Healthcare professionals are a must in every society, community and country. They are the healers and the caretakers of the patients who are physically or mentally ill. Without the healthcare professionals in our society. Without them it will be very difficult to survive on earth. Indian students in a large number want to purse this profession in Canada but don’t have any knowledge about what courses to choose and what kind of occupations and courses are available for nurses in Canada.
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses are the different kinds of nursing professions in Canada. This article is for the Indian students who want to pursue and know about the following courses-
- RN in Canada
- LPN in Canada
- RPN in Canada
This article has all the information that Indian students may want to know while looking for nursing in Canada. West Highlander is one of the best Canada study visa consultant in Chandigarh which has been helping Indian students for past 17 years and will continue to do so in future. Our expert counsellors have gathered the information about RN, RPN and LPN: nursing courses in Canada. This article is an answer to all the questions that might arise in your mind while looking at nursing courses in Canada, knowing more about RN, RPN and LPN in Canada. This article will be a guide for all the international students who want to study nursing in Canada or want to purse nursing as a profession in Canada.
In this article-
- What is a RN?
- What is RPN?
- What is LPN?
- Major Difference between RN, RPN and LPN.
- Requirements to become RN, RPN and LPN in Canada
- How to become a RN in Canada?
- List of universities that offer Bachelor of Science in nursing to become RN in Canada
- How to become a RPN?
- List of universities that offer Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Science to become RPN in Canada
- How to become a LPN?
- List of universities that offer diploma programs to become LPN in Canada
- How Indian students can practice nursing in Canada?
- Can I do BSc Nursing after 12th medical in Canada?
- Can I get PR in Canada after BSc Nursing?
What is a RN?
RN are registered nurses, which is an occupation in healthcare sector in Canada. Registered nursing is a profession in Canada that great offers great job stability, good salary and a feeling of contentment that come to the individuals who are pursuing this profession through putting a great impact on patient’s life. RN in Canada is a respectable profession that helps individuals to form a successful career in healthcare profession in Canada. The main job of RN in Canada is to develop patient care plans, record medical history and symptoms, conduct patient assessments, wound care, and drawing blood, and urine samples from patient’s body. These RN in Canada, due to their personal interaction with the patients attain a sense of fulfillment.
What is RPN?
RPN is short for Registered Psychiatric Nursing, which is an autonomous profession in Canada. They work in collaboration with healthcare clients and other healthcare team members to coordinate health and client-centered services to groups, communities and facilities. These nurses focuses on mental development with physical health and help in curing mental health and illness with the integration of physical health care and utilizing bio-psycho-social. The Registered Psychiatric nurses use spiritual models for a holistic approach to care. The main focus of the psychiatric nursing is therapeutic communication and therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic interventions in hospitals and other medical settings are done through psychiatric nurse’s interaction with the clients.
RPN in Canada is regulated to practice in four Canadian Provinces which are-
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
Yukon Territory is another place where RPN in Canada is regulated to practice. Other than these places, RPN can’t practice anywhere else.
What is LPN?
LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse which is an occupation that ranks low than Registered nurses in Canada. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) also known as Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The work of LPNs is task-driven. Their jobs include collecting samples, taking vitals, administration of medications and majorly ensuring patient’s comfort. The focus of LPN is to carry out the tasks. Their work is to perform tasks that are planned by registered nurses. Licensed Practical nurses work under registered nurses in hospitals, long-care facilities, nursing homes, and some other medical facilities.
Major difference between RN, RPN and LPN-
Registered nurses are the nurses whose major work is to develop healthcare programs and LPN work under registered nurses in Canada. The works of LPN are task-driven. They often implement what registered nurses have planned for the patients. There major works include collecting samples, administrating medications and ensuring patient’s comfort. The major difference between RN and LPN is that registered nurses have a critical way of thinking and plan healthcare strategies while licensed practical nurses work is to implement those programs.
Registered Nurses in Canada work in healthcare settings like hospitals, physician’s office, nursing homes, corporate prisons, Community or corporate healthcare centers while Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada work in long-care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and some other medical facilities. Another major difference between RN and RPN in Canada is that their education programs and the length of the courses differ in duration. RN in Canada take more time to complete while LPN in Canada take comparatively less time to complete the programs.
Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Canada is a profession that is autonomous. These nurses work in collaboration with the healthcare professions in order to improve the mental as well as physical health of the patients. These professional are much needed in every healthcare settings. While LPN in Canada assist RN in Canada, RPN in Canada work in collaboration with them.
The study of RN, LPN and RPN differs from one another. The main focus of RN courses are theory and clinical instruction in medical and surgical nursing. While the study of LPN and RPN is completely different from registered nursing. LPN in Canada is also known as Registered Practical Nurses which focuses on the study of clinical nursing and clinical instruction in medical and surgical nursing. RPN in Canada focuses on the study of theory and clinical instruction in psychiatric and general nursing.
Registered Nurses Programs in Canada gives an in-depth study of-
- professional ethics
- social and behavioural sciences and
- therapeutic relationships
- physical and biological sciences
- primary health
- nursing theory
- humanities
Registered Psychiatric Nurses programs in Canada give an in-depth knowledge of-
- behavioural and social sciences
- biological and physical sciences
- general nursing
- humanities
- theory and clinical hours
- therapeutic relationships
- professional ethics
- psychiatric nursing theory and interventions
Licensed Practical Nurses programs in Canada give an in-depth knowledge of-
- Psychology
- Therapeutic relationships
- Physical and biological sciences
- Professional ethics
Requirements to become RN, RPN and LPN in Canada-
To become an RN in Canada or a Registered Nurse in Canada, you need to complete a four year Bachelor degree in Science in Nursing from any institute in Canada. After your graduation, you need to write National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You also need to apply for the registration with the colleges of nurses of Ontario to become a registered nurse.
To become a LPN in Canada or a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada, you need to complete a diploma from any institute in Canada.
To become a RPN in Canada or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in Canada, you need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing in Canada.
How to become an RN in Canada?
Indian students who want to become Registered Nurse in Canada after their 12th can purse a Bachelor’s of Science program in Canada in Nursing. After you graduate from this course, you will be eligible to write National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurses.
List of universities that offer Bachelor of Science in nursing to become RN in Canada-
- Trent University
- Toronto metropolitan University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Ottawa
- Brock University
- University of Alberta
Trent University is one of the best universities in Canada that will help you to make a career as RN in Canada. The university offers Bachelors of Science in Nursing will develop a strong understanding in political advocacy and social injustice. The course will definitely lay a strong foundation in healthcare environment by choosing various courses mental health, ageing, mental health, rural healthcare, and indigenous communities. The course is deigned in such a way that it will prepare you to work in a hospital setting and any traditional place. The program is a proper amalgamation of theory and practical application through classrooms, seminars, lectures, simulation labs, and clinical practice.
The program will teach you not only the important skills but also gives you the opportunity to practice in a real world. The program will make you eligible for a career in-
- Clinical Instructor
- Community Health Nurse
- Acute Care Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Nurse Educator or Manager
- Palliative Care Nurse
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Research Nurse
The average salary of RN in Canada is $23-46/hr.
Toronto Metropolitan University is another best university in Canada that offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing for international students. The program is a 4 year long collaborative nursing degree program that provides entry options through Centennial College, George Brown College and Toronto metropolitan University. After you graduate from this program, you will be eligible to write National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) which will eventually make you a RN in Canada. The approximate fee for this course is $34,000.
University of British Columbia is a renowned university of Canada that offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing for international students who want to become RN in Canada. It is a four year long program that will help you in developing a deep understanding of people and a professional licensure as a registered nurse. This program will make ensure that you will deliver professional health-services, consultative nursing programs and health-education programs. The program will help you to learn as well as getting practical experience of the field.
University of Ottawa is another major university in Canada that offers Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is a four year long course that teaches both French and English. The program will definitely help you eligible for making a career as RN in Canada. The graduates of this program will be eligible for exams that are require to pass to become an RN in Canada. There are various career opportunities in hospitals, health care, public health, industry, and government agencies.
Brock University is another university that offers Bachelors of Science in Nursing in Canada for students who want to become an RN in Canada. The program was founded on clinical practice. The students of this program gain experience in the state of the art Nursing Learning Resources Centre of the university that will help you in gaining practical application of the knowledge they gain a mimicking real life situations. After you graduate from this program, you will be eligible to write National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) which will eventually make you a RN in Canada.
University of Alberta is another popular university that offer Bachelor of Science in nursing that will definitely help you to make a career as an RN in Canada. The program will help you in making a career in-
- Home Care Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Hospital-based Nurse
- How to become a RPN?
