Topics covered
- 5 min
- Published: 6 October 2025
- Updated: 5 October 2025
Apply for the most demanding field in Canada
The demand for practical nurses in Canada remains high, offering promising job prospects. Practical nursing offers a fulfilling pathway in the healthcare field, focusing on providing direct patient care. Canadian institutions provide comprehensive practical nursing programs that meet national standards. The role of a PN allows for a thoughtful personal impact, making it a fulfilling choice for those driven by the desire to help others. This personal connection makes practical nursing an exceptionally rewarding career. PNs are often on the front lines of patient care, making hands-on interaction essential to their daily work. The ability to advance is particularly meaningful for PNs, as it may allow them to start working sooner while still having the option to elevate their careers over time. It enables Practical Nurses to continuously evolve in their profession, gaining new skills and responsibilities. For those who value close, interpersonal connections with patients, practical nursing may provide a unique opportunity to make a difference in a hands-on, compassionate way. The Nurses deliver hands-on care, emotional support, and critical health information to those in need. Practical Nurses are a professional bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the patients. It plays a vital role in the healthcare field, providing necessary care and support to patients across various settings. With an empathetic approach and focused training, Practical Nurses help ensure that patients receive the attention and care they need, contributing significantly to overall healthcare outcomes. Practical nursing may provide a unique pathway in the healthcare industry. Whether one is seeking job firmness, opportunities for advancement, or a meaningful way to make a difference. Practical Nurses have the unique opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives, providing compassionate care and support when it is most needed. Through direct patient interaction, PNs often serve as a comforting presence and advocate for patients’ needs. Whether providing routine care or supporting patients emotionally, PNs positively influence patient health and quality of life.
Why study Practical Nursing in Canada
A practical nursing program is carefully structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. Program requirements typically involve a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory mockups, and clinical placements in various healthcare settings. Canada offers high-quality education with renowned universities and research institutions. Canadian institutions provide comprehensive practical nursing programs that meet national standards. Practical Nursing is in high demand in Canada, with a growing need for skilled professionals. Canada offers various immigration programs for international students, making it easier to stay and work after graduation. The Canadian government provides funding and support for education and research initiatives. Canada invests heavily in nursing profession research, providing students with opportunities to work with top researchers. Canadian universities have modern facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on experience also have a strong network of industry partners, offering students collaboration and internship opportunities. Graduates and GNM students are eligible to become registered practical nurses, playing a vital role in various healthcare environments. Nursing is Exciting with endless opportunities and meaningful experiences, and outcomes. The graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to provide safe and effective patient care. The curriculum covers various subjects, including composition, physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and specialised areas such as paediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health. Notably, the College of Nurses of Ontario plays a crucial role in regulating the nursing profession.
Join the IDP student community
Connect with peers and student ambassadors to hear real experiences, tips, and advice about studying abroad.

Licensed Practical Nurse
A licensed practical nurse is in much of demand and the one who provides direct nursing care for people who are sick, injured, disabled and convalescent. LPNs play important roles in healthcare settings. Because obtaining licensure as a licensed practical nursing (LPN) requires an amount* of clinical work. Practical nursing offers several pathways for career advancement, providing opportunities to grow and develop within the nursing field. PNs can pursue further education to become registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners, or specialise in a specific area of healthcare. Many healthcare facilities may provide educational support or tuition assistance for PNs seeking to advance. Practical Nurses have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to home health, giving them flexibility in choosing an environment that suits their interests. PNs can work in nursing homes, clinics, schools, correctional facilities, and more. This diversity provides options for PNs to find a work environment that aligns with their interests, lifestyle, and career goals. It also offers an adaptable career that can change with life circumstances.
