Nursing is one of the most popular academic fields offered by Canadian institutions. Every province has a regulatory authority that establishes the profession’s standards and the qualifications that applicants must meet. It’s worth stating that the Canadian healthcare system is heavily reliant on nurses. More time is spent with patients by these professions than by doctors. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the healthcare system in Canada, as it has in every other country, resulting in a significant demand for nurses. As a result, it is a desirable location for both students and professionals looking for jobs. To this effect, it is one of the most sought-after professions in Canada.

In this article, I will share nursing requirements in Canada, the best nursing schools in Canada, and also the cheapest nursing schools in Canada.

Why Study Nursing in Canada?

When you choose to study nursing in Canada, you will have access to some of the best programs available from across the world, as well as excellent employment options when you graduate. If you want to work as a nurse in Canada, studying and receiving a degree there will make it much easier. Canada’s healthcare system is unrivaled and vital to the country’s development. Below are some benefits of studying nursing in Canada.

• Quality Education

Canada is one of the greatest countries in the world when it comes to providing high-quality nursing programs. After all, you’ll graduate with a globally recognised degree and plenty of practical experience. Aside from that, BSc Nursing in Canada includes an industrial internship, which increases your career adaptability by exposing you to a variety of nursing professions.

• High Demand

Nurses are in high demand around the world right now. Because Canada has a large population, it requires a larger number of nurses to maintain the population-to-healthcare ratios. However, registered and licensed nurses are in short supply. The Conference Board of Canada estimates that the need for nurses in Canada will double over the next ten years.

• Job Opportunities

Nursing programs in Canada are accredited, allowing you to stay back and work there once you get the necessary work visa. You don’t have to panic or wonder what to do upon graduation. You can easily stay back and work in Canada.

• Leadership Opportunities

In contrast to other countries, Canada’s nursing future is bright. There has been a shift in roles, and nurses now play an important role in promoting community health. One of the numerous advantages of working as a nurse in Canada is the ability to make decisions, educate patients, and assist them in achieving their health objectives through therapeutic partnerships. The healthcare environments in Canada empower nurses to make decisions that are in the best interests of their patients by providing an unfettered working model.

Requirements for BSc Nursing in Canada

In Canada, a BSc Nursing can be obtained as a conventional or accelerated degree that can be finished in four years. This program is primarily concerned with the protection of health through illness prevention and treatment. Clinical practice is an important component of the nursing curriculum at Canadian universities.

The first thing you’ll need is your high school diploma to enroll in a diploma or undergraduate degree program at any Canadian university. English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics are some of the subjects that students study. The average high school grade necessary is a C, though this varies depending on the entry year.

Additional prerequisites include

• Transcripts of academic records
• English language proficiency exam results
• Scanned copy of passport
• CV/ resume
• Letter of recommendation
• Two reference letters
• Statement of purpose or letter of intent

English examinations are also required, especially if you are from a country where English is not spoken. Depending on the university you choose, your IELTS, Pearson, and TOEFL exam scores will differ.

Requirements for MSc Nursing in Canada

In Canada, a Masters in Nursing (MSN) is a two-year full-time program that provides applicants with a holistic approach to nursing and their selected field of expertise. International students must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for admission:

• A bachelor’s degree must be completed in four years.
• The person who wishes to pursue MSN in Canada must have completed 10+2+4 years of education in total.
• Admission to the course is highly encouraged for individuals with at least one year of clinical experience.
• Before attending the university, a criminal record check should be completed.
• Applicants must also have a current nursing license in order to practice in Canada.
• The Applicant must have passed an English proficiency test

In addition, the applicant must submit the following

• Letter of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• CV/resume
• Academic transcript

Make sure you meet the above-mentioned requirements and you have the required documents before you proceed to apply for an MSN progamme in Canada.

Cost of studying Nursing in Canada

Studying nursing in Canada is less expensive than in some other countries like the UK and the US. To cover your tuition costs, you’ll need between C$8,000 and C$30,000 every year on average. Of course, this will depend on your academic level and the institution. You must demonstrate that you can afford all of the annual expenses before your application is approved. Remember that this is in addition to your tuition expenses, as you will require additional funds for housing and other necessities. If you choose to live off-campus, expect to pay at least C$1,000 per month for an apartment. The cost of food and transportation is roughly C$500 and C$150, respectively. All of these factors will be influenced by the location you choose.

Working while Studying Nursing in Canada

While studying nursing in Canada, international students are permitted to work. However, you will only be eligible for this advantage if your study permit authorises it. As a result, you may not need to obtain a work permit to work on or off-campus. Studying nursing and working are not mutually exclusive. Although the time commitment is enormous, many nurses are prepared to make this sacrifice in order to further their careers. This strategy also allows nurses to incorporate their academic insights into their daily job in the short term. Many people notice changes fairly immediately. If you work while studying Nursing in Canada, you can earn money to cater to your living expenses.

