Requirements for Working as a Nurse in Canada

The healthcare field is incredibly diverse. With an unending number of specialties and practice areas to work in, aspiring nurses will have no shortage of options for their careers. Whether you picture yourself working in a pediatrician's office, a nursing home, or in the emergency room, there is a specific route to get licensed for such a role. Canadian nurse requirements are clear - keep reading for guidance on what type of education and certifications you'll need before you apply for your dream job.

Education Requirements for Nurses in Canada

Registered nurses in Canada must obtain a four-year college diploma in nursing before they can earn their license and begin working in the field. Canadian nurse requirements vary, however. Quebec has a slightly different policy on healthcare education; if you live in Quebec and are hoping to work as a nurse there, you can complete a three-year Diploma of Collegial Studies program in nursing instead of a four-year college degree.

Many college nursing programs have their own requirements for admission. Check with the nursing department of the school you'd like to attend before committing to the program. You may need a certain number of science and math credits before being admitted into the nursing program, or there may be certain non-academic requirements to meet, like being trained in CPR.

Once you've finished your degree program, you'll need to take and pass certification exams like the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination exam). Practice tests can help you ensure you're prepared for this challenging exam.

Requirements for Canadian Nurse Certification

To become certified as a nurse in Canada, you'll need to apply for licensure. In order to become certified, though, you'll first need to pass the CPNRE. Earn an 80 out of a possible 100 points and you'll be one step closer to your dream career. Other options, like the NCLEX exam, may also satisfy Canadian nurse requirements for licensure.

Whatever exam you decide to take, you'll want to take plenty of practice tests before sitting for the real thing. Studies have repeatedly proven that practice testing is one of the best ways to study and retain information. They can also help ensure you're familiar with the format and pacing of the exam, bringing you confidence on the day of the real test.

Ultimately, to become a nurse in Canada, you'll need to be fluent in English or French, be able to pass a criminal background check, and be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Career Path for Canadian Nurses

Once certified, you'll be able to start job hunting. Check with your college to see if they offer any kind of career services or advising. They can connect you with employers searching for certified nurses. You can also gain experience by completing practicums, internships and other educational training programs. While not strictly part of Canadian nurse requirements, these kinds of programs can help you market yourself to employers while also gaining practical experience in your desired field.

The career prospects for Canadian nurses look bright. According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 93 percent of licensed nurses in Canada had full-time jobs in 2018. In fact, Canadian nurses will have their pick of positions in coming years – by 2022, the Canadian Nurses Association expects there to be a full-blown nursing shortage.

Nursing can be an emotionally rewarding career, but it's also a lucrative one.
According to Glassdoor, the average nurse in Canada earns about $118,000 a year. The more educated and experienced you are, the more you'll earn. You can improve your job prospects and earn a higher salary by getting a specialty certification. Of course, this will require additional education, training and certification exams, but with the right preparation, you'll be on your way to a long career in nursing.

Prepare for Your Nurse Certification Exam Now

No matter your goals for your nursing career, Exam Edge can help you reach them. Our practice tests can help you prepare for the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination exam) and ensure you pass the very first time you take it. You've worked hard to earn your nursing degree. Allow Exam Edge to guide you through the next phase of Canadian nursing requirements: the qualifying tests.

Exam Edge has dozens of practice tests for aspiring Canadian nurses to use in their exam prep. Our platform allows you to take a practice CPNRE exam and see how you'd perform if the test were today. With options to pause the test and take it at your own speed, you'll gain new insight into your academic blind spots and feel more confident in your ability to ace the real thing. Our practice exams also include guided answers to help you understand why you got a question right or wrong. This kind of tool is truly instrumental to the test prep process.

If you're eager to perform well on your nursing certification exams, don't waste any time: sign up for Exam Edge now. See for yourself just how helpful our tools can be - try a free sample practice test by clicking here!