Nursing as a profession in the healthcare sector is concerned with recovering, maintaining, or attaining optimal health and good quality of life for individuals, families, or the community as a whole.
Nurses are tasked with checking vital signs, communicating with their doctors, administering medications, and caring for the patient until full recovery.
The profession enjoys many job opportunities in Canada because it plays a vital role in the medical sector.
Generally, nursing falls under three categories which are
- Degree
- Non-degree
- Advanced degree
1. Non-Degree
In this category, you have License Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Aides (CNAs).
The aforementioned do not necessarily possess a degree in nursing, but they have undergone proper training and received certification in the field.
2. Degree
Nurses who fall under this category are generally known as Registered Nurses (RNs).
They must have acquired a bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma from a hospital-based program.
RNs with a bachelor’s degree tend to have more job opportunities.
3. Advanced Degree
Under this category are nurses who must have acquired a master’s or doctorate degree.
Nurses with master’s degrees are known as Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), while those with doctorate degrees are known as Doctors of Nursing Practice(DPNs).
To practice nursing in Canada or to become a registered and practicing nurse in Canada, you must first possess a General Certificate of Registration (for internationally educated nurses).
Then, you must meet the following requirements as an international applicant.
Requirements to Become a Registered and Practicing Nurse in Canada
- Proof of authorization: First, you must have proof of authorization to work in Canada. In other words, you must have a work permit, Canadian citizenship, or Permanent Residency.
- Completion of a nursing program: You must have completed a nursing program that is either equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma with the appropriate proof of it.
- Proof of language proficiency in French or English: you must speak French or English fluently and have proof of it. This could be in the form of a language-based test result.
- NCLEX-RN or CPNRE Completion: The Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam(CPNRE) is for those applying to become registered practical nurses (RPNs), while the National Council Licensing Examination(NCLEX-RN) is for those applying to become registered nurses(RNs). You must have completed either one of these exams ( depending on the field you want to enter).
- Experience: you must have prior experience of at least three years of practice in the field you are applying for before issuance of the Registration Certificate.
It is important to note that this requirement is for internationally educated nurses who wish to pursue a career in nursing in Canada.
These requirements do not get you registered; they are simply requirements to qualify you or deem you eligible to start the registration process.
