is a four-year program, with graduates qualifying to become Registered Nurses and take on other roles in healthcare. Students will be trained at the state-of-the-art Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, and have additional learning options including Honours, Graduate and Bilingual programs.

University of British Columbia: UBC School of Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The University of British Columbia was founded in Vancouver in 1915 and frequently ranks in the top two universities in Canada. It has been called the most international university in North America, with one-quarter of the current student population coming from outside of Canada.

Students can enroll in the BScN in Nursing program at the Vancouver campus after completing either a Bachelor's degree or 48 non-nursing university credits, The nursing program lasts for five terms and can be completed in 20 months. There is also a direct four-year BScN in Nursing program offered at the UBC Okanagan campus, located in interior British Columbia.

University of Calgary: Faculty of Nursing - Bachelor of Nursing

With a history that dates to 1908, the University of Calgary has earned a reputation for educational excellence at its campus in Alberta’s largest city. There are currently over 3500 international students enrolled at UCalgary, more than 10% of the entire student population.

The Faculty of Nursing has been educating aspiring nurses and healthcare workers for over 50 years, and its four-year Bachelor of Nursing program at UCalgary is one of the top-ranked in the country. UCalgary Nursing emphasizes gaining practical experience alongside in-class learning so that graduates will be ready to step straight into nursing and healthcare jobs upon graduation. There is also a 24-month program for students who have already completed a Bachelor's program and wish to change professional direction. UCalgary offers additional Graduate and Doctorate-level programs in nursing. UCalgary also partners with Medicine Hat College to offer a four-year Bachelor's program on their campus for students who wish to get great educational training without having to relocate to the city.

McGill University: Ingram School of Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Based in Montreal, McGill University has been educating students for over 200 years. Frequently ranked one of the top two universities in Canada, McGill is known around the world as an elite learning institution. There are currently over 12,000 international students from 150 countries enrolled at McGill, making up almost 30% of the entire student body.

The Ingram School of Nursing at McGill University offers a 3-4 year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which is ranked the best in Quebec and among the top five in Canada. For Quebec students who completed CEGEP with a Diploma in Nursing, there is an integrated BScN program that can be completed in two years. McGill offers placement programs at teaching hospitals, and international clinics for a diversity of learning experiences.

McMaster University: School of Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

McMaster University has been teaching students in Hamilton on the western shore of Lake Ontario since 1887. Frequently named one of the top 5 universities in Canada, there are more than 6000 international students currently enrolled at McMaster.

The School of Nursing at McMaster is ranked in the top three is Canada, and the top 25 in the entire world by the 2023 QS World University Rankings. The BScN is a 4-year undergrad program, with an accelerated 20-month stream and a 3-year stream for those with a Registered Practical Nurse diploma also available. Students will be placed in a variety of clinical settings over the course of the program, gaining valuable hands-on expertise alongside in-class learning.

University of Ottawa: School of Nursing - Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world, educating students in both of Canada’s official languages on campus in the National Capital Region. A top-ranked research institution, there are currently over 10,000 international students enrolled at UOttawa, accounting for more than a quarter of the student population.

The School of Nursing offers a 4-year Honours BScN in French and English at the Downtown, Woodroffe and Pembroke campuses, and through collaboration with Algonquin College. There are bridging options for people who have already earned a Registered Practical Nurse diploma. Students will gain the skills and knowledge that will prepare them to take provincial licensing exams and enter the Nursing profession.

University of Toronto: Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The University of Toronto is the largest post-secondary school in the country and has been educating students in Canada’s biggest city for nearly two centuries. There are currently over 27,000 international students from 170 countries enrolled at UofT, accounting for nearly 28% of the student population. It has been called one of the best places for international students to earn their degrees.

The Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at UofT is frequently ranked in the top two in Canada, and in the top 10 in the entire world. They offer an accelerated two-year BScN, in addition to Graduate, Doctorate and Collaborative Specializations programs. The Faculty of Nursing also houses the Centre for Professional Development, where students can enroll in specialized courses and programs to earn additional certifications.

Queen's University: School of Nursing - Bachelor of Nursing Science

Located in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s University has been earning its reputation for quality education across all programs since 1845. There are currently more than 1,300 international students from 120 countries enrolled at Queen’s. It is proud of its large exchange program that allows students to step out into the world to further their education.

The School of Nursing at Queen’s is ranked in the top 10 in Canada and in the top 100 in the world. The BScN is a 4-year program based on an evidence-based approach to learning in both classroom and clinical settings. Graduates will be prepared to take the necessary certification exams to become Registered Nurses and provide quality care to patients. Certain parts of the BScN program can also be completed at Bader College in the United Kingdom, providing a unique learning opportunity for students.

A career in nursing can be demanding but also incredibly rewarding. People who wish to become nurses can do so in some of the best nursing programs in Canada and the world. With a strong education and practical skills, graduates will be prepared for a career in the healthcare field and to make a difference in the lives of others. Speak with an education counsellor today to begin your journey.

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