(Last published - Feb. 14, 2022. Recently updated in October, 2023)
An Overview of Nursing in Canada:
The Career Pathway Salary of Nurses in Canada
Working Conditions
How to Apply as a Nurse in Canada
Documents to Comply in the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
FAQs
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted Canada's appreciation for health-care workers, making Canada a special destination for nurses since 2021. When it comes to job security and flexible schedules, there are great benefits to pursuing a qualified nursing career in Canada. Are you envisioning your future living and practicing as a nursing professional in Canada? At 1NURSE.com, we have carefully compiled all the important information you need to start your nursing journey in Canada, so your worries will be taken away. You can set it aside. Our main mission is to help you realize your nursing dreams. Read below for more information.
Foreign nurses wishing to work in Canada are required to meet the following criteria:
A four-year bachelor's degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma is required to complete a nursing program.
Hold a Nursing license in your country
English language competency as proof (or French)
For those applying for Registered Nurse, the NCLEX-RN is required, while for those applying for Registered Practical Nurse, the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam) is required
Section A: The Career Pathway
Reports suggests that there will be a shortage of 117,000 nurses by 2030 . Canada currently faces a critical shortage of nursing experts, primarily due to decades of budgetary constraints and a failure to align nurse employment with the escalating demand in healthcare facilities. The absence of prompt action to augment the nursing workforce in Canada could potentially compromise the quality of healthcare services.
Becoming a registered nurse is a prerequisite for delivering professional nursing care to patients. To attain this status, you must have successfully completed a recognized nursing program offered by an accredited higher education institution. Given Canada's pressing need for healthcare providers, there are abundant opportunities for healthcare professionals, including nurses, seeking to relocate from less developed countries to Canada.
The specific procedures for becoming a registered nurse in Canada can vary based on the country of origin for both international and domestic students.
Registered Nurses (RN)
Registered nurses normally complete a four-year nursing school at a post-secondary university. A diploma program typically takes 2-3 years to complete, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program takes 4 years to complete. Medical and surgical nursing theory and practice are included in the program. In a variety of health care settings and with a variety of health professionals, the curriculum trains the RN to provide direct care and to take on the responsibility of coordinating care for people, families, groups, communities, and populations. When the care requirements become more complicated, clinical teaching prepares the RN to adopt a leadership role.
Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs complete a post-secondary nursing program at the college level that is usually takes two years. The program for generalist LPNs contains nursing theory and clinical instruction in both medical and surgical nursing. Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada, like registered nurses, operate independently in providing care and are accountable for their own actions and practices. In the province of Ontario, Canada, another term is "registered practical nurse" (RPN).
For you to become an RPN/LPN:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically undergo a two-year post-secondary nursing program at the college level. This program, geared towards generalist LPNs, encompasses a combination of nursing theory and clinical training in both medical and surgical nursing. LPNs receive a comprehensive education covering:
Physical and biological sciences
Professional ethics
Psychology and therapeutic relationships
LPNs play a vital role in providing and coordinating care for individuals, families, and groups across diverse healthcare settings. They collaborate with a range of healthcare professionals and can handle clients with varying levels of complexity, while recognizing when consultation and cooperation with other healthcare experts are necessary.
Complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). The British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals is where you can get your nursing degree.
Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) undergo an extensive psychiatric nursing education program that typically spans from 2 ½ to 4 years, conducted at a college or university. This program encompasses both theoretical knowledge and clinical training in psychiatric and general nursing. It offers comprehensive studies in the following areas:
- Behavioural and social sciences
- Biological and physical sciences
- General nursing
- Humanities
- Professional ethics
- Psychiatric nursing theory and interventions;
- Theory and clinical hours
- Therapeutic relationships
RPNs play a crucial role in caring for clients with intricate psychosocial, mental health, and physical needs. They are responsible for coordinating care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across a wide range of healthcare settings, working in collaboration with various healthcare professionals.
Section B: Salary of Nurses in Canada
As a nurse's basic wage is determined by the area of specialization and the number of hours worked, there are many variables that come into play.
As per Talent, in Canada, the typical annual income for registered nurses averages around $72,934, equivalent to an hourly rate of $37.40. New entrants into the field can expect a starting salary of approximately $59,758 per year, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $83,168 annually.