Top institutions offering the Practical Nursing program
Here are the top institutions in Canada offering exceptional programs related to nursing:
Institution Name | Programs offering (Diploma / Certificates) |
Canadore College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Centennial College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Graduate Certificate in Bridging to University |
Cambrian University | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Coast Mountain College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
College of New Caledonia | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Conestoga College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Graduate Certificate in Enhanced Nursing Practice – Clinical and Critical Care |
Confederation College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing |
Douglas College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Durham College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Certificate in General Arts and Science – Nursing Preparation UOIT Transfer Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing* |
Fanshawe College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Gerontology – Interprofessional Practice |
George Brown College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Humber College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Georgian College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Lambton College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Advanced Healthcare Leadership |
Loyalist College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Mohawk College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Niagara College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
NorQuest College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
North Island College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Northern College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Parkland College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Red Deer College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Saskatchewan Polytechnic College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Sault College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Selkirk College | Diploma in Practical Nursing Post Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing |
Seneca College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Sheridan College | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
SIAST | Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – Advanced Certificate |
Parkland College | Certificate in Continued Care Assistant |
Selkirk College | Certificate Nursing Unit Clerk |
Laurentian University | Nurse Practitioner Certificate |
Langara College | Post Degree Diploma in Nursing Practice in Canada Post Degree Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Management |
Northern Lights College | Post Degree Diploma in Health Administration |
Northern College at Pures | Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Nursing Management and Leadership |
St. Lawrence College | Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health Nursing |
Stenberg College * | Post Graduate Diploma in Canadian Nursing |
McEwan University | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Western University | Primary Health Care Nursing Petitioner Certificate |
York University | Certificate in Post BScN Primary Nurse Practitioner |
University of Northern British Columbia | Certificate in Rural Nursing |
Mount Royal University | Gerontology |
Ryerson University | Certificate in Leadership and Management for Nurses |
McGill University | Graduate Diploma in Primary Care Nurse Practitioner |
Memorial University | Graduate Diploma in Nursing |
University of Calgary | Graduate Certificate in Family Systems Nursing |
Institution Name | Programs offering |
British Columbia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Brock University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Canadore College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Cape Breton University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Centennial College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
College of New Caledonia | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
College of Rockies | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Loyalist College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Medicine Hat College | Bachelor of Nursing |
Mohawk College | Nursing – BScN Degree |
North Island College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Parkland College | Bachelor in Nursing |
Red Deer College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing – University of Alberta |
Saskatchewan Polytechnic College | Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Bachelor of Nursing |
Selkirk College | Baccalaureate in Nursing |
Seneca College | Bachelor in Nursing |
The University of Winnipeg | Bachelor's in Psychiatric Nursing |
Thompson River University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Ontario Tech University | Bachelors in Nursing Post RPN/ Collaborative |
McEwan University | Bachelor of Nursing |
Trent University | BSc in Nursing Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Addictions Nursing |
University of Winnipeg | Bachelor in Nursing |
University of New Brunswick | Bachelor in Nursing Bachelor of Nursing – Advanced Standing |
University of Regina | BSc in Nursing |
University of Saskatchewan | Bachelor in Nursing |
Queen’s University | Bachelor of Nursing Science |
Ryerson University | BScN Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
University of British Columbia | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Trinity Western University | Bachelor in Nursing |
University of New Brunswick | Bachelor of Nursing |
University of Northern British Columbia | Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Post Diploma Baccalaureate Nursing |
University of Ontario Institute of Technology | Bachelor of science in Nursing (Honors) Post Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) |
University of Ottawa | Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurse |
University of Prince Edward Island | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
University of Toronto | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduate Diploma in Anaesthesia Care for the Nurse Practitioner Field |
University of Victoria | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
York University | BSCN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative Program) |
Lakehead university | Master’s in Public Health: Nursing specialisation |
Laurentian University | MSc in Nursing |
Thompson River University | Masters of Nursing |
Dalhousie University | Master of Nursing |
McMaster University | Masters of Nursing Graduate Diploma in Advanced Neonatal Nursing |
University of Ottawa | MSc in Nursing |
University of Prince Edward | Master of Nursing |
University of Toronto | Master of Nursing MHSc Health Administration |
University of Victoria | Nursing (Master's) |
University of Western Ontario | MScN in Nursing |
York University | MSc in Nursing |
Eligibility to study the Practical Nursing Program
Admission requirements for practical nursing programs in Canada typically include a high school diploma, GNM or equivalent. In addition to this foundational qualification, specific prerequisite courses are often necessary. These courses commonly encompass subjects such as. While a high school diploma forms the basis of eligibility, some institutions may grant admission to mature students or those with equivalent credentials, such as a university degree, like a Bachelor of Science. However, applicants are advised to verify the specific requirements of their chosen institutions. Furthermore, possessing strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills is paramount in healthcare. These skills are crucial for effective teamwork, patient interaction, and navigating complex clinical scenarios. Upon successful completion of a practical nursing program, aspiring RPNs must adhere to the standards set by regulatory bodies for the province or territory in which they want to practice. To become a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Canada, meeting provincial registration requirements is essential. Additionally, applicants should possess a valid study permit, work permit, or be Canadian citizens or permanent residents to practice legally. Understanding these provincial registration requirements is crucial for a smooth transition into professional practice.
