Nursing Courses in Canada for Indian Students

Nursing in Canada

Looking for Nursing courses in Canada? Here’s everything you need to know

Canada is always in a quest to improve its healthcare services, which makes it recognised amongst best healthcare providers in the world. To support this continuous development, Nursing courses in Canada are quite famous among international students. Studying Nursing in Canada comes with the promise of plenty of job opportunities, high-paying salaries, and better quality of life. A Canadian degree is recognised across the world and gives the student a secure career. And to top it all, it gives you the satisfaction of contributing to society. Here’s an overview of nursing courses in Canada for Indian students.

Types of Nursing programs

Canada offers Nursing courses across levels of study. Basis of your previous qualifications, you can opt for:

Full-time bachelor’s degree (3-4 years)
Certification courses (1-2 years)
Diploma courses (1-2 years)
Full-time master’s degree (2 years)

Canada offers four major intakes - Spring, Fall, Summer and Winter. Speak with an IDP expert to fund out which intake works best for you

Cost and duration of nursing courses in Canada

A Nursing program in Canada will typically take 1-4 years for you to complete. Tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree in Canada would range between CAD 12,000 and CAD 50,000.

Top universities offering nursing courses in Canada

Canada is home to several top universities that offer outstanding nursing programs, providing students with quality education and opportunities for professional growth in the field of nursing. These institutions offer a range of nursing programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, specialised nursing tracks, and opportunities for clinical placements and research collaborations. Here are the top universities for nursing according to the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023:

Rank	University	Overall Score
5	University of Alberta	90.7
=7	University of Toronto	89.9
24	McMaster University	85.9
=25	University of British Columbia	85.8
39	McGill University	82.8
44	University of Calgary	82.1
51-100	Queen's University at Kingston	-
51-100	University of Ottawa	-
51-100	Western University	5+QS Stars
101-150	University of Manitoba	-

Eligibility requirements for nursing courses in Canada

For pursuing a Nursing undergraduate degree program or a diploma course, you must have:

Obtained an overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS (English language proficiency test)
Completed high school with satisfactory grades and studied English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry (for bachelor’s)
Completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), obtained a registered nurse (RN) license, and have a minimum GPA and GRE scores required for the chosen university/ program (for master’s)

Top courses for nursing in Canada

Here are the most popular Nursing courses in Canada after 12^th for international students:

BSc in Nursing: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in Canada is a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program that prepares students to become registered nurses. This program offers a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career in nursing. Throughout the program, students study a wide range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, healthcare ethics, and patient care.
Diploma in Practical Nursing: A Diploma in Practical Nursing in Canada is a program designed to prepare students for a career as licensed practical nurses (LPNs). LPNs are valuable members of the healthcare team, providing direct care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
Advanced Nursing Leadership & Management: Advanced Nursing Leadership & Management programs in Canada are designed to provide experienced registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings. These programs aim to enhance critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and effective management techniques to improve patient care outcomes and advance the nursing profession.
Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing: A Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing in Canada is a specialised undergraduate program that focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for providing mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. This program prepares students to become registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), who play a crucial role in promoting mental wellness and supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
Certification in Gerontology: Certification in Gerontology in Canada is a specialised program that covers a wide range of topics, including age-related diseases, mental health and cognitive issues, social and cultural aspects of aging, ethics in geriatric care, end-of-life care, and supportive services for older adults. Students also gain practical skills in assessing the needs of older adults, developing care plans, and implementing interventions to enhance their quality of life.
Certification in Coronary Nursing: The Certification in Coronary Nursing program in Canada is typically offered to registered nurses who have a background in acute care or critical care nursing. The program aims to deepen their understanding of cardiovascular health, cardiac conditions, treatment modalities, and nursing interventions specific to coronary care.
MSc in Nursing: A Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) in Canada is a postgraduate program designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles in the nursing profession. The MScN program focuses on developing expertise in a specialised area of nursing practice, research, education, or leadership, allowing nurses to contribute to the advancement of the field and make a significant impact on healthcare delivery.
Master of Nursing: A Master of Nursing (MN) in Canada is a postgraduate program that provides nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to excel in specialized areas of nursing practice, education, research, or leadership. The MN program aims to develop nursing professionals who can contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession, promote evidence-based practice, and improve healthcare outcomes.

Some Canadian schools and universities even offer specialised courses such as Emergency Nursing, Cardiac Nursing, Oncology Nursing, School Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, and Geriatric Nursing. They also provide short nursing courses in Canada for international students. These are for students who are interested in enhancing their nursing knowledge and skills in a shorter duration

Career prospects for nursing in Canada

After completing your studies in Nursing from Canada, you can work in the capacity of a/an:

Entrepreneur
Consultant
Military Nurse
Forensic Nurse
Holistic Nurse
Medical Writer
Supplemental Nurse
Research Nurse

Licensed nurses can also serve as practitioners, educators, and managers in the healthcare field. Salaries in the healthcare field increase with experience. An entry-level salary of a nurse can earn between $45,000 to $50,000 per year. If you have pursued a specialised course like critical care, then you can get a yearly package of $60,000 or more.

In a nutshell, completing your studies in the field of Nursing from Canada can place you in the most affluent medical institutes/hospitals/path labs and other medical chains across the globe. Not only will studying in Canada be great for your career, but it will also be greatly beneficial to as an individual as it will help you polish your people and personal skills. If you still get overwhelmed at any step or need any assistance with your study decisions, simply reach out to international education experts at IDP and they will be pleased to guide you through the admission procedure.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Ques 1: Is there a 2-year nursing degree in Canada?

Ans: Yes, there are 2-year nursing diploma programs available in Canada. These programs, known as Diploma in Practical Nursing or Practical Nursing programs, provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs).

Ques 2: Who is eligible for nursing in Canada?

Ans: Eligibility criteria for nursing programs in Canada may vary depending on the province and institution. Generally, individuals who have completed high school education or its equivalent are eligible to apply for nursing programs. Some programs may have specific prerequisite courses or require applicants to meet certain academic and English language proficiency requirements. It is important to check the requirements of the specific nursing program and institution you are interested in.

Ques 3: Which IELTS is required for nurses?

Ans: The required IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score for nurses in Canada may vary depending on the nursing program and institution. You need to give IELTS Academic for Nursing. Typically, a minimum overall band score of 7.0 is required for most nursing programs. However, it is important to note that each institution may have its own specific English language proficiency requirements, so it is recommended to check the requirements of the institution you plan to apply to.

Ques 4: How can I become a nurse after 12th in Canada?

Ans: To become a nurse in Canada after completing the 12th grade, you would typically need to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, which is a 4-year undergraduate degree. Admission requirements for BScN programs may vary depending on the institution, but generally, you would need to have completed high school education with specific prerequisite courses in subjects such as English, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Additionally, you would need to meet the institution's English language proficiency requirements, which may include taking an English language proficiency test such as IELTS or an equivalent exam. It is advisable to research and contact the nursing schools or universities in Canada to obtain specific admission requirements for their BScN programs.