How to Become a Registered Nurse in Canada from India? (2025)

Last Updated on December 13, 2024

Are you someone looking to become a registered nurse in Canada? Well, you have found yourself a perfect article to read. Hello readers, we at Admissify are back with another career-specific article and it’s on how to become a registered nurse in Canada. We will be looking into what goes into and what are the perks of becoming a registered nurse in Canada.

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Registered nurses are part of a collaborative team of healthcare professionals and support staff. They are among the regular entrance sites into the system for illness care, disease prevention, and health promotion. This article will help you with the steps to become a registered nurse in Canada.

What is a Registered Nurse in Canada?

An authorize­d associate of healthcare, a re­gistered nurse (RN) can se­rve different me­dical platforms like clinics, hospitals, institutions caring for long-term patients, nursing place­s, centres for rehabilitation, and community groups. The­y must possess registration or a legitimate­ licence given by a nursing re­gulatory agency, association, or college to work in any province­ in Canada.

What are the responsibilities of a Registered Nurse in Canada?

In Canada, registered nurses can work with a wide range of patient demographics and specialisations. They could have specialities in critical care, emergency care, obstetrics, surgery, psychiatry, and community health. The primary duties they carry out on the job are:

  • Examining patients to determine which nursing tasks need to be completed.
  • Working together with other healthcare professionals to plan, organise, carry out, and coordinate patient care.
  • Giving the drug as directed by the medical professional.
  • Keeping track of, evaluating, reporting, and recording the patient’s health and symptoms.
  • Supporting physicians when they do surgery and other treatments.
  • Counselling and educating patients on matters pertaining to their health.

Why to become a Registered Nurse in Canada and not anywhere else?

Canada is an open nation with many of opportunities for foreign nurses. Canada is one of the nations that receives the largest number of immigrants each year because of its thriving economy and excellent standard of living. Relocating there as a nurse may be the best decision of your life. These are several justifications for choosing to train as a registered nurse in Canada.

  1. Largest Possibility for Healthcare Professionals: 

Canada’s many provinces are severely short-staffed with nurses. According to Ottowa’s Job Bank job website, there will be a 36,500 nurse shortfall between 2019 and 2028. This makes it possible for Canada to welcome a big influx of immigration nurses and healthcare professionals. Therefore, it might be quite profitable for Indian nurses to immigrate to Canada.

  1. Booming Economy: 

The annual salary for nurses in Canada is around $78,000, or 650000 Indian rupees. You may organise your life with greater prospects and enjoy a good level of living as a result. Canada is a nation that is always expanding; this growth has continued during the epidemic and the ensuing downturn. Additionally, Canada provides free healthcare and free education to all of its PR residents and immigrants. Therefore, moving to Canada as a nurse can help you develop further and live well in the future.

  1. Friendly Society: 

The nation of Canada is incredibly hospitable. It provides equal opportunity to Canadian citizens and immigrants alike. Therefore, moving to Canada as a nurse might be a fantastic way for you to improve your quality of life.

  1. Constantly growing and welcoming Indian immigrant communities: 

Canada is a top choice for Indian immigrants. Therefore, it is conceivable that Canada will see a rapidly growing Indian immigrant population that will make you feel at home right away. After you immigrate to the nation, the kind people will do all in their power to make you feel right at home.

  1. Canada’s doors are always open: 

For Indian nurses eying Canada, it’s recommended to secure permanent residence­ and a robust job offer before moving. Ye­t, if a job offer eludes you, a study pe­rmit serves as another e­ntry pass. Studying at a Canadian university can pave the way for a nursing job in Canada.

  1. Many paths le­ad to Canada:

Several immigration options exist. Expre­ss Entry, and Provincial Nomination Programme, among others, are some viable options. So, worry not – there’s more than one way to achieve your Canadian dre­am as a nurse.

Eligibility Criteria to become a Registered nurse in Canada

You now know why should you become a registered nurse in Canada but, you also need to know the eligibility criteria to consider it as a career. There is a standard eligibility criteria to meet to be a registered Canadian nurse. The eligibility may vary from place to place but these are a few ground criteria to meet:

  • A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
  • A nursing diploma or degree from an accredited institution
  • Registered Nurse Licensure in India or the country where you completed your nursing education
  • Proof of English language proficiency. If you completed your nursing education in India, you must take an English language proficiency test to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely recognised English proficiency exam in Canada.

How to become a Registered Nurse in Canada?

Now that we have figured out the WHATs and WHYs, let’s move on to How to become a registered nurse in Canada. 

Apply for an accredited nursing program once you meet the criteria and English proficiency test to become a registered nurse in Canada. Many colleges and universities provide programs recognized by the Canadian Nursing Association (CAN) from which you must choose wisely which is preferable to you. 

Successful completion of the program

The completion duration of the program depends on the level of education you have opted for. Generally, it takes four years to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and two to three years for a diploma or an associate degree. 

Pass The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)

Once you have completed your nursing program, you must pass NCLEX to become a registered Canadian nurse. NCLEX is a computerised exam that tests your aptitude and competency in nursing practice. The exam is administered by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the regulatory body in the province where you prefer to practise.

Apply for Licensure

To become a registered nurse in Canada, you must apply for licensure with the regulatory body in the province wherever you wish to practise. The regulations and requirements are generally the same for all the provinces and may have very slight differences. To apply for licensure to be a registered nurse in Canada, you must have your nursing education and results of English proficiency and NCLEX. 

Experience of the work

Most nursing employers in Canada require nurses to have some work experience before being hired. Finding work as a nurse with an overseas education might be more difficult for you since Canadian companies might not be familiar with the healthcare system or nursing education in India. Therefore, completion of an internship in nursing in Canada is highly recommended to gain good work experience and make healthy connections in the nursing community in Canada. 