How to become a RPN?
RPN in Canada is regulated to practice in four Canadian Provinces which are-
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
Yukon Territory is another place where RPN in Canada is regulated to practice.
First you have to graduate a four year bachelor’s degree in Science in Psychiatric Nursing. The graduates of this program will be eligible to write the examination that is needed to qualify examinations for licensure as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse of Manitoba with the college of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba.
List of universities that offer Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Science to become RPN in Canada-
- Brandon University
- Douglas College
- Stenberg College
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- MacEvan University
Brandon University offers 4 years Bachelor’s in Science in Psychiatric Science. The program is an amalgamation of psychiatric nursing and education with studies in Arts and Science. The graduates of this program will be eligible to write the examination that is needed to qualify examinations for licensure as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse of Manitoba with the college of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba.
Douglas College is one of the best colleges of Canada that offer Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing for the international students that will be helpful to become RPN in Canada. The program will enable you to work with a team of healthcare professionals to assess patient’s needs and develop treatment plans. This program will address the complex relationship of patient’s physical, mental and emotional health with relevant social, cultural and religious factors.
MacEvan University is another well-known university that offers Bachelors of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. The program will build on your education and experience. The program will definitely enhance your knowledge and skills in clinical practice, management, leadership, research, and education.
Kwantlen Unversity is another university that offers Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. The program is a well-designed program that focuses on mental health promotion, psychiatric nursing theory, mental health promotion and wellness. To work as a registered psychiatric nurse, graduates must meet the requirements of British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
How to become LPN?
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada you need to do Diploma in Practical Nursing and then clear an exam that will give you a license in Practical Nursing.
List of universities that offer diploma programs to become LPN in Canada-
- Seneca College
- Conestoga College
- Centennial College
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic College
- Humber College
- Sheridan College
- George Brown College
- Durham college
How Indian students can practice nursing in Canada?
Those students who have completed their post-secondary nursing education in countries other than Canada and want to practice nursing as RN, RPN and LPN in Canada have to submit an application National Nursing Assessment Service Process. A checklist is given below for the application that you have to submit to National Nursing Assessment Service.
- The first step is to create an account and complete the NNAS application. You have to select for one nursing option (RN, RPN an LPN) and one province.
- Then you have to submit some documents like-
- You have to submit notarized copies of two forms of identification directly to the NNAS
- Documents must be notarized, true copies of original documents (signed, dated, and stamped by a notary)
- At least one of the form of identification must contain your photo and signature
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Other forms of government-issued photo ID
- Birth certificate
- Legal name-change document
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- The Nursing Education Form should be sent directly to NNAS by mail or courier, along with copies of your academic records/official transcripts, and your nursing program curriculum/syllabus/course descriptions by the school official from where you have completed your nursing program.
- Send a Nursing Practice/Employment Form to the employer where you have worked as a nurse. The forms must be completed by officials who are authorized to provide your nursing employment information. These documents should be directly sent to NNAS by mail or courier.
- The Nursing Registration Form must be completed by officials authorized to provide registration or the licensing information and directly sent to NNAS.
- NNAS aims to issue your Advisory Report within 12 weeks of receiving your last document. When your Advisory Report is complete, you will receive an email letting you know that if you are ready or not to practice nursing in Canada.
- To practice in Ontario, You must clear the registration examination, which is approved by the college for the type of nursing you want to practice as an RN or RPN.
- You must qualify the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination.
- To engage in nursing practice in Canada, You must hold authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
Can I do BSc Nursing after 12th medical in Canada?
Yes, you can pursue a BSc in Nursing after your 12th medical in Canada.
Can I get PR in Canada after BSc Nursing?
BSc Nursing is a course that, after graduating, you can apply for PR in Canada.
First, you have to submit an online form for PR in Canada. After that, the online site will ask for some documentation that you need to upload, which is:
- Passport
- Language results
- Proof of Education
- Job offer letter from the institution
- Proof of sufficient funds.
After the submission of your documents, you need to pay some fees and submit the application. In a given time, you will receive a reply about the status of your application.
Checklist of documents for the PR application-
- police certificates
- medical exams
- Proof of funds
- birth certificate
- representative form, if hired any
- marriage certificates, legal separation certificates, if any
- death certificate if widowed or adoption certificate if any