Advice needed!! How effective are nurse aid programs in canada. Can you easily get a job?

Published

hi guys!

I would like to study nursing. I am looking for a short term program in canada preferably less than 2 years duration. I came across the nurse aid program. How easy is it to be employed after doing the nurse aid programs and how good is it. Would really appreciate your advice

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

What do you want to be a nurse or an aide?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Initially i wanted to be a nurse however based on the research i have done so far the programs offered are 2years+. I decided to be a nurse aid as the program is shorter and more affordable

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It depends on your status in Canada. If you don't have a Permanent Resident/citizenship status, the huge disadvantage to the care aid class is that you get only 1 year working visa. It's hard to immigrate with this job let alone find somebody to sponsor you to renew the visa (unless you are going to be a live-in-caregiver and live in somebody's house to take care of them).

If you are Canadian or have PR, then it's a great job to get your foot in healthcare and see if you want to look into furthering your education in college/university to become a nurse. A lot of my coworkers get casual jobs in 2-3 different places and land on a full time job fairly soon after graduation (this is in BC) but it depends on where you are..Getting a full or part time job right out of school is not easy for any healthcare jobs with this economy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It depends on what part of the country you are in. Some regions have an unofficial hiring freeze, while others are only posting casual positions. Health care aides are not nurses. They provide care related to the acts of daily living (bathing, dressing etc.). There are two ways to become a nurse in Canada, and this takes 2-4+ years. LPN/RPN programs are generally 2 years, however this can take longer depending on wait lists and pre-requisite classes. RN programs are a 4 year bachelors degree and like the LPN/RPN programs, they can take much longer depending on how long it takes to complete pre-requisites and actually get a seat in a program. HCA might be a good place to start if you have an interest in health care, but attending a program will not guarantee a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

What province are you in?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not canadian and do not have a permanant resident/ citizen status . I would have to apply for a study visa. The LPN/RPN programs are expensive if applying as an international student. The Nurse aid program is the more affordable. How is the job market like in Ontario/ Quebec. I was planning to go into caregiving. How easy to get a job as a caregiver if you are a foreigner

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I stay out of canada but i was looking at doing a nurse aid program in the ontario area. Are there any colleges you could recommend ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You will have difficulty finding employer willing to go the work permit route as a health care worker. HCW will not meet skilled route. They will have to prove that they can not hire locally or from across Canada and have to pay $$$ in the process. You will be better either doing RN in your own country and then look for immigration as more routes open up for you if Canada is your end destination and you find International student fees too expensive in Canada.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is worth the money to go into the LPN or RN program because it's hard to immigrate as a caregiver. Caregiver is not a nurse and not considered skilled jobs, which means you will not be considered for immigration in most provinces, can't apply to federal immigration with the job. Why spend money for a job that cannot get you to stay in Canada for longer than a few years if working in Canada is your goal? You have to research Canadian immigration beforehand.. If you are stressed for money, any other skilled programs can be a good option for getting jobs with less tuition. To be honest when people ask me questions such as yours, I recommend people to get their PR first. Always immigrate first so you have better choices and options and you can go to school to become a nurse after.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all!!. I really appreciate and value your advice, i will look into the recommendations you all suggested.

Kind regards

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion