How to Become a Registered Nurse in Canada?

Are you passionate about caring for others and making a difference in people’s lives? Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada can be a fulfilling, reliable, and rewarding career choice.

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll be able to provide essential healthcare services, work in diverse settings, and contribute to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Here, we will guide you on how to become a Registered Nurse in Canada. From understanding the educational requirements and licensing process to exploring the various benefits of becoming a Registered Nurse, we’ll provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to pursue this noble profession.

Whether you’re a high school student considering a career in nursing or an internationally educated nurse considering shifting to Canada, FBNPC can provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you achieve your goals.

Primary Duties of a Nurse

First things first! You need to be aware of the basic nursing structure in Canada and a nurse’s primary duties before making any decision.

Nursing is generally divided into three categories in Canada: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). In Ontario, LPNs are more commonly referred to as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). Though there are 3 nurse classes, we will primarily talk about Registered Nurses.

While RNs and LPNs study many of the same nursing resources, Registered Nurses study longer (four-year degree program at a University setting), so they have more in-depth knowledge of the nursing processes.

Becoming a Registered Nurse may even lead you to a leadership position in the future.

Here are some common duties you will be expected to perform when becoming a Registered Nurse (though the list is not exhaustive):

• Assess patients to identify the best nursing care for their needs.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team (physicians, pharmacists, social workers, physiotherapists, and laboratory technicians, among many others) to plan, deliver, coordinate, and evaluate patient care.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician.
• Monitor, assess, address, document, and report on a patient’s symptoms and changing health conditions on advanced computer charting programs.
• Work with advanced medical equipment and technology.
• Assist in surgery and other medical procedures.
• Supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff.
• Develop and implement discharge plans upon a patient’s discharge home.
• Teach and counsel patients and families on health topics, working alongside other healthcare providers.

Eligibility Requirements

To become a Registered Nurse in Canada, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, which can vary by province and territory. Click on the following links to explore the most updated information on the province/territory nursing regulatory boards of your preference.

Province	Regulatory Body	Website
Alberta	College of Registered Nurses of Alberta	https://www.nurses.ab.ca
British Columbia	British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives	https://www.bccnm.ca/
Manitoba	College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba	https://www.crnm.mb.ca
New Brunswick	Nurses Association of New Brunswick	https://www.nanb.nb.ca
Newfoundland & Labrador	College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador	https://crnnl.ca
Northwest Territories	College and Association of Nurses of the North West Territories and Nunavut	https://cannn.ca
Nova Scotia	Nova Scotia College of Nursing	https://www.nscn.ca
Ontario	College of Nurses of Ontario	www.cno.org
Prince Edward Island	College of Registered Nurses of PEI	https://crnpei.ca
Quebec	Order of Nurses of Quebec	https://www.oiiq.org/en/accueil
Saskatchewan	College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan	https://www.crns.ca/
Yukon	Yukon Registered Nurses Association	https://www.yrna.ca

However, here are some key things you must consider before you can work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada:

• Education: You must have completed a nursing education program that is approved by the regulatory body in the province where you intend to practice. Typically, this is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
• Registration: You need to be registered with the regulatory body for nursing in the province or territory where you plan to work. Each province has its own regulatory body that oversees nursing practice and registration.
• Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, depending on the province you wish to work in. Language proficiency is crucial for effective communication with patients and colleagues.
• Certification Exam: You need to pass a national certification exam, such as the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), which tests your knowledge and competency as a nurse in Canada.
• Work Visa (if applicable): If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may need a valid work visa or permit to work as a nurse in Canada.
• Criminal Record Check: Many provinces require you to provide a criminal record check or undergo a background check to ensure you meet the standards for safe practice.
• Additional Requirements: Some provinces may have additional requirements, such as proof of liability insurance or specific continuing education obligations.

It’s essential to check the specific requirements of the province or territory where you intend to practice as they may vary slightly. Contacting the provincial regulatory body of the province or territory you are interested in working in can provide detailed guidance tailored to your situation. As always FBNPC is only a phone call away and is more than happy to assist you to better understand these processes!

If you are migrating to Canada from another country, here are some key aspects to consider as well:

• You are able to provide your Registered Nurse licensure, where you completed your nursing education.
• Prove relevant work experience as a nurse in your  country of origin (the required experience can vary in each province/territory, and in some cases, it’s not even mandatory)
• An education equivalence report from a recognized organization such as NNAS or WES (some provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia may not require education equivalence)
• Proof of English language proficiency (The most commonly approved tests are IELTS Academic and CELBAN)
• Proof of authorization to work in Canada

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse in Canada

Now that you know the primary duties and eligibility criteria, let’s move forward to the process of becoming a registered nurse in Canada:

1. Register with the Provincial Regulatory Body of Your Choice

If you are Canadian, then you need to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. If you are relocating to Canada from any other country, you need to get your educational degree accredited by NNAS or WES and pass the English language proficiency test (keep in mind not all provinces require you to write an English Language proficiency test beforehand).

