Nursing Programs in Canada

Nursing is a growing profession and is becoming a popular choice amongst the youth. Registered Nursing (RN) is classified among the top occupations in terms of job growth, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2019-2029. Furthermore, the job of a nurse provides a comfortable and above-average salary; paired with a potentially growing career, it is of no surprise that nursing is classified as a top occupation.

Any hospital needs a large team of experts to keep an eye on the medical requirements, and nurses are the vital link that keeps the medical program running smoothly. They serve as intermediaries between patients and doctors, and in certain cases, they also fulfill doctors' obligations. Regardless, there are various types of nurses and their chosen career aspects show what training they have received, what they have sufficient control over, and the field in which they will be employed.

Choosing the Best Nursing School

Candidates interested in selecting a nursing school in Canada should consider various factors. These factors include the institution's reputation over recent years, accreditation status, and the NCLEX pass rate. By compiling a list of institutions offering the desired program and specialization, candidates can then narrow down their options by researching tuition rates.

Once this initial step is completed, candidates can then review the NCLEX pass rates of the institutions. Given that many institutions boast pass rates of 90 percent or higher, it is advisable to prioritize those with the highest rates.

Popular Nursing Programs in Canada

While doing the initial research, international students will find plenty of nursing programs at their disposal. Among the sea of programs that several universities offer, it becomes difficult for potential students to decide on an ideal program from a reputed university.

Below is a list of popular programs and the universities that offer the same.

1

McMaster University - Hamilton

• McMaster University is ranked among Canada's top 100 universities, and it has been praised for its innovative research in virtually every region. The university is very famous among international students because it offers a world-class education that does not break the bank.
  
  
• McMaster offers courses in the field of nursing - Bachelors of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) and PhD in Nursing
  
  
• The duration for Bachelors of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) is 4 years, and it is a full-time course. Master of Science in Nursing is 2 years full-time and 3 years part-time. The PhD program is 4 years full time and 6 years part time
  
  
• As for entry requirements for B.S.N., students wanting to apply for this course must complete their high school diploma with six grade 12 U/M courses, along with these mandatory subjects - English, Biology, Chemistry, and One of Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U or Mathematics of Data Management U, Two additional Grade 12 U or M courses to total six courses Moreover, students also have to take the CASPer test to be qualified for applying for this course.
  
  
• English requirements include either a TOEFL score of 86 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every component. International students will also be required to submit their PTE scores. The acceptable PTE score is at least 60 overall.
  
  
• International students will need to submit additional documents such as a transcript, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a CV, the application form and application fee, and a statement of intent.
  
  
• The fees for psychology programs are as follows:

  Program	For Domestic Students	For International Students
  B.S.N.	CA$200 per unit	CA$1,600 per unit
  M.S.N.	CA$2,800 per term	CA$13,000 per term
  Ph.D.	CA$2,100 per term	CA$2,100 per term

2

McGill University - Montreal

• The Department of Medicine at McGill University is committed to its students. So much so that they are known not only for their drug and medicine testing but even for honing the support needed in the medical field in the form of nurses. McGill University is perhaps one of the most diverse universities in the world, with students from over 150 countries, and budget-friendly tuition fees, the university is a popular choice amongst international students.
  
  
• McGill offers courses in the field of nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N), Master of Science in Nursing, and PhD program in Nursing
  
  
• The duration for Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (B.S.N) is 4 years, and it is a full-time course. The Master of Science is for 2 years and PhD program is for 4 years with a part-time option available.
  
  
• As for entry requirements of McGill University, they include a mix of school grades, SAT scores, and ACT scores. Potential international students must have a B+ (or higher) grade in classes 10, 11, & 12 and even in English. The SAT scores that are accepted are 650 in every subject, 700 in Reading & Writing, and lastly, 640 in Mathematics. As for ACT scores accepted are 28 overall, with 26 in Reading & Writing. It is important to keep in mind that the university accepts either SAT scores or ACT scores.
  
  
• English requirements include either a TOEFL score of 86 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every component.
  
  
• International students will need to submit additional documents such as a transcript, and letters of recommendation.
  
  
• The fees for psychology programs are as follows:

  Program	For Domestic Students	For International Students
  B.S.N.	CA$2,900 per term	CA$28,000 per year
  M.S.N.	CA$1,500 per term	CA$9,900 per term
  Ph.D.	CA$1,500 per term	CA$8,900 per term

3

University of British Columbia - Vancouver

• The University of British Columbia is one of the oldest universities in Canada, founded in the year of 1908. The university's most popular departments include engineering, medicine, management, forestry, and geography. Being one of the leads in medicinal research, the University of British Columbia does not disappoint in the training of future nurses either. The University of British Columbia ranks no.3 in the field of study in Nursing.
  
  
• The University of British Columbia offers courses in the field of nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N), Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), and PhD in Nursing
  
  
• The duration for Bachelors of Science in Nursing (B.S.N) is 2 years , and it is a full-time course.
  
  
• The entry requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are a little different at the University of British Columbia. The University of British Columbia requires potential students to have a bachelor's degree or major progress toward a degree in another area of study ( including 48 non-nursing, university transferable credits). Furthermore, students are required to have 70% based upon the 48 non-nursing, university transferable credits. The minimum passing grade for nursing theory courses is 60%. The minimum cumulative grade average to continue in the program is 65%.
  
