Canada is renowned for its state-of-the-art healthcare system, and with an ageing population and technological innovation, the need for healthcare workers increases day by day. Nursing, in particular, stands out as a stable and rewarding career in the Canadian health sector, with well-compensated salaries and opportunities in hospitals and long-term care homes. The career path for nurses in Canada is structured yet flexible, with ample opportunities for both local and international professionals. If you dream of being a nurse in Canada, here are the six essential steps to follow to have a successful career.
Step 1: Understand the Nursing Landscape in Canada
Before anything else, you need to have an adequate understanding of the different types of nursing roles in Canada. There are mainly three nursing categories:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) : Entry-level role that only requires a two-year diploma in nursing, where basic nursing care is conducted under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or senior nurses.
- Registered Nurse (RN): RNs hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and can provide comprehensive nursing care, from patient assessment to holding leadership roles, and can work in multiple settings, from hospitals and clinics to home care.
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN): Specialising in treating mental health, psychiatric care, and addiction treatment, aspiring RPNs must complete a psychiatric nursing programme.
Those with higher qualifications can apply to be Nursing Practitioners (NPs) or other advanced/specialised roles. Although salaries can vary by province, higher pays can be seen in regions such as Ontario and Alberta.
Step 2: Meet the Educational Requirements
To be recognised and able to work as a nurse in Canada, you must complete a recognised nursing programme required for your role, as education lays the foundation for your career. The qualifications needed for your role are listed below.
- A diploma in Practical Nursing (for LPNs/RPNs)
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (for RNs)
- A diploma in Psychiatric Nursing or an equivalent (for RPNs)
- A master’s or doctoral Degree in Nursing (for NPs and advanced/specialised nursing roles)
If you wish to study in Canada, then programmes in institutions such as the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia provide integrated classroom learning with real-world experience. However, if you’re an internationally educated nurse, you may need to complete a bridging program and have your credentials assessed to meet Canadian standards.
Step 3: Get Licensed and Registered
Once your educational qualifications are complete and verified, the next step is to be licensed and registered so that you can start applying for vacancies. For this, you must register through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), which determines your eligibility to work as a nurse in Canada. Following this, you can apply through a provincial regulatory body, as each province has its own licensing authority in Canada, such as:
- College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
- College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Alberta (CRPNA)
Aspiring Registered Nurses (RNs) must complete the NCLEX-RN exam, while Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) must meet their province’s specific requirements. Additionally, non-native speakers must also showcase their language proficiency in English or French, through passing exams such as the IELTS or CELBAN.
Step 4: Gain Experience and Choose a Specialisation
With your license to practice, now you can focus on gaining experience to build your career and progress further. Many nurses start in entry-level positions in hospitals or community care homes, which provides exposure to a vast patient population. With experience, you can specialise in different nursing fields, such as:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Trauma Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Public Health Nursing
Specialisation will increase your earning potential significantly, and increase job satisfaction while allowing you to progress further in your nursing career.
Step 5: Advance Your Career Through Continued Education
Learning is a long-term and essential part of healthcare, with continuous progress and innovations in the field. To specialise and advance your career, you can pursue post-graduate programmes such as a Master’s or PHD, to apply for roles such as Nurse Educator or Nurse Manager. You can also take specialised short-term courses on areas such as wound care and oncology to expand your expertise. Experienced nurses can also take on leadership or management roles and enter research as well.
Step 6: Plan for Permanent Residency and Long-Term Goals
To ensure stability and work in Canada long-term, applying for permanent residency is an essential step. Nursing professionals can explore immigration pathways such as the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) as a path to PR. Obtaining PR is not only beneficial for your career growth, as it provides you many benefits ranging from family reunification to working anywhere in Canada. To take full advantage of your opportunity in Canada, set long-term goals and pursue higher education and management or leadership roles to achieve the most in your career.
How IMM Can Help
At IMM Consult, we understand the career path for nurses in Canada is not easy, and that the immigration process can seem difficult and complex. Therefore, our expert professionals will not only guide you through the immigration process, but also be your trusted partner by providing you the necessary immigration services, such as:
- Eligibility and credentials assessment
- Visa application support
- Documentation support
- Career counselling
- Licensing guidance
Obtaining a nursing career in Canada in Canada isn’t the easiest, but following these six steps will ensure that you can successfully navigate the path towards nursing in Canada. Whether you’re a nursing student or a professional, our immigration consultants will guide you through the process and make your journey to Canada smooth and stress-free.
Contact IMM today and start your journey towards nursing in Canada.