You can then proceed to register with a nursing regulatory body in a province or territory of your choice. The nursing regulatory bodies of Alberta and Nova Scotia provinces have declared a list of countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Students belonging to these nations can directly register with these two provincial bodies and enroll to take their NCLEX-RN exam after meeting the basic requirements.

2. Prepare for The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

After completing your requirements, start preparing for the NCLEX-RN. It will test your knowledge and competence in nursing practices. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) conducts and administers the exam in various cities across Canada.

Contact FBNPC to sign up for a comprehensive NCLEX examination preparation course that assures success on your examination and lays the groundwork for a seamless transition into the Canadian healthcare field.

3. Become Licensed

Once you have passed the NCLEX-RN, you need to register with your desired provincial regulatory body for a license. Visit their website and complete the registration process.

4. Apply for Registered Nursing Positions within your Province/Territory

Key aspects to securing an RN job in Canada include crafting a polished resume and compelling cover letter that highlight your skills, experience, and dedication to patient care. It’s crucial to have someone review your documents to ensure they are error-free and effectively showcase your qualifications. When applying, consider both public and private healthcare settings to maximize opportunities.

Nurses in Canada can work for various healthcare authorities such as:

• Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) – British Columbia
• Fraser Health Authority (FHA) – British Columbia
• Interior Health Authority – British Columbia
• Island Health – British Columbia
• Northern Health Authority – British Columbia
• Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Alberta
• Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) – Saskatchewan
• Manitoba Health – Manitoba
• Ontario Health (formerly LHINs – Local Health Integration Networks) – Ontario
• Nova Scotia Health Authority – Nova Scotia
• Eastern Health (NL) – Newfoundland and Labrador
• Health PEI – Prince Edward Island

These health authorities actively recruit and support internationally educated nurses, recognizing their skills and contributions to the healthcare system in Canada.

Additionally, rural areas in Canada often have a high demand for nurses, making them excellent places to quickly secure employment and gain valuable experience in a supportive environment. When applying for positions, utilize online job boards and also consider visiting healthcare facilities in person. Wearing professional attire and confidently introducing yourself to hiring managers can make a positive impression and enhance your chances of landing a job.

To prepare for interviews, work on your interview skills using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. Familiarize yourself with commonly asked interview questions and the healthcare organization’s values. Create cue cards to help you remember key points and practice extensively. The more you practice answering common interview questions and articulating your experiences, the more confident and prepared you will feel during your interviews.

5. Maintain your RN License

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam and getting a license from the regulatory body doesn’t mean you are done; you also need to renew your license annually.

Based on your province and regulatory body, you might also need to fulfill additional educational or training requirements, as it is helpful to familiarize yourself with these requirements.

6. Plan for Career Advancement

Once you have spent several years working as a Registered Nurse, you can pursue career advancement opportunities such as becoming a nurse manager or nurse practitioner or try travel nursing for increased autonomy and higher wages.

It may require you to obtain additional educational degrees or training certificates. You can refer to your regulatory body’s rules for that.

How long does it take to become a nurse (LPN, RPN, or RN) in Canada?

The time it takes to be a registered nurse in Canada varies significantly based on your level of education and the nursing program you choose.

Here, we have created a list of nursing programs with their duration:

Licensed/Registered Practical Nursing Diploma (2 years)

This program offers a broader range of nursing knowledge and skills. Over two years, you’ll gain the foundation to work in various healthcare settings, such as acute care or long-term care facilities.

Bachelor of Nursing Degree (4 years)

Nursing degree programs provide the most comprehensive nursing education. A nursing degree opens doors to specialized fields like public health, community health, and research. Plus, it’s becoming the preferred qualification for many nursing positions.

Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Degree  (2-3 years)

Already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, but is your heart set on nursing? This program is for you! By leveraging your existing education, you can earn a nursing degree in just 2-3 years and enter the nursing workforce. However, please note that this program is subject to availability and is only offered by specific provinces and universities in Canada.

The time it takes to be a Registered Nurse in Canada varies significantly based on the nursing regulatory body you choose and the time it will take you to fulfill stipulated requirements such as English language proficiency exam and/or additional courses etc.

FAQs on Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada

Conclusion

To have a successful career as a Registered Nurse in Canada, you will need dedication, rigorous education, and a passion for patient care.

While the journey to becoming a Registered Nurse may be demanding, the rewards and opportunities are immeasurable.

If you need any further assistance or want to enroll in an NCLEX program, feel free to contact our experts or call us today. FBNPC is always here to help!