  
• English requirements include either a TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every component. International students will also be required to submit their PTE scores. The acceptable PTE score is at least 65 overall.
  
  
• International students will need to submit additional documents such as a transcript, letters of recommendation, a CV, financial documentation, and a statement of purpose.
  
  
• The fees for psychology programs are as follows:

  Program	For Domestic Students	For International Students
  B.S.N.	CA$200 per credit hour	CA$1,600 per credit hour
  M.S.N.	CA$2,100 per installment	CA$3,200 per installment
  Ph.D.	CA$2,100 per installment	CA$3,200 per installment

4

University of Alberta - Edmonton

• The University of Alberta was established in 1908, and since then has been a leader in departments of engineering, management, medicine, and pharmacy. Since time can tell, the University of Alberta has been situated in the high ranks of top universities in Canada. Hereby, the university's nursing program is also very well-received by students from all over the world. Along with world-class subjects, the university also has a high acceptance rate of 51%, but that is only if the potential students show academic excellence to be on par with the challenging academics that the University provides.
  
  
• Additionally, the University of Alberta has a very pocket-friendly tuition fee for international students. Coupled with the scholarships and grants provided by the university, the competition to get accepted by the University of Alberta rises year after year.
• The University of Alberta offers a course in the field of nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Master of Nursing (M.N.), and PhD in Nursing
  
  
• The duration for Bachelors of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) is 4 years, and it is a full-time course. Master of Nursing (M.N.) is for 20 months full time and 3 years part time. The PhD in Nursing is for 4 to 6 years.
  
  
• As for the entry requirements for B.S.N., they include a minimum of 70% grade in high school, but most importantly in these particular subjects - English, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Since the competition at the University of Alberta is a tough one, it is advised to future students to aim for grades higher than the minimum requirements. Furthermore, students will need to submit a CASPer test, in order to be deemed eligible for the program.
  
  
• English requirements include either a TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every component. International students will also be required to submit their PTE scores. The acceptable PTE score is at least 61 overall.
  
  
• International students will need to submit additional documents such as a transcript, official degree certificate, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a CV, and a statement of intent.
  
  
• The fees for psychology programs are as follows:

  Program	For Domestic Students	For International Students
  B.S.N.	CA$700 (3 credit course)	CA$700 (3-credit course)
  M.N.	CA$4,800 per year	CA$9,400 per year
  Ph.D.	CA$4,800 per year	CA$9,400 per year

5

University of Calgary - Calgary

• The University of Calgary is made up of five branches, including one in Qatar, which was established in 2007 and focuses on nursing education. Perhaps the best school for general studies, with moderate classes. However, the acceptance rate of the University of Calgary is quite low, being between 9% to 12%. The University of Calgary is known to be a research-focused university, hence attracting students from all over the world for academic and research opportunities.
• The University of Calgary offers a course in the field of nursing - Bachelors of Nursing (B.N), Master of Nursing, and Doctoral programs in Nursing
  
  
• The duration for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.N) is 3.5 years, and it is a full-time course. Master of Nursing is for maximum 4 years while PhD in Nursing is for 4 to 6 years
  
  
• The entry requirement for the B.S.N. includes at least a 60% grade in the following subjects - English, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Just like the University of Alberta, the competition at the University of Calgary is not a smooth one. Hence, it is advised to potential students to aim for grades higher than the minimum grade mentioned.
  
  
• English requirements include either a TOEFL score of 86 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every component. International students will also be required to submit their PTE scores. The acceptable PTE score is at least 60 overall.
  
  
• International students will need to submit additional documents such as a transcript, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a CV, a research proposal, a statement of research intent, a document stating the thesis proposal, and a statement of intent.
  
  
• The fees for psychology programs are as follows:

  Program	For Domestic Students	For International Students
  B.S.N.	CA$7,100 (2 terms)	CA$30,500 (2 terms)
  M.N.	CA$1,200 per term	CA$2,900 per term
  D.N.	CA$5,200 per term	CA$7,600 per term

6

University of Toronto

• The University of Toronto is the recipient of the highest amount of annual scientific research funding and endowment among all Canadian universities. It boasts three campuses, namely St. George located in downtown Toronto, Mississauga situated west of Toronto, and Scarborough positioned in eastern Toronto.
  
  
• The University of Toronto offers courses in the field of nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Master of Nursing(M.N.), and Doctor of Nursing (D.N.)
  
  
• The duration for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.N) is 4 years, while Masters of Nursing is 2 years and Doctor of Nursing is 3 years. It is a full-time course. There is no part-time option available for these courses.
  
  
• The entry requirement for the B.S.N. includes at least two years of study from a recognized university undergraduate program, equivalent to 10.0 U of T credits, a minimum of 4.0 credits, and at least a B average (approximately 75 percent or 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale) in most recent 5.0 credits. Prerequisite courses must be completed at the university level with a grade of at least 60 percent or C.
  
  
• English requirements include either a TOEFL score of 89 or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. International students will also be required to submit their PTE scores. The acceptable PTE score is at least 65 overall.
  
  
• The fees for psychology programs are as follows:

  Program	For Domestic Students	For International Students
  B.S.N.	CA$11,000 per year	CA$50,000 per year
  M.N.	CA$15,000 per year	CA$38,000 per year
  D.N.	CA$17,000 per year	CA$37,000 per year