10 Top Nursing Schools in Canada

Nursing is a rewarding and important profession that requires a high level of education and training. Choosing the right nursing school can make all the difference in your future career as a nurse. In Canada, there are many nursing schools to choose from, each with its own unique programs, curriculum, and strengths. In this article, we will provide an overview of the top 10 nursing schools in Canada and what makes them stand out.

Criteria For Ranking

In order to rank the top nursing schools in Canada, several criteria were considered. 

  1. Program Reputation: The reputation of a nursing program is an important indicator of its quality and success in producing well-trained nurses.
  2. Faculty Qualifications: The qualifications of the faculty members who teach in the nursing program are important indicators of the quality of education that students will receive.
  3. Research Opportunities: Nursing students who have the opportunity to engage in research projects gain valuable experience that can help them become leaders in their field.
  4. Clinical Placements: Clinical placements are an essential component of nursing education, providing students with hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
  5. Graduation Rates: The percentage of students who graduate from a nursing program is an important indicator of its success in preparing students for a career in nursing.
  6. Employment Rates: The percentage of nursing program graduates who are employed in their field within a certain period after graduation is an important indicator of the program's success in preparing students for the workforce.

Read More: How To Find Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Jobs In Canada

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada and is known for its exceptional nursing program. 

What You’ll Learn: The University of Toronto offers a comprehensive nursing program that prepares students for a career in nursing. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice, as well as an understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical issues that impact healthcare.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Master of Nursing (MN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $7,979 - $17,756 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $47,640 - $63,820 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

McGill University

What You’ll Learn: McGill University, located in Montreal, offers a nursing program that is designed to prepare students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. The program emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity in nursing practice.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Master of Science in Nursing (MScN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $7,058 - $17,348 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $23,828 - $48,542 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English and French

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is known for its excellent nursing program.

What You’ll Learn: The University of British Columbia offers a nursing program that is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become successful healthcare professionals. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $6,837 - $13,681 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $36,714 - $46,478 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

McMaster University

McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, and is known for its innovative nursing program. 

What You’ll Learn: McMaster University offers a nursing program that is designed to prepare students to become leaders in nursing practice, research, and education. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, patient safety, and the use of technology in healthcare.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Master of Science in Nursing (MScN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $5,719 - $13,754 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $31,859 - $36,059 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and is known for its exceptional nursing program. 

What You’ll Learn: The University of Alberta offers a nursing program that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice. The program emphasizes the importance of patient-centred care, cultural safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Master of Nursing (MN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $6,828 - $12,700 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $25,159 - $50,647 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is known for its excellent nursing program.

What You’ll Learn: Dalhousie University offers a nursing program that is designed to prepare students for a career in nursing that is focused on patient-centred care, evidence-based practice, and ethical decision-making. The program emphasizes the importance of cultural safety, leadership, and teamwork in nursing practice.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Master of Nursing (MN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $7,327 - $10,661 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $25,772 - $30,748 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

Queen's University

Queen's University is located in Kingston, Ontario, and is known for its exceptional nursing program.

What You’ll Learn: Queen's University offers a nursing program that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice, as well as an understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical issues that impact healthcare. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Master of Science in Nursing (MScN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $7,340 - $17,828 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $27,283 - $38,669 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is located in Ottawa, Ontario, and offers an excellent nursing program.

What You’ll Learn: The University of Ottawa offers a nursing program that is designed to prepare students for a career in nursing that is focused on patient-centred care, evidence-based practice, and cultural safety. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership, and advocacy in nursing practice.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Master of Science in Nursing (MScN), PhD in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $7,452 - $17,508 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $28,570 - $47,648 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English and French

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is located in Calgary, Alberta, and offers an exceptional nursing program. 

What You’ll Learn: The University of Calgary offers a nursing program that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice. The program emphasizes the importance of patient-centred care, evidence-based practice, and cultural safety in nursing practice.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Master of Nursing (MN), Ph.D. in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $6,417 - $13,667 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $25,120 - $37,500 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and offers an outstanding nursing program. 

What You’ll Learn: The University of Manitoba offers a nursing program that is designed to prepare students to become leaders in nursing practice, research, and education. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, cultural safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration in nursing.

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Master of Nursing (MN), Ph.D. in Nursing

Tuition fee for Canadian students: $5,888 - $11,889 per year, depending on the program

Tuition fee for International students: $21,235 - $31,385 per year, depending on the program

Language of Instruction: English

Read More: All About Nurse Practitioners In Canada

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Comparison of the Top 10 Nursing Schools

Each of the top 10 nursing schools in Canada offers unique strengths and weaknesses. Some schools offer more diverse programs, while others may have more affordable tuition fees. When it comes to comparing the schools, it is important to consider various factors such as program content, admission requirements, tuition fees, and location. 

Program Content

All of the top 10 nursing schools in Canada offer comprehensive nursing programs that cover topics such as health assessment, pharmacology, nursing theory, and clinical practice. However, some schools may have more specialized programs that focus on specific areas of nursing, such as pediatrics, mental health, or oncology. Students should consider their interests and career goals when choosing a nursing program.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements may vary between schools, but generally, applicants are required to have completed high school or an equivalent program and have a minimum grade point average (GPA) to be considered for admission. Some schools may also require applicants to complete prerequisite courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, or math. Additionally, some programs may have specific admission requirements, such as work or volunteer experience in healthcare.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for nursing programs in Canada can vary significantly depending on the school and program. Canadian students can expect to pay between $5,000 and $18,000 per year for nursing programs, while international students can expect to pay between $20,000 and $50,000 per year. Some schools may also offer scholarships or bursaries to help offset the cost of tuition.

Location

Location is also an important consideration when choosing a nursing school. Some students may prefer to attend a school in a large urban center, while others may prefer a smaller town or rural area. Additionally, some schools may have partnerships with local healthcare facilities, providing students with opportunities for clinical placements and networking.

Conclusion

Choosing the right nursing school is an important decision that can impact the trajectory of your career in nursing. The top 10 nursing schools in Canada offer comprehensive nursing programs that prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. When choosing a nursing school, it is important to consider various factors such as program content, admission requirements, tuition fees, and location. By carefully considering these factors, students can choose a nursing program that best suits their interests and career goals.

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