Benefits of becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada

Now that you know all the aspects of the job, you’ll naturally look for the benefits of becoming a registered nurse in Canada. Here you go then:

Job Security

Registered nurses in Canada are always in high demand, which is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. This means there will be a high level of job security for those who are thinking of pursuing a professional career in nursing.

Good Salary

Registered nurses in Canada can earn a good salary, with an average wage of $ 73,890 per year, depending on the province and the level of work experience.

More Opportunities for career advancement 

There are more opportunities for career advancement within the profession of nursing in Canada. Registered nurses in Canada can specialise in a particular area of nursing, such as critical care, paediatrics, or oncology. Additionally, they can pursue graduate degrees in nursing or other relevant professions.

Work flexibility

In Canada, re­gistered nurses can choose their work schedule – full-time or part-time. Although hospitals are a common workplace, nurses have other choices. Community health clinics and long-term healthcare facilitie­s offer vast opportunities too.

Team-orie­nted profession

In the world of nursing, te­amwork matters. Registere­d nurses collaborate with other healthcare workers, doctors, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. Working as a team can bring challenges, but it’s highly rewarding too.

If your home­ is India and you aspire to be a registe­red nurse in Canada, you need to follow specific steps. Kee­p reading to know more about the necessary qualifications and the process to become a registere­d nurse in Canada.

Continual Learning

To maintain your nursing licence in Canada, you must participate in ongoing learning and activities that can improve your professional development. This may include attending medical conferences and workshops or taking up additional courses in nursing. Continuing your education is essential to stay up-to-date with the changes in nursing practices and will help you provide the best possible medical care for your patients.

Canadian Nursing Regulatory Organisations Granting Registered Nurse Licences

Since you have all the reasons to become a registered nurse in Canada now, you’ll also need to know where to obtain the license for it.

International and local students studying abroad can obtain a Registered Nurse license in Canada through a variety of nursing regulatory organisations. The parent organisation known as the National Nursing Assessment Service, or NNAS, is in charge of several regulating bodies. Canada is divided into several provinces, and each province has its own regulating organisation that reviews applications to become a registered nurse. Based on their desired field of practice, overseas students can apply to become a registered nurse in Canada through the nursing regulatory organisations listed in the following table, which is organised by province:

Provinces in CanadaRegulatory Organisations for Nursing
British ColumbiaBCCNM, the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
AlbertaAlberta College of Registered Nurses (CRNA)
SaskatchewanSaskatchewan’s College of Registered Nurses (CRNS)
ManitobaManitoba’s College of Registered Nurses (CRNM)
OntarioOntario College of Registered Nurses (CNO)
Nova ScotiaThe College of Registered Nurses in Nova Scotia (NSCN)
New BrunswickNew Brunswick’s Nurses Association (NANB)
Prince Edward IslandPrince Edward Island’s College of Registered Nurses (CRNPEI)
Labrador and NewfoundlandThe College of Newfoundland and Labrador Registered Nurses (CRNNL)

All nursing authorities as well as Canadian authorities must receive this nurse registration form. It is necessary to ask them to fill out the form and return it to NNAS via mail or courier. Before they may offer information on registration or license-related matters, the relevant officials must finish the Nursing Registration.

Conclusion

There you have it folks, you now have all the information you need to start your journey to become registered in Canada and we hope we have cleared all your doubts through this article but in case there are any more things that you’d like to be answered, please reach out to us Admissify and we’ll be glad to help. Becoming a registered nurse in Canada might be challenging but we hope that you’ve successfully equipped yourself with the knowledge that you’ll need through this article and are now ready to pack your bags for Canada.

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FAQs

Who are registered nurses in Canada?

In Canada, the people who are in charge of giving patients direct nursing care are known as registered nurses (RNs). Additionally, they offer nurse consultancy services and healthcare-related educational programmes. These registered nurses work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician offices, community agencies, businesses, private residences, public and private organisations, and sometimes even as independent contractors throughout Canada.

What kind of schooling is needed in Canada to become a registered nurse?

You need to finish an approved nursing education programme in order to become a registered nurse in Canada. Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree is the most popular route. While a diploma in nursing may be accepted in some regions, a BScN is increasingly expected.

Does becoming a Registered nurse in Canada require me to be a citizen of Canada?

No, you may become a Registered nurse in Canada without having to be a citizen of Canada. You must, however, possess a valid work permit or be a permanent resident. Province-specific immigration criteria may differ.

How can I select a nursing programme in Canada?

Look at Canadian institutions and colleges that provide nursing programmes. Seek courses approved by the relevant provincial nursing authority. Think about things like programme duration, location, and entrance criteria.

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Canada?

It will only take two to three years for an individual to become a registered nurse if they want to pursue an associate’s or diploma in nursing. Nonetheless, a bachelor’s degree may be obtained in four years, which allows one to become a registered nurse. In order to be eligible to study in Canada as a nurse practitioner, candidates must also complete these programmes and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Thus, the length of time required to become a Registered Nurse in Canada depends on the sort of degree. 

Also Read:

BSc Nursing Salary in Canada: Jobs & Scope in 2024

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Top 10 Nursing Colleges in Australia for Indian Student

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7 Best Countries to Study Nursing for Indian Students

Bachelors in Nursing in Canada

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Kanishka Garg specializes in crafting informative content on study abroad education. Her passion lies in simplifying the journey for students through SEO-optimized articles and blogs. Kanishka's commitment to clear communication and her deep understanding of international admissions processes make her blogs essential for students aiming to gain insights into top universities worldwide. With Kanishka's blogs, students can confidently get solutions to the complexities of applying to their dream universities and achieve their academic aspirations abroad.

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