Interested in nursing and the pathways to becoming a nurse in Canada, but don’t know where to start? As Educational Consultants, we receive all sorts of questions from students about this in-demand and rewarding career. It’s our job to be informed about the different program options, pathways, admissions requirements and how things are changing. For those of you who are curious and want to learn more, here are five things you need to know about nursing programs in Canada:
1. Types of Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Most students pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN or BN). This degree is typically four years long and includes both classroom learning and hands-on placements. Some schools offer accelerated programs for students who already hold a degree in another field. Common program types include:
- Traditional 4-Year BScN: For students entering directly from high school.
- Collaborative Programs: Partnerships between colleges and universities; students may study at both institutions.
- Accelerated/Second-Entry Programs: For students with a non-nursing undergraduate degree, typically completed in 2 years.
2. What You’ll Learn in Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Undergraduate nursing students in Canada study a mix of theoretical and practical courses, including:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Ethics and Practice
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health
- Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety
- Clinical Decision-Making
Clinical placements start early in most programs, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.
3. Undergraduate Nursing Program Admissions
During and after the pandemic, we saw a major increase in students who were interested in and applying to nursing programs in Canada. This meant the competitive average increased substantially, but that’s not all universities take into account. In addition to high grades in required courses, nursing program admissions may also consider:
- CASPer tests (measuring interpersonal skills, ethics, and empathy)
- Personal statements
- Video interviews
- Community or volunteer experience
4. Recent Changes in Undergraduate Nursing Programs
One of the biggest changes in recent years is the expansion of nursing program seats across the country. This was necessary to meet increased program demand and respond to the national nursing shortage. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have made targeted investments to increase the number of nursing graduates.
- In 2022, the B.C. government added a total of 602 new nursing seats to the existing 2,000 seats in nursing programs in B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
- The University of Calgary Nursing program received an additional $5 million+ over three years in the 2023 Budget announcement, which means 48 new seats in 2024-25 plus 48 new seats in 2025-26.
- In 2024, Carleton announced a new 3-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It will welcome its first cohort of 110 students in September 2025.
5. After Graduation: What’s Next?
Nursing program graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada. After that, they can:
- Work in hospitals, clinics, or public health
- Pursue specialties like pediatrics, emergency, or oncology
- Continue with graduate studies (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, or Research)
- Travel and work abroad with international nursing opportunities
If you’re passionate about healthcare, helping others, and making a difference, nursing could be a great fit for you. If you want to learn more about nursing and nursing programs in Canada, you can book an appointment with one of our amazing Educational Consultants!