Registered nurse: salaries per region
Nunavut - $105,715
Northwest Territories - $103,381
Saskatchewan - $102,975
Alberta - $94,308
Yukon - $92,108
Prince Edward Island - $91,943
Nova Scotia - $83,310
British Columbia - $81,715
Ontario - $80,369
New Brunswick - $78,887
Quebec - $72,500
Manitoba - $47,657
Section C: Working Conditions
Nurse-Patient Ratio: According to Erin Ariss, RN, the President of the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the province currently has only 661 registered nurses (RNs) for every 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 825 RNs. Ariss emphasizes that the province requires an additional 24,809 RNs to reach the same level as the rest of Canada.
Hospital Equipment: In Canada, technology in the field of healthcare is rapidly evolving. As a result of these improvements, we should expect our health system to be able to satisfy the needs of our diverse population as well as their expanding demands.
Working Atmosphere: Hospitals, doctors' offices, home healthcare services, and nursing homes are all places where registered nurses work. Others work in schools and outpatient clinics. The relevance of a healthy work environment in providing safe and effective care to patients, families, and caregivers is recognized by the CACCN. Nurses in critical care, as well as other members of the healthcare team who work together.
Shifting: Typically, nurses work eight- to twelve-hour shifts, usually on a rotating basis on weekends and holidays as well as evenings and evenings. Full-time nurses work an average of 36 to 40 hours each week. It's not uncommon to work part-time.
Patient Safety: Canadian Medicare is a universal, decentralized, and publically funded healthcare system in Canada. The country's 13 provinces and territories are responsible for the majority of healthcare funding and administration. On a per-capita basis, each receives economic aid from the federal government, and each has its own insurance plan.
Section D: How to Apply as a Nurse in Canada
Here are some things you should know if you want to work as a nurse in Canada as an Internationally Registered Nurse (IEN).
Educational Requirements:
You must complete an application with NNAS if you are an Internationally Registered Nurse (IEN) who wants to work as a nurse in Canada. A nursing program that is comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma must be completed.
Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam
To become a registered nurse in Canada, you must pass the National Council Licensing Examination. It's a very crucial criterion for nurses in Canada to be able to work. Nurses from other countries can take this exam in their home country. If they don't, they'll have to take the exam in Canada as well. This site also contains information on how to apply for the NCLEX exam to enter Canada in a step-by-step manner. A positive test result will help you get a job as a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Canada.
Take and Pass an English-Language Proficiency Test
- There are two common assessments that will help you show your English competence.
- The CELBAN (Canadian English Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
- Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are the required test scores for CELBAN.
- IELTS (International English Testing System)
- Academic format - speaking 7, hearing 7.5, reading 6.5, writing 7, overall 7 is required for IELTS.
Credential Evaluation
To the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), submit your credentials. The state's regulatory agency will get their report. They'll have a look at your skills and experience. With the prevailing qualifications and knowledge, the state regulatory agency will then decide if you're qualified to work in Canada. They may also advise you to complete any course in order to meet the requirements. If all goes well, you'll be able to apply for licensure as an RN, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Licensed Practical Nurse (RLPN). The Canadian Nurses Association (CAN) and the Canadian Council for Licensed Practical Nurse Regulators both give these registrations.
Section E: Canadian Immigration For Nurses
Anyone who wants to work as a nurse in Canada can apply for a work visa under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and if they are successful, they can apply for permanent residency. Here are the other visa available for nurses, who wish to live and work in Canada.
Express Entry
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class are two of the country's most popular federal economic immigration programs (CEC). It is critical to have relevant work experience in order to be eligible for these programs.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
An applicant must have at least one year of continuous work experience in a job with a NOC skill level of 0, A, or B in order to be considered for the FSWP. A ten-year period of experience is required, but it can come from anywhere. On all four language competencies: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and FSWP applicant must receive a CLB 7 in English or an NCLC 7 in French. They must also get a score of at least 67/100 on the six-part test that looks at a candidate's education, language abilities, and whether or not they've worked in Canada before applying.
Canadian Experience Class
CEC, on the other hand, demands a minimum of three years of NOC 0, A, or B experience in Canada. CLB or NCLC 7 for those applying with NOC 0 or A occupations, or CLB/NCLC 5 for people applying with NOC B occupations, applicants must demonstrate scores across all four language competencies. Although neither program requires a job offer, possessing one can considerably boost one's chances of receiving an ITA.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Nurses are accepted in a variety of programs across the country. In some cases, there are overlaps between federal and provincial programs. Some of a province's own streams, for example, could be aligned with Express Entry. "Enhanced" streams are those that occur as a result of this relationship. Anyone who obtains a nomination from an improved program receives 600 points on their CRS score, assuring that they will receive an ITA. We are providing below the initiatives from different provinces.