Criteria | Bachelor's Practical Nursing Programs | Master's in Nursing and Health Related Programs |
Education | High school diploma, GNM or equivalent | Bachelor’s degree in a related field |
Grades | 65% - 70% in Mathematics and Science | GPA: 70% - 80% |
English Proficiency | - IELTS: 6.0 to 7.5 | - IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 |
Optional Work Experience | N/A | 2 to 5 years* |
Additional Requirements | English, Mathematics (often at a senior level), and a science subject like Biology or Chemistry | - Minimum 16 years of education |
- Four-year undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs | ||
- Relevant academic criteria: 65% to 70% in a related field |
Academic Requirement
Minimum required grade in Class XII Medical with Maths: You will need at least 70 %, and in Bachelor, you will need at least 70-75%* (depending upon the institution)
Universities/institutions must also submit a resume or any Additional tests like IELTS.
3 Letters of Recommendation for Master's
Apply before the deadline*
Students must have English, Mathematics (often at a senior level), and a science subject like Biology or Chemistry
Work experience: 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience (optional).
English proficiency proof
A minimum of 6.5-No Bands less than 6.0 score in IELTS for Bachelors or Diploma
IELTS (7.0 Overall, no band less than 6.5 in each module for Master's
Some universities may accept if the applicant has good scores in Grade 12th English above 80 / 100 * or on receiving the MOI (Medium of Instruction – from the School)
Cost and Duration for Bachelors
The average duration and Cost for Undergraduate Degree or Diploma programs in Canada vary depending on the institution, program, and level of study.
2 years (Diploma degree)
Duration: Tuition fees: International students: $16,000 - $35,000 per year
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor's degree)
Tuition fees: International students: $28000 - $54,000 per year
Scholarship is also available on a merit* basis
Cost and Duration for Master's
The average duration and Cost for master’s programs in Canada vary depending on the institution, program, and level of study.
Duration: 2 years (Master’s degree)
Tuition fees: International students: $ $16,000 - $30,000 per year
Scholarship is also available on a merit* basis
Salary and Career Prospects
The demand for practical nurses is expected to rise, fueled by the evolving healthcare. LPNs/RPNs in these settings monitor vital signs, administer medications, assist with daily living activities, and provide emotional support to patients and their families. The ageing population, with its increasing demand for long-term care and home health services. Hospitals, particularly those specialising in acute care, heavily rely on practical nurses to provide direct patient care. Furthermore, have an increasing need for practical nurses in home health agencies, community care settings, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation clinics, etc. The shift towards providing more care in community-based settings underscores the vital role of LPNs/RPNs in ensuring patients receive quality care closer to home.
Field | Average Salary (CAD per year) |
Entry Level Nurses | 60,000 – 70,000 |
Mid-Level Nurses | 70,000 – 85,000 |
Experienced Nurses (With Good work experience) | 90,000 |
Registered Nurses | 72,935 |
Conclusion:
In the evolving landscape of modern medicine, practical nurses remain the backbone of patient-centred care. Practical nursing is more than just a profession; it is a calling to provide care, comfort, and compassion. Practical nurses play a vital role in healthcare systems worldwide, and their influence is undeniable. As we look to the future of healthcare, the need for skilled and dedicated practical nurses has never been greater. Whether you are considering a career in nursing or advocating for the profession, remember that your voice and actions can help shape the future of this essential field. As we look to the future of healthcare, the need for skilled and dedicated practical nurses has never been greater. Their unwavering commitment to bridging medical expertise with human empathy makes them indispensable.
One account for all your study abroad needs
Create your profile and unlock a wide array of features including personalised recommendations, fast-tracked applications and much more.










