Nursing in Canada: Types, Courses and Specializations

Nursing in Canada can open the doorway of success for you as demand for nurses is increasing day by day. Plus, Canada is among the top three countries, where the salary of nurses is the highest. As per the Canadian Nurses Association, if the government didn’t intervene, by 2022, the shortage of registered nurses will shoot up to 60,000. Moreover, a good number of Canadian working population is near their retirement age. As per the Statistics Canada, in 2016, there were more people aged 65 and over than children aged 14 in Canada and It is predicted that this trend would continue over the next 50 years. By 2025, the median age of the Canadian population would be 42.4. By 2068, one-fourth of its people would be seniors, which makes it even more evident that the demand for health and nursing services will remain high for a long time. Even the Canadian government is readily providing PR opportunities to international students who complete nursing programs in Canada to meet the nursing requirements.

Nursing is quite a challenging and fulfilling profession. Nurses work in complex conditions with a variety of patients and perform a broad range of activities for the betterment of patients. Their work demands a caring attitude, learning desire, and flexibility to meet changing conditions. It is a profession that earns them respect and gives them a deep feeling of satisfaction. Their role and position changes with qualification and experience. Here is a list of the type of nursing and their related nursing programs.

Nursing Types and Courses in Canada

Registered Nurses

Registered Nurses or (RNs) are the backbone of Canada’s HealthCare System. Generally, their duties include interacting with patients and evaluating and recording their symptoms and performing diagnostic tests, assisting doctors, guiding family members, aiding incoming emergencies. To become an RN, you will need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Bachelor of Nursing (BN) which may take 3 to 4 years to complete.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner or (NPs) are Registered Nurses with a more advanced level of qualifications and responsibilities. They can autonomously examine and treat illnesses, interpret tests, prescribe medication and perform medical procedures. To become an NP, you will have to complete the Master of Nursing/Nurse Practitioner program or an advanced diploma in nursing. Primary healthcare NPs (PHCNP), and acute care NPs (ACNP) are nursing specialisations that Canada recognises.

Internationally Educated Nurses

Even if you have already completed your nursing program, you can still make your career in Canada. You will be called an Internationally Educated Nurse (IENs); however, to meet the Canadian standards, you will have to complete a bridging program that generally takes two semesters. Every province in Canada has its Bridging Programs.

Registered Practical Nurses

The duties of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) overlap. However, there are differences as well, that are based on nursing knowledge, level of entry and competence. To become an RPN, you will need to complete a practical nursing diploma from an approved Canadian College, which generally takes two years to complete.

Registered Psychiatric Nurses

In Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, the term RPN is also used for Registered Psychiatric Nurses, so do not get confused in Registered Psychiatric Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. The role of Registered Psychiatric Nurses is to assist patients who have a mental illness. To become a Registered Psychiatric Nurses, you will need to complete a Psychiatric Nursing program and then register with the provincial regulatory body.

Difference between RPNs And LPNs

There is no difference between RPNs (Registered Practical Nurses) and LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses). They are just different names for the same role. The term LPN or Licensed Practical Nurses is used all over Canada except in Ontario. In Ontario, LPNs are called RPNs, i.e. Registered Practical Nurses.

Nursing Specialisations in Canada:

• Cardiovascular Nursing
• Gastroenterology Nursing
• Rehabilitation Nursing
• Neuroscience Nursing
• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Oncology Nursing
• PeriAnesthesia Nursing
• Hospice Palliative Care Nursing
• Enterostomal Therapy Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Critical Care Nursing
• Perioperative Nursing
• Perinatal Nursing
• Orthopaedic Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Emergency Nursing
• Critical Care Pediatric Nursing
• Gerontological Nursing
• Occupational Health Nursing
• Nephrology Nursing

So, are you ready to become a nurse, which is one of the most respected professions in Canada? Many Canadian universities and colleges offer excellent nursing programs. To get more information about them, contact our consultants, which will not only help you in finding the best nursing program for you but also in getting Canada study visa. So, reach any of Pyramid’s branches or contact us.