New Brunswick: Recognizing that many applicants may need help in becoming licensed to practice in their chosen healthcare field, the provincial Department of Health offers a variety of navigation services for internationally trained healthcare professionals. New Brunswick’s IEN Navigation service, designed specifically for internationally trained nurses (IENs) provides customized, client-centred assistance at no cost to the candidate. The service works with each candidate, helping them to navigate key challenges they might experience during the process to licensure, offering guidance surrounding:
- The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS);
- Provincial entry-to-practice competency assessments;
- Bridging programs available in the province; and
- Provincial regulatory bodies.
Internationally educated nurses can connect with the IEN Navigation Service by completing this short form.
In June 2023, the provincial government announced a new five-year initiative to help reduce financial barriers for internationally educated nurses entering the health-care system in New Brunswick.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- be accepted for immigration to New Brunswick;
- have received a provincial nomination certificate or endorsement;
- have accepted an offer of employment (or be currently working in the province);
- be a regulated, licensed nurse in their country; and
- pursue the licensure/registration process in New Brunswick.
If the candidate is already working with a nurse navigator, IEN Navigation Service needs to be contacted for additional information.
If the applicant is not yet working with a nurse navigator, IEN Navigation Service need to be contacted via the form above.
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Health provides health services to Nova Scotians along with specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. Nova Scotia Health proudly supports the hiring of foreign nationals and newcomers to Canada and welcomes applications from internationally trained health professionals.
All applications are accepted online via the NSH Careers website. To apply, one has to choose the position of interest and create an online profile by uploading the resume. Job postings appears as soon as they become available.
Once an applicant has applied and met all registration and licensure requirements with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, the applicant will be eligible to practice as an LPN, RN, or NP. More information is available on their website https://www.nshealth.ca/immigration.
Alberta: The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), also eaes the way for Internationally Educated Nurses who wishes to transfer to Alberta.
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is a globally recognized entrance examination required for recent graduates in Alberta who aspire to become registered nurses. Both internationally educated nurse (IEN) applicants and recent graduates demonstrate their nursing competence by successfully passing the NCLEX-RN. International applicants will no longer be burdened by extensive and expensive credential assessments prior to taking the NCLEX-RN.
Applicants can now fulfill the competence requirement by achieving a passing score on the NCLEX-RN if they meet any of the following criteria:
1. Hold registration in any international jurisdiction and have previously passed the NCLEX-RN.
2. Are registered in one of nine specified international jurisdictions and wish to take the NCLEX-RN with the (CRNA). These nursing jurisdictions include the Philippines, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Ireland, which collectively encompass 94% of IEN applicants from the past five years.
3. Verify that they possess an equivalent education from any jurisdiction and request to sit for the NCLEX-RN through CRNA.
Section F: Examination
NCLEX-RN
Nurses who want to work in Canada will have to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers this exam. To learn more about these tests and the requirements in your province or state, you must contact the state board in Canada.
Section G: FAQs
In Canada, what is the estimated time for one to become a nurse?
From start to finish, the entire process of becoming a nurse in Canada should take about a year.
In 2021, what is the minimum IELTS score required to apply for citizenship in Canada?
To be eligible for any immigration programs to Canada, you must have a minimum score of 6 on your IELTS. Band 7 of the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is equivalent.
As a foreign nurse, is it possible to work in Canada?
To become a registered nurse in Canada, you must pass the National Council Licensing Examination. It's a very crucial criterion for nurses in Canada to be able to work. Nurses from other countries can take this exam in their home country. If they don't, they'll have to take the exam in Canada as well.
In Canada, how much do nurses get paid?
According to the most recent numbers, the typical annual income for registered nurses averages around $72,934, equivalent to an hourly rate of $37.40. New entrants into the field can expect a starting salary of approximately $59,758 per year, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $83,168 annually.
Is there a shortage of nurses in Canada?
Yes. There is a huge shortage of Nurses in Canada. Reports suggests a shortfall of 117,600 Nurses in Canada by 2030.
Sources:
https://www.nshealth.ca/immigration.
https://www.nurses.ab.ca/strengthening-the-system/groundbreaking-changes-made-for-internationally-educated-nurses-coming-to-alberta/https://www.welcomenb.ca/content/wel-bien/en/international_nurses.html
https://www.immigration.ca/how-to-immigrate-to-canada-as-a-nurse/
https://www.canadim.com/blog/canadian-immigration-options-nurses/
