Have you ever spent time in a hospital or clinic? Have a loved one or friend spend time in a hospital? If so, you have probably marvelled at the amazing work Canadian nurses do in the healthcare system. Nurses are at the front lines comforting and supporting children, adults, seniors, and anyone who requires a level of care and service that cannot be provided at home.

If nursing sounds like a career that interests you, then you will be pleased to know that there are so many opportunities not only to train to be a nurse but to choose different pathways that reflect your interests and passions.

Prospective nurses will find plenty of college and university level programs across the country that will help them to prepare for one of the most noblest and traditional professions. Let's take a closer look at what it takes to become a nurse in Canada, and you can be prepared for studies in nursing.

Nursing is a highly respected profession where you can use your talents and knowledge to help others and support a constantly evolving healthcare system. Find out more about how to become a nurse in Canada.

a nurse holds a stethoscope in the shape if a heart.
Nurses work in a rewarding profession that requires both scientific knowledge and empathy. Source: Unsplash.
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How Long Does it Take to be a Registered Nurse in Canada?

It takes 4 years to become a registered nurse in Canada. To become a Registered Nurse, you need to complete a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree and pass the NCLEX exam.

Aspiring nurses must pass the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. This exam assesses their ability to apply nursing principles in various clinical scenarios. Once they pass the NCLEX, graduates can apply for licensure with their provincial regulatory body.

Learn all about how the NCLEX fits into the journey it takes to become a nurse in Canada.

Registered nurses play a vital role in healthcare, providing compassionate care in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. They continually update their skills through continuing education and have opportunities for advancement, such as becoming nurse practitioners or educators.

an empty operating room
Nurse training requires hours of study and hands-on experience. Source: Unsplash.

What Will Nurse Lessons or Courses be Like?

Nursing course curricula will depend on the school and program you attend, and often require intense study due to the amount of testing that is used to assess knowledge and learning.

You will the learn practical, hands-on elements of the job through courses on providing patient care, assessing physical needs, working with childbearing families, supporting community health settings, and understanding numerous treatments and medications.

Some courses will require you to work in clinical settings and labs, while others will be more traditional and involve lectures and study from textbooks and guides. Nursing programs are rigorous and may require you to pull many late night study sessions.

You will also meet many dynamic and ambitious students that are looking to pursue the same career as you; expect to make connections and friendships that you may keep for life!

What skills do you need to become a nurse in Canada? Explore the best strategies for learning nursing in Canada.

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Dr fara, phd (top tutor)
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Dr fara, phd (top tutor)
$170
/h
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1st lesson is free!
Barnabas
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4.9 (53 reviews)
Barnabas
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Syed
5
5 (23 reviews)
Syed
$90
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Raif
5
5 (11 reviews)
Raif
$35
/h
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1st lesson is free!
Ryan
5
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Ryan
$45
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1st lesson is free!
Sarah
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Sarah
$38
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1st lesson is free!
Winnie
5
5 (7 reviews)
Winnie
$30
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Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Montana
4.7
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Montana
$35
/h
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1st lesson is free!
Dr fara, phd (top tutor)
5
5 (43 reviews)
Dr fara, phd (top tutor)
$170
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Barnabas
4.9
4.9 (53 reviews)
Barnabas
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Syed
5
5 (23 reviews)
Syed
$90
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Raif
5
5 (11 reviews)
Raif
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Ryan
5
5 (4 reviews)
Ryan
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sarah
5
5 (7 reviews)
Sarah
$38
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1st lesson is free!
Winnie
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Winnie
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Montana
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Montana
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Where Can I Find a Nursing Program in Canada?

Nursing programs can be found all over Canada in hundreds of universities and colleges. You will find no shortage of options when it comes to choosing nursing schools in your province. Here is a list of some of the top nursing schools across the country.

  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • York University
  • McMaster University
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Calgary
  • McGill University
  • Dalhousie University
a nurse takes the blood pressure of a patient
As a nurse, you can work in a variety of different healthcare settings. Source: Unsplash.

What Will the NCLEX Be Like?

The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is an entry to practice examination for those becoming registered nurses. It's purpose is to determine whether or not you are ready to practice as an entry-level nurse, and tests your analysis and application skills.

You will be tested on your ability to use critical thinking skills to make decisions in nursing. It involves multiple choice questions, and checks your knowledge in the following categories:

  • Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance
  • Psychosocial Integrity
  • Physiological Integrity

You will get a maximum of six hours to write the test, so you will certainly want to be prepared! If your first attempt at the test is not successful, you can take it again but must wait 45 days to do so - which gives you ample time to regroup and prepare.

Nursing is an exciting area to study that leads to stable, in-demand careers. Learn the best reasons to study nursing.

Are there Tutors That Provide NCLEX Help?

Prospective nurses that want to put their best foot forward when writing the test will want to ensure that they get all the study support available. You will find no shortage of study guides and sites that will help you write the test, but ultimately a tutor is the best way to prepare and gather insights about the NCLEX.

NCLEX tutors have taken the test themselves and are deeply familiar with the scoring and format. They will not only help you study the knowledge it takes to be successful on the test, but coach you to learn the strategies that will help you write the test efficiently. Knowing that you are prepared will also help to alleviate any pre-test anxiety, which is common for anyone writing a major exam!

Tutors are also excellent resources because you can work with them to tailor a program that makes sense for you. We all have different strengths as learners, and if your needs lie in writing, interpreting questions, acquiring vocabulary, or reviewing the background knowledge you have learned in your nursing program, the tutor can focus on what makes sense for you.

Too often, "one-size-fits-all" approaches to learning do not help students. A private tutor will personalize your learning to your own needs.

Finding a tutor is easy with Superprof Canada. The Superprof site is designed to help you explore the range of tutors that are available to help with NCLEX. You can go to the site, use the search tool to find tutors near you (or far away if you are interested in virtual tutoring), and browse a variety of tutor profiles.

You can read about each tutor's backgrounds, their rates, and contact them directly through the site to determine their availability or see if they are the right tutor for you.

Visit Superprof today and find a fantastic NCLEX tutor to help you pass the test!

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions you can choose. Learn all about what takes to become a registered practical nurse or a registered nurse in Canada.

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Colleen

I am a Toronto-based educator, mom and freelance writer who believes in lifelong learning and strong coffee.