Best Nursing Schools in Canada

While Canada offers high-quality education in nursing, there are still some institutions that stand out as the best for reasons like employment rate and international relationships. Below are some of the best nursing schools in Canada for undergraduate and post-graduate studies.

• The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia School of Nursing was founded in 1919 and is Canada’s leading nursing school. It was home to the Commonwealth’s first nursing degree program, as well as one of the University of British Columbia’s initial programs. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is distinctive because of its international relationships with universities and research institutions throughout the world, as well as its reputation for research facilities and science-based curriculum. The Nursing College at UBC has an extremely tough admissions process, yet it welcomes students from all around the world as well as individuals transferring from another programme to study nursing.

• McMaster University

The School of Nursing at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, was founded in 1946. Nursing students complete clinical placements at healthcare and community-based organisations throughout Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara, and the surrounding areas. Local teaching hospitals and community health facilities provide clinical training opportunities for the four-year degree program, which is provided in cooperation with Mohawk College and Conestoga College.

• McGill University Ingram School of Nursing:

McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing, whose education is centered on a competency approach, offers an excellent nursing degree. This top nursing school in Canada takes a value-driven approach to guiding students toward careers as nurses that are both efficient and sustainable. At the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels, there are five official programmes, with variants to accommodate a variety of interests and specialisations for every student. The BScN curriculum lasts four years, with a five-week clinical experience at the end that can be completed anywhere in the world. Graduates who complete the program are eligible to apply for licensing tests not just in Québec, but also across Canada and beyond.

• University of Toronto Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

Due to its scholarly reputation and well-rated faculty members, the University of Toronto is usually listed as one of Canada’s top nursing schools. The Faculty of Nursing is named after Lawrence S. Bloomberg, a visionary philanthropist who gave the institution a visionary gift in 2007, making it Canada’s first-named faculty of nursing. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a two-year degree aimed at preparing nurses to work safely, effectively, and professionally. Students conduct an 11-week continuous integrative clinical practicum at the end of their second year, which helps them prepare for the demands of real-world health care situations.

• Queen’s University

The nursing program at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, has a reputation for excellence in a small community that offers students a variety of placement options ranging from hospitals to institutions. Queen’s guarantees that the nursing degree curriculum is current and relevant as a research-intensive university. The Bachelor of Nursing Science degree is a four-year curriculum that includes hands-on clinical learning experiences at the School of Nursing Simulation Lab and the GSK Clinical Education Centre. Every student is assigned to one of the following specialties: pediatrics, obstetrics, psychological health, medical-surgical, or community care.

Cheapest Nursing Schools in Canada

You don’t have to break the bank to study nursing in Canada. There are some affordable nursing schools in Canada. Don’t be concerned about the quality of education because it is still top-notch. Below are some of the cheapest nursing schools in Canada that still offer a high-standard quality of education.

• Brandon University

Brandon University is a good option for foreign students, this is one of the most affordable but reputable nursing schools in Canada. It is the most affordable choice for aspiring overseas nurses. Brandon University’s small class sizes allow students to get to know one another and their professors better, allowing them to gain a greater understanding of the subject. Tuition costs an average of C$3,660 a year.

• Mount Royal University

Mount Royal University is another fantastic and reputable academic institution in Canada that provides low-cost nursing education to foreign students. Nursing students at Mount Royal University have access to firsthand educational opportunities. After learning the fundamental theoretical principles of what it means to be a nurse, each student at this institution is able to apply what they have learned. Tuition is an average of C$6,520 annually.

• University of Regina

The University of Regina is another Canadian university providing a cheap Nursing degree tuition rate for overseas students. This institution’s nursing programme is a partnership between the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. This joint effort gives prospective students a great deal of flexibility in terms of where they choose to study. Prospective students can choose between four cities in Saskatchewan as a result of this collaboration: Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, or Swift Current. The programme is student-oriented and mostly focuses on practical instruction. You will be able to study all of the skills essential to becoming a very successful nurse throughout your time as a student in this institution’s College of Nursing. Tuition is an average of C$8,500 per year.

• University of Prince Edward Island

The University of Prince Edward Island is another reputable Canadian university that offers nursing programs at an affordable cost. The nursing program at the University of Prince Edward Island is a four-year curriculum. One of the benefits of this institution is that students who graduate can join the Association of Nurses of Prince Edward Island. Tuition is an average of C$10,200 per year.

• University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa, like the University of Regina, offers a joint programme to prospective students. All nursing students have the chance to study at one of Ottawa’s finest colleges at the University of Ottawa. At the University of Ottawa, this program lasts four years. Each student is given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and abilities in order to become better nurses. You will be eligible to work anywhere that requires nursing care after completing this program. Tuition is an average of C$10,850 a year.

I hope that this information will inspire you to choose Canada as your study location for nursing due to the many benefits attached to it. You may find scholarships to study nursing in Canada in the scholarship section.

Note: Studying in Canada requires a study permit. You can read all